India: Rice export vessel line-up stands at 1.5 mnt; Benin leads among destinations

• Benin tops destinations, with 172,000 t scheduled from Kakinada
• 5% parboiled, bagged rice remain dominant grades in export pipeline

India’s rice export vessel line-up stood at 1.50 million tonnes (mnt), according to BigMint data last updated on 11 September 2026. The shipments were spread across major African, Middle Eastern, and other destinations, with Benin recording the highest volume among the individually listed destinations at 172,000 tonnes (t).

Benin leads among key destinations

Benin had 172,000 t lined up from Kakinada, comprising 5% PB and bagged rice. The destination accounted for the largest individual shipment volume in the listed line-up. Major exporters included Aavri Overseas, Baba Malleshwar Agro, Honey Overseas, Bhamleswari Agro and others.

Guinea followed with 139,800 t from Kakinada, mainly comprising 5% PB rice, while Senegal had 119,400 t, including 100% broken white rice and 5% PB. Ivory Coast accounted for 91,700 t from Kakinada and Kandla, comprising 5% PB and bagged rice.

African markets dominate listed destinations

African destinations continued to account for a significant share of the shipment line-up. Angola had 76,500 t from Kandla, while Somalia accounted for 67,200 t. Togo had 50,000 t from Kakinada, followed by Mozambique at 47,851 t from Kandla. Other listed African destinations included Djibouti at 27,000 t, Cameroon at 17,000 t, Congo at 13,000 t, and Logo at 8,000 t.

Middle East and other markets

The line-up also included Saudi Arabia with 37,149 t of basmati rice, while 36,000 t of bagged rice was destined for Pakistan. Iran accounted for 29,750 t of 5% PB and bagged rice, and Yemen had another 7,700 t of bagged rice. The “Others” category represented the largest aggregate volume in the table at 5,62,275 t, covering shipments from Vizag, Kandla and Kakinada and comprising 5% PB, bagged rice and 100% broken white rice.

Kandla, Kakinada remain key export hubs

Kakinada handled major shipments to Benin, Guinea, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Togo, particularly for 5% PB and white rice. Kandla remained important for bagged rice shipments to Angola, Somalia, Mozambique, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran and other destinations.

Outlook

The 1.50 mnt rice export line-up indicates a substantial shipment pipeline for Indian rice, with African destinations remaining particularly prominent. High volumes of 5% PB and bagged rice, alongside sizeable bookings for broken white rice, suggest continued demand across key overseas markets. Kakinada and Kandla are likely to remain important for shipment execution as exporters work through the current pipeline.