In recent years, food and grain suppliers in India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, and neighboring Southeast Asian countries have found themselves navigating increasingly complex terrain. Despite rich agricultural traditions and substantial export capabilities, the path from farm to global markets is riddled with logistical, financial, and institutional barriers.
Grain and commodity prices fluctuate wildly due to global demand shifts, climate shocks, and currency fluctuations. Suppliers often deal with razor-thin margins and unpredictable returns. Adding to the burden is the issue of delayed payments from buyers — both domestic and international — which severely limits cash flow and the ability to scale operations.
“Even with confirmed orders, getting paid on time is a huge problem. Sometimes we have to wait 60 to 90 days, and that strains everything.” — Rice exporter, Andhra Pradesh
Navigating documentation for export (such as phytosanitary certificates, fumigation reports, country-of-origin declarations, etc.) can be exhausting. For many small and medium exporters, changing regulations, differing destination requirements, and lack of support services become costly bottlenecks.
“One missing form and your entire shipment gets delayed. Every country has its own rules, and there’s little guidance.” — Grain trader, Thailand
Inadequate storage, inefficient transportation networks, and port congestion drive up costs and cause delays. The lack of reliable cold chain infrastructure is particularly challenging for perishable goods, leading to spoilage and reduced market value.
“Getting our produce to the port on time is a constant battle. The roads are bad, and there are so many checkpoints.” — Fruit exporter, Vietnam
Meeting stringent international standards for quality and safety is essential for accessing global markets. However, many suppliers struggle with outdated processing facilities, limited testing capabilities, and a lack of awareness of best practices. This can result in rejection of shipments and damage to reputation.
“Buyers always ask for certifications, but we don’t have the resources for all those tests. It’s a big disadvantage.” — Spice producer, Kerala
Small suppliers often lack market information and connections to international buyers. This puts them at the mercy of intermediaries who may not offer fair prices or transparent terms. The rise of e-commerce platforms offers some hope, but digital literacy and trust remain challenges.
“We don’t know who the real buyers are. We rely on middlemen who take a big cut.” — Cashew farmer, Bangladesh
Growing global awareness of environmental and social issues is putting pressure on suppliers to adopt sustainable practices. Buyers increasingly demand traceability, fair labor standards, and eco-friendly production methods. However, the push for sustainability can create additional costs and complexity for suppliers.
“Everyone talks about ‘sustainable,’ but it’s hard to compete when the cheapest producer wins — often at the cost of quality and sustainability.”
For suppliers to grow and stay competitive, investment in infrastructure, digitization of trade documentation, access to working capital, and stronger government support for small exporters are critical. Equally important is the need to build trust networks and verification systems that allow smaller suppliers to prove their capability and reliability to buyers abroad.
Grain suppliers in the region are hardworking, resourceful, and experienced — but they need a system that supports them, not one that slows them down.
At GrainLink Global, we understand the complex realities suppliers face—from freight costs and regulatory hurdles to quality certifications and fluctuating demand. As experienced brokers, we bridge the gap between reliable producers and serious international buyers, ensuring smoother deals, faster communication, and greater market access.
We work closely with suppliers to:
By acting as a trusted intermediary, we help our supplier partners focus on what they do best—producing quality grain and food—while we take care of the rest.
If you a trusted bulk food and grain supplier? Connect with us today via our Contact page and join our exclusive supplier network, here.