• Kakinada accounts for 2/3rd of total vessel line-up
• Anchorage cargo remains high at nearly 590,000 t

Indias non-basmati rice export activity improved during the week ended 29 May 2026, with shipped volumes rising sharply to 200,500 t compared with 85,400 t recorded a week earlier. The increase indicates improved vessel movement across major export ports, while the overall vessel pipeline expanded to 1,061,730 t, reflecting continued export commitments.

Kakinada drives shipment recovery

Kakinada remained the dominant export hub, accounting for the majority of weekly shipments. The port handled 166,500 t of dispatched cargo during the period and maintained a total vessel line-up of 704,500 t, representing nearly two-thirds of Indias overall non-basmati rice export pipeline. The cargo mix at Kakinada primarily consisted of 5% broken parboiled rice and 100% white rice, highlighting continued demand for Indian non-basmati rice in key overseas markets. In addition, another 81,000 t is listed under expected cargo arrivals at the port, suggesting sustained export activity in the coming weeks.

Kandla remains key centre for bagged rice exports

Kandla handled 34,000 t of shipments during the week and maintained a total pipeline of 301,930 t. The port accounted for a significant share of cargo positioned at both anchorage and berth, with 132,980 t awaiting vessel movement at anchorage and 127,250 t already at berth. Most cargo handled through Kandla consisted of bagged rice, reflecting the port’s importance in servicing packaged rice exports to international destinations.

Anchorage cargo remains substantial

Total cargo at anchorage stood at 589,980 t, accounting for more than half of the total vessel line-up. Kakinada alone contributed 457,000 t of anchored cargo, while Kandla accounted for 132,980 t. The large volume of cargo awaiting vessel loading indicates that export demand remains active despite periodic logistical bottlenecks and vessel scheduling constraints.

Berth, expected cargo support pipeline

Apart from anchorage volumes, around 159,050 t of cargo were positioned at berth across ports, indicating ongoing loading operations. Kandla accounted for the majority of berth cargo, followed by Chennai and Kolkata. Expected cargo arrivals reached 112,200 t, led by Kakinada with 81,000 t and Vizag with 23,500 t, suggesting continued replenishment of the export pipeline.

Smaller ports contribute to export flow

While Kakinada and Kandla remained the dominant export gateways, smaller ports also contributed to the overall vessel line-up. Kolkata reported 5,800 t at berth, while Chennai held 26,000 t of cargo. Vizag recorded 23,500 t under expected arrivals, reflecting ongoing participation in India’s non-basmati rice export programme.

Export programme remains well supported

The vessel line-up continues to be dominated by 5% broken parboiled rice, 100% white rice, and bagged rice, which remain the preferred grades across key African and Asian destinations. Major exporters active in the current line-up include OMM Agro, Sarala Foods, Olam Agri, Reliance Retail, Bebo International, Adani Wilmar, NCEL, MOI Commodities, Sun Foods, and other leading rice exporters.

With vessel pipeline volumes exceeding 1 million tonne (mnt), substantial cargo at anchorage and berth, and fresh arrivals continuing at major ports, export activity is expected to remain active in the near term.

Published Date: June 2, 2026