Indian rice exports climb 5 percent in first half of 2026 as non-basmati shipments rise

India's rice exports increased 5 percent during the opening six months of 2026 compared with the prior year because larger volumes of non-basmati rice compensated for reduced basmati sales after conflict with Iran interrupted flows to major Gulf destinations, according to two government officials.

The country supplies more than 40 percent of global rice trade and typically exceeds the combined totals of Thailand, Vietnam and Pakistan, the next largest providers.

Higher outbound volumes should restrain international prices even amid El Nino concerns that might trim harvests, while delivering cost-effective stocks to buyers across Africa and Asia.

Shipments from January through June reached 12.27 million metric tons versus 11.68 million tons a year earlier, the officials noted on Tuesday. They spoke on condition of anonymity as they lacked clearance to address the press.

Plentiful stocks keep Indian rice affordable

Basmati exports declined 5.5 percent to 3.36 million tons amid lower deliveries to destinations such as Iran. In contrast, non-basmati volumes advanced 9.6 percent to 8.9 million tons driven by stronger African demand.

Abundant domestic availability has positioned Indian rice at notably lower prices than supplies from Thailand, Vietnam or Myanmar, stated Mukesh Jain, a trader located in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

Most non-basmati rice heads to Bangladesh, Benin, Ivory Coast, Guinea and Cameroon, whereas premium basmati primarily serves Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

Corn exports soared 400 percent to 1.42 million tons in the same period thanks to record harvests that cut local costs and lifted orders from Vietnam, Bangladesh and Malaysia.

Wheat shipments rose to 161,187 tons from 1,463 tons after Nepal resumed purchases once New Delhi removed prior curbs.