• Weekly non-basmati rice shipments decline to 38,000 t from 112,250 t in the previous week.
• Overall vessel pipeline remains robust at 768,362 t, led by Kakinada’s 459,000 t line-up.

India’s non-basmati rice export programme witnessed a sharp moderation in weekly shipments during the week ended 12 June 2026, with dispatched volumes falling to 38,000 tonnes (t) from 112,250 t in the previous week. Despite the slowdown in actual shipments, the overall vessel pipeline remained substantial at 768,362 t, indicating that export commitments continue to stay healthy and cargo is awaiting loading across major ports.

Kakinada continues to dominate export pipeline

Kakinada retained its position as India’s largest non-basmati rice export gateway with a total vessel line-up of 459,000 t, accounting for nearly 60% of the country’s total export pipeline. The port held 197,000 t of cargo at anchorage and another 262,000 t under expected arrivals, highlighting a strong loading schedule for the coming weeks. The cargo mix primarily comprised 5% broken parboiled rice and bagged rice, with major exporters including Olam Agri, LDC, MOI Commodities, Swan Agro, Satyam Balaji, Reliance Retail, Bebo International, Manasa Traders and Balaji Rice Industries.

Kandla handles entire weekly shipments

Kandla emerged as the only port reporting shipments during the week, dispatching 38,000 t while maintaining a total vessel line-up of 280,062 t. The port also held 147,072 t at anchorage, 68,990 t at berth and 26,000 t under expected arrivals, reflecting continued export activity despite lower weekly movement. Exports comprised bagged rice, 25% broken white rice and parboiled rice, with major participants including HRMM Agro Overseas, Long Gulf Trading, Olam Agri, Balaji Rice Industries, RMJ Overseas, Royal Star Agrotech and Swan Agro.

Shipment slowdown offset by strong vessel pipeline

Weekly shipments declined by nearly 66% w-o-w, falling from 112,250 t to 38,000 t. The moderation appears to reflect vessel scheduling and loading timelines rather than a deterioration in export demand, as a significant volume of cargo remains positioned at ports. Anchorage cargo stood at 367,572 t, while another 74,790 t was available at berth and 288,000 t was listed under expected arrivals. The sizeable expected cargo, particularly at Kakinada, suggests that a substantial portion of exports is likely to be loaded in the coming weeks.

Bagged rice exports remain prominent

Bagged rice continued to dominate export activity across Kakinada, Kandla, Kolkata and Vizag, while Kakinada also handled significant volumes of 5% broken parboiled rice and Kandla maintained shipments of 25% broken white rice. The diversified cargo mix reflects sustained demand from African and Asian destinations.

Outlook

Although weekly shipments moderated sharply to 38,000 t from 112,250 t in the previous week, India’s non-basmati rice export programme remains fundamentally well supported by a healthy vessel pipeline of 768,362 t and large expected arrivals at major ports. The decline in dispatched volumes is likely attributable to shipment scheduling and loading cycles rather than weaker export demand. With India continuing to offer competitively priced rice and cargo availability remaining comfortable, export momentum is expected to improve as anchored and expected vessels move into the loading phase over the coming weeks.

Published Date: June 16, 2026