每日英語跟讀 Ep.K619: India's Rice Ban Creates Global Ripples, but US Rice Market Remains Stable
Last month, India's sudden ban on the export of non-basmati white rice caused panic among some US shoppers and raised concerns about destabilizing rice supplies worldwide. The move impacted importers and loyal consumers of Indian-grown non-basmati varieties, especially in Southeast Asia and West Africa, where India is a significant rice supplier. However, the United States, which primarily relies on domestic rice production, remains in a favorable position with a healthy yield this year.
上個月，印度突然禁止非印度香米的出口，導致一些美國消費者陷入恐慌，並引發了全球稻米供應不穩的擔憂。此舉影響了印度種植的非印度香米品種的進口商和忠實消費者，特別是東南亞和西非地區，印度在這些地區是一個重要的稻米供應國。然而，美國主要依靠國內稻米生產，今年的產量良好，仍處於有利地位。
India's ban affects approximately 15% of its rice trade and aims to lower rice prices and secure availability in the country. Despite the ban's intentions, it has sent the Asian market into a state of concern, leading to worries about food inflation, particularly in countries heavily reliant on Indian rice imports. The Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Senegal are among the countries most impacted.
印度的禁令影響了約15％的稻米貿易，旨在降低稻米價格，確保國內供應。儘管此禁令的用意明確，但它仍讓亞洲市場感到擔憂，尤其是對於那些在很大程度上依賴印度稻米進口的國家，如菲律賓、馬來西亞、越南、奈及利亞、象牙海岸和塞內加爾。
While there is hope that the ban is a precautionary measure and might be lifted soon if India's rice supply remains steady, potential ramifications in the global market are expected. Once the ban is lifted, a flood of Indian rice could enter the market, causing fluctuations and an emotional over-correction.
雖然人們希望這項禁令是一項預防措施，並且如果印度的稻米供應保持穩定，禁令可能很快會被解除，但全球市場仍可預期將面臨潛在的影響。禁令解除後，大量印度稻米可能湧入市場，引起波動和情緒上的過度校正回歸。
In contrast, the United States enjoys a stable rice market this year. Previously, US rice farmers faced challenges due to drought, leading some to switch to more lucrative crops. However, favorable conditions this year, including significant rainfall and snowfall in California, have resulted in a healthy and robust US rice crop. The US primarily imports specialty and fragrant rice, with domestic rice production satisfying about 70-80% of the domestic market.
相對於印度，今年美國的稻米市場保持穩定。此前由於乾旱，美國的稻農面臨挑戰，導致一些農民轉種更有利可圖的作物。然而，今年的有利條件，包括加利福尼亞州的豐沛降雨和降雪，導致美國稻米成長健康茁壯。美國主要進口特殊米和香米，國內稻米產量滿足了七到八成的國內市場。
The ban significantly impacts the specialty rice market in the United States, particularly businesses and customers dependent on non-basmati rice. Importers and distributors of non-basmati Indian rice in the US are facing challenges due to halted exports. Some grocery stores have witnessed a surge in shoppers buying Indian rice in response to the news.
這項禁令對美國的特殊米市場產生重大影響，尤其是那些依賴非印度香米的企業和消費者。在美國，進口印度非印度香米的進口商和分銷商面臨著由於出口停止而帶來的挑戰。一些食品雜貨店也看到顧客因應消息而大量購買印度稻米。
Despite the concerns, US rice producers and distributors assure consumers that there is enough rice to meet demand, and they discourage panic-buying. The situation has prompted some importers to explore alternatives such as parboiled rice, which is not affected by the ban. Importers are hopeful that exemptions will be made for non-basmati varieties favored by expat communities.
儘管有這些考量，美國的稻米生產商和分銷商向消費者保證，有足夠的稻米能供應需求，並且不鼓勵恐慌性購買。此情況促使一些進口商尋求替代品，例如不受禁令影響的蒸穀米（半熟米）。進口商們希望對外籍人士喜歡的非印度香米品種給予豁免。
Reference article: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/03/business/india-rice-export-ban/index.html