Food export restrictions have become a concern as food prices continue to rise, posing challenges for vulnerable populations in food-importing countries. These restrictions can exacerbate existing issues of food insecurity, particularly in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) has been tracking food export restrictions and their impacts, especially in light of supply chain disruptions and the Ukraine-Russia crisis. The Food and Fertilizer Export Restrictions Tracker allows users to monitor these policies and their effects on imported calories. Recent developments include the withdrawal of some export restrictions in August and September 2022, as well as new restrictions imposed by India. Overall, the share of traded calories impacted by export restrictions has slightly increased, primarily due to India’s measures. The tracker provides valuable insights into the global food trade and can be used to compare the current situation to the 2007-2008 food price crisis.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food export restrictions during Ukraine-Russia crisis | Increase in food export restrictions | More countries implementing export restrictions | Conflict and supply chain disruptions |
| Export restrictions withdrawn in August and September 2022 | Decrease in export restrictions | Reduction in the percentage of traded calories impacted by restrictions | Government policies and domestic food security concerns |
| India imposes export tax and bans broken rice | Increase in export restrictions | Higher percentage of traded calories impacted by restrictions | Domestic food security concerns and lack of adequate rains |
| Export restrictions withdrawn in July 2022 | Decrease in export restrictions | Further reduction in the percentage of traded calories impacted by restrictions | Government policies and market conditions |
| Indonesia lifts export ban on palm oil | Decrease in export restrictions | More availability of palm oil for international trade | Government policies and market conditions |
| India imposes export ban on wheat and sugar | Increase in export restrictions | Higher percentage of traded calories impacted by restrictions | Market conditions and geopolitical factors |
| Food Export Restrictions Tracker provides updated information on export restrictions | Improved monitoring and data on export restrictions | Better understanding of the impact of export restrictions on international food trade | Transparency and accessibility of information |