Pranav Thakkar of Dev International, one of South Africa's largest importers, expressed optimism, stating, "This is welcoming news for all importers like us, as South Africa relies on about 10 million tonnes of rice annually." India, the third-largest exporter to South Africa after Thailand and Vietnam, is expected to increase its shipments to meet the demands of Southern African nations.

 

The lifting of the ban is already impacting global markets, with rice prices beginning to decline as new harvesting seasons approach. Thakkar noted that short-grain white rice, crucial for the South African market and its neighbors, will see prices return to normal levels following the ban's removal.

 

Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist at the South African Agricultural Business Chamber, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the easing of restrictions is contributing to a softening in global rice prices, thanks to anticipated ample supplies. This shift is particularly important for South Africa, which imports all of its rice due to unsuitable local growing conditions.

 

Restaurant owners and consumers alike are relieved by the potential price drops. Mehmood Latif, who runs an Indian cuisine restaurant, noted that rising rice prices had affected his costs. Similarly, housewife Anita Singh expressed hope that the easing of prices will allow her to return to using rice regularly in her household meals.