How to Export Basmati Rice from India in 2025

Key Highlights:

• Basmati rice is prized worldwide for its distinct scent and lengthy grains. Globally, India is the leading producer and exporter of basmati rice.
• Between April 2023 and February 2024, export of basmati rice increased by 22% to a total of $5.2 billion.
• India increased its production of basmati rice by 23% from 2023 to 8 million tons in 2024.
• As per data on the export of basmati rice, India exported $4.8 billion worth of basmati rice in 2023, totaling 4.9 million metric tons.
• Based on basmati rice export data, the top exporters include Pakistan, India, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States.
• India is the leader with a $10.76 billion export value and 16,500 metric tons of exported basmati rice.
• India's basmati rice has substantial markets in the USA and West Asia. However, the top basmati rice HS code is 10063020.
• The largest exporter of basmati rice in India is M/S Priyanka Overseas Limited. However, M/S Rice India Exports Ltd. and P.K.Overseas P.Ltd. are major basmati rice exporters in India.

Basmati rice is highly valued globally because it is famous for its long grains. India holds a substantial portion of the worldwide commerce of Basmati rice, as it is the primary grain producer. However, India is one of the world's top exporters of basmati rice, an expensive long-grain variety prized for its fragrance. Based on data on basmati rice export from India, there was a 22% increase in exports between April 2023 and February 2024, valued at approximately $5.2 billion. Also, India produced 8 million tons of basmati rice in 2024—a 23% increase over 2023—and exported about 5.25 million metric tons of grain.

So, if you're considering export of basmati rice from India, this blog will provide helpful and updated insights, major basmati rice HS codes, and top strategies to help you through the process.

Is the rice export business profitable?

Since India is one of the world's top rice producers, many people rely heavily on the food from our nation every day. Rice exports from India have become a profitable industry.

Basmati holds a unique position in the field of rice farming. Thankful for extra-long, thin grains with a great flavor, aroma, and taste that cook up to at least twice their original length and a fluffy, soft texture. Among other aromatic long-grain rice cultivars, basmati rice is special.

With 72.8% of rice exported globally in 2022, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, and the United States were the top five rice-exporting nations. Over 90 countries, including China, Nepal, and African countries like Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire, import rice from India. Additionally, India is the world's top exporter of basmati rice.  

Depending on the kind of rice, exporters' profit margins can change. For instance, the margin for non-basmati rice can be 4-5%, whereas the margin for basmati rice might be 2-2.5%. So, if you are new to the export market, you need to gain some market insights, such as basmati rice export data and a thorough list of basmati rice exporters.

It is time to learn some helpful export information about basmati rice!

Export of basmati rice from India: Key Insights 2024

Let’s quickly review the statistics on basmati rice export from India!

Based on basmati rice export data, India exported 4.9 million metric tons of basmati rice in 2023, up 11.5% from 2022 and nearly hitting the record of 5 million tons set in 2020. 

Also, exports rose to 4.68 million metric tons in April–February 2024, a 14% rise over the same period in 2023, and they were valued at $5.2 billion, a 22% increase.

The top exporter of basmati rice to the world market is Namibia. In 2023–2024, the nation exported 5242048.39 MT of basmati rice to the world for a total value of Rs. 48389.18 crores (or 5837.12 US$ mill).

India's basmati exports are in high demand, especially from West Asia. Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States are among India's main export destinations. 

Now, let’s explore the top basmati rice exporting countries.

Major basmati rice exporting countries

As per basmati rice exporter data, the top basmati rice exporting countries are India, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, and the USA. Here is the updated table for the biggest rice exporters in the world.

So, India is considered the largest basmati rice exporter, with an export value of 16,500 metric tons. Thus, the nations above dominate the global basmati rice export market. With a $10.76 billion export value, India is the world's largest rice exporter.

However, visit Eximpedia.app for additional information on basmati rice exporters in India, basmati rice export data from India, and basmati rice HS codes. 

Top 10 basmati rice exporters in India

Here is the list of the top 10 basmati rice exporters in India.

1. M/S Rice India Exports Ltd.
2. M/S Induss Food Products & Equip. Ltd.
3. M/S Priyanka Overseas Limited
4. M/S. Sachdeva & Sons Ind. Pvt. Ltd.
5. M/S. United Exports
6. Mahavir Rice & Gen. Mills
7. Galore Impex
8. Asm Global Inc.
9. M/S. Jaishree Exports
10. P.K.Overseas P.Ltd.

So, the top 10 basmati rice exporters in India. However, if you are looking for 

How to Export Basmati Rice from India

To start a basmati rice export from India, you may require several documents, such as an export license, ISO 22000 (food safety), HACCP (hazard analysis and critical control points), or other relevant certifications.

Here are the essential steps for basmati rice export from India : Firstly, we discuss the documents:

• Import Export Code (IEC)
• Apeda Registration
• Quality Certificates (e.g., ISO 22000, HACCP)
• Phytosanitary Certificate
• Health Certificate
• Certificate of Origin
• Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading
• Shipping Instruction
• Insurance Certificate
• Customs Declaration Form

Steps to Start Basmati Rice Export from India:

Here are some of the steps involved in exporting basmati rice from India:

1. By filling out the SPICe + form, you can register your business online with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and apply for IEC code
2. Review all of the mandatory documents , such as the ISO certificate, PAN card, quality certificates, and much more.
3. To export without difficulty, register and get the approval for export from the ministry of corporate affairs.  
4. Get in touch with the exporters of other nations that are considering importing basmati rice.
5. All food enterprises in India must have an FSSAI license, which is managed by the which is managed by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
6. Check up on any additional laws that might apply for basmati rice export from India.  
7. To determine the framework for customs handling and clearance, get in touch with a customs agent.
8. A phytosanitary certificate is required for customs clearance and exporting agricultural commodities from India. 
9. Obtain a customs clearance certificate, an updated list of basmati rice exporters in India, basmati rice HS code, and Indian basmati rice export data from Eximpedia.app. 

How to find basmati rice buyers globally?

To find out the exact importers of basmati rice, you can visit Eximpedia.app and explore the latest insights on basmati rice export from India,  basmati rice HS code, Indian basmati rice exporters, and much more. 

Eximpedia.app is a dedicated platform that gives accurate, up-to-date, and genuine Indian basmati rice export data, as well as a list of export of basmati rice from India. It also includes statistics on basmati rice export from India and basmati rice exporters in India.

In conclusion, exporting basmati rice from India involves many procedures that must be carefully planned and carried out. It can be a profitable venture for businesses that can meet the exacting demands of international clients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which country imports basmati rice from India?

Based on basmati rice export data, Saudi Arabia was the leading importer of Indian rice, importing rice worth over 93 billion Indian rupees in the 2023 financial year. 

2. Which country is the largest producer of basmati rice?

India is the largest producer of basmati rice, accounts for over 70% of the world's basmati rice production.

3. Which is India's No 1 basmati rice?

Dur to its aroma and buttery taste, traditional Basmati rice is considered the best variety of basmati rice. This variety of traditional basmati rice is grown in the Himalayan foothills.

4. Who is the best exporter of basmati rice?

The biggest basmati rice exporters include India, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, and the United States. 

5. Is basmati rice allowed for export from India?

Yes, India is the biggest exporter of basmati rice. India exported 4.9 million metric tons of basmati rice in 2023. However, to start a basmati rice export from India, you may require several documents, such as an export license, ISO 22000 (food safety), HACCP (hazard analysis and critical control points), or other relevant certifications.

6. Who is the largest importer of basmati rice in the World?

With 4.6 million metric tons imported during that trade year, China ranked as the world's largest rice importer in 2023. In terms of USD, China imported rice worth a total of $2.62 billion.

Export of basmati rice globally

Export of basmati rice from India     Export of basmati rice from the USA

Export of basmati rice from UAE

Basmati rice exporters

Basmati rice export from India to UAE     Basmati rice export from India to the USA

Basmati rice export from India to Bangladesh

Top Basmati rice HS Codes

Basmati rice HS code: 10063010     Basmati rice HS code: 10062000

Basmati rice HS code: 10063090