• West African countries continue to dominate India’s non-basmati rice export pipeline.
• Over 575,000 MT of cargo has been scheduled for shipment through major ports.

India has scheduled 575,529 tonnes of non-basmati rice shipments through its major ports, reflecting stable export demand despite increased competition in the global rice market. West African countries continue to dominate India’s export programme, supported by competitive pricing and sustained demand for both parboiled and white rice.

Benin leads the destination list with 94,000 tonnes, followed by Angola (77,705 tonnes), Ivory Coast (47,100 tonnes) and Senegal (40,000 tonnes). Other key destinations include Berbera, Somalia, Cameroon, Sierra Leone and Gambia, while an additional 203,724 tonnes has been scheduled for multiple destinations through Chennai, Kandla, Kakinada and Kolkata ports.

Kakinada remains the busiest export hub

Kakinada continues to dominate India’s non-basmati rice export programme, handling shipments primarily to West African destinations. The port accounts for cargo destined for Benin, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Gambia, reaffirming its importance as the country’s key rice export gateway.

Kandla remains another major loading centre, catering to shipments for Somalia, Cameroon and Berbera, while Chennai primarily serves Angola and other international destinations. Kolkata contributes a smaller share of the overall export programme.

Over 570,000 t of cargo under different stages of shipment

Port movement data reflects active loading activity across India’s key rice export terminals. A total of 286,977 tonnes of cargo is currently at anchorage awaiting berthing, while 121,074 tonnes is berthed and under loading. Additionally, 68,478 tonnes is expected to arrive at the ports shortly, and 99,000 tonnes has already been shipped. Among the major ports, Kakinada has the highest volume at anchorage with 147,600 tonnes, highlighting its pivotal role in India’s non-basmati rice exports. Kandla also continues to witness significant activity, with 121,877 tonnes at anchorage and 46,369 tonnes at berth. Meanwhile, Chennai has 69,705 tonnes berthed for loading, while Kolkata has 5,000 tonnes at berth. The substantial volumes awaiting loading and shipment indicate a healthy export pipeline, supported by steady overseas demand and smooth port operations.

African demand continues to support exports

The latest vessel lineup highlights Africa as India’s largest market for non-basmati rice. Demand remains particularly strong for 5% parboiled rice, 5% white rice, 25% white rice and bagged rice, reflecting India’s continued competitiveness across multiple quality segments.

Large exporters such as Olam Agri, LDC, AWL Agri, Moi Commodities India, Sarveshwar Foods, ITC and several regional exporters continue to account for a significant share of the scheduled shipments.

Outlook

The vessel lineup and active port operations indicate that India’s non-basmati rice exports are likely to remain stable in the near term, however African countries import restriction play a major factor. With comfortable domestic supplies, competitive export prices, shipments are expected to continue at a stable pace, although freight costs and global demand trends will remain key factors influencing trade flows in the coming weeks.

Published Date: July 8, 2026