India to push Japan on basmati rice market access in trade review

India will raise the issue of increased basmati rice exports during negotiations with Japan on the review of their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday. The minister acknowledged, however, that rice remains a politically sensitive agricultural sector in Japan, presenting a potential obstacle to expanded shipments. "We in the government will have to work on it and will have to talk to the Japanese government," Goyal said, noting that several sectors carry sensitivities for both nations. Japan currently restricts the quantity of rice imports permitted into the country, with tariffs imposed on volumes exceeding established quotas. Officials plan to explore these trade barriers during the CEPA review and identify additional areas where both nations can find mutual benefit, particularly in processed food products where India sees significant export potential.