China allows import of only basmati rice from India, but with this clearance, even non-basmati rice can be exported.
Bangladesh imposes 18% import duty, EU introduces stringent quality norms; a part of decline to compensate through export to China
The boost in shipments from the world's top exporter of the grain is set to extend into 2018
Lower shipments from India will give rivals like Vietnam a chance to raise their share of market
The Egypt government did not explain why it had contracted to buy the rice