UAE suspends exports of Indian wheat for four months

New Delhi, June 15

In a move aimed at ensuring that the largesse from India is not utilised by global deep-pocket hoarders, the UAE has ordered a ban on exports and re-exports of wheat and wheat flour originating from India for the next four months.

The decision comes in view of “the solid and strategic relations that bind the UAE and India, especially after the signing of the FTA and the Indian government’s approval to export wheat to the UAE for domestic consumption,” said an official UAE statement.

“However, companies wishing to export/re-export wheat and wheat flour varieties of Indian origin, which were imported into the country before May 13 must submit a request to the Ministry to obtain permission to export outside of the UAE,” it added.

The ban on exports of wheat also serves a domestic purpose as it will help the UAE check a rise in domestic prices. The ‘moratorium’ is effective from May 13.

Move to check hoarding

• The move follows India banning the exports of wheat last month to check the surge in local prices. With this, Indian wheat cannot be routed to third countries via the UAE
• The ban, which the ministry called as ‘moratorium’, has been imposed effective from May 13 “in view of the international developments that have affected trade flows”