india-allows-4-750-tonnes-of-onion-exports-to-bhutan-bahrain-and-mauritius-imposes-import-restrictions-on-premium-duck-meat-revises-yellow-pea-imports

In a move aimed at bolstering trade relations, the Indian government has authorized the export of 4,750 tonnes of onions to Bhutan, Bahrain, and Mauritius through the National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL). The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), in a recent notification, specified that Bhutan will receive 550 tonnes, Bahrain 3,000 tonnes, and Mauritius 1,200 tonnes of onions.

 

This decision comes on the heels of India permitting onion exports totaling 64,400 tonnes to the UAE and Bangladesh just last week. The DGFT, an arm of the commerce ministry responsible for import-export norms, oversees these transactions.

 

While onion exports are currently banned domestically, exceptions are made for shipments to other countries based on their specific requests and government approval.

 

The ban on onion exports was initially imposed on December 8 last year until March 31 this year to stabilize domestic availability and manage prices effectively.

 

To further regulate the onion market, various measures have been implemented, including a minimum export price (MEP) of USD 800 per tonne and a 40 per cent export duty.

 

Despite these regulations, between April 1, 2023, and August 4, 2023, India exported 9.75 lakh tonnes of onions, with Bangladesh, Malaysia, and the UAE emerging as the top importers in terms of value.

 

Recognizing the political sensitivity surrounding onion trade, the government continues to take proactive steps to maintain market stability.

 

In other trade-related developments, the DGFT has imposed import restrictions on premium duck meat intended for supply to hotels and restaurants. Previously unrestricted, the import of this meat has now been categorized as restricted, requiring entities to obtain import licenses or government permission.

 

Additionally, the DGFT has revised the timelines and procedures for registering the import of yellow peas under the Import Monitoring System (IMS) for consignments arriving at Indian ports after March 31, 2024.

 

These measures underscore the government's commitment to ensuring the efficient management of trade activities and market dynamics.