• Anchorage congestion dominates export pipeline
• Demand from West Africa, Yemen, Bangladesh drives trade

India’s non-basmati rice export logistics currently reflect a heavily backloaded vessel pipeline, with the majority of shipments still awaiting movement. Out of a total of 536,352 tonnes (t) tracked across key ports, an overwhelming 90% of the cargo remains at anchorage, indicating congestion and delayed dispatches. Only about 1.8% of the cargo has been shipped so far, highlighting slower vessel turnaround and possible logistical or market-driven constraints.

A closer look at destination markets shows that demand continues to be concentrated in West Africa and the Middle East. Countries such as Somalia, Benin, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Ivory Coast dominate the cargo at anchorage, reaffirming their position as key buyers of Indian non-basmati rice. Meanwhile, Yemen also features prominently across shipped, berth, and anchorage categories, suggesting steady demand despite regional uncertainties.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, is emerging as an active near-term destination. Cargo volumes at berth and in the expected category are largely directed toward Bangladeshi ports, indicating ongoing procurement and imminent shipments. This aligns with seasonal demand patterns and supply requirements in the region.

The relatively small share of cargo at berth (3.5%) and expected arrivals (4%) further emphasizes that most vessels are still in queue rather than in active loading or discharge stages. Overall, the current vessel lineup points to strong underlying demand but constrained execution, with export momentum likely to pick up once congestion eases and vessel movements accelerate.

Published Date: April 13, 2026