India’s rice exports to 26 priority markets remained above their three-year average during November 2025 to March 2026, providing early indications that a more targeted approach to overseas demand could help expand the country’s export footprint. The analysis by the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF), based on Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics data, covers both Basmati and non-Basmati rice.
Exports to the 26 markets stood at Rs 23,476 crore, while shipments totalled 4.79 million tonnes during the five-month period. Export value was 1.1 percent higher than the average for the corresponding period in the previous three years, while volume increased 5.6 percent. Eleven of the 26 markets recorded year-on-year growth in both export value and volume.
UAE Records Strongest Growth
The United Arab Emirates recorded the sharpest increase among the key markets, with rice export value rising 65 percent year-on-year to Rs 3,859.04 crore and volumes increasing 64 percent. Belgium followed with a 53.8 percent rise in export value and 44.5 percent growth in volume.
Germany recorded a 33.5 percent increase in export value and 24.6 percent growth in volume, while France posted corresponding gains of 31.3 percent and 32.9 percent. Rice exports to the United Kingdom rose 26.9 percent in value and 25.6 percent in volume.
Growth was also reported across several African and emerging markets. South Africa's export value increased 26 percent, while volumes rose 42.9 percent. Kenya recorded a 22.3 percent increase in value and a 34.1 percent rise in volume.
Mexico reported one of the widest gaps between value and volume growth, with export value increasing 22.1 percent against a 50.9 percent rise in shipments. The Netherlands recorded growth of 20.5 percent in value and 13.8 percent in volume, while Canada posted increases of 10.2 percent and 9.1 percent, respectively. Senegal's export value rose 5.3 percent, while volume increased 29.9 percent.
The divergence between value and volume growth across several markets points to differences in pricing, product mix and demand conditions. It also highlights the limits of assessing export performance solely through shipment volumes.
Industry Focuses On Rice Varieties
The export trends come as India seeks to broaden its overseas rice markets by positioning individual varieties according to their suitability for specific cuisines. The approach is aimed at differentiating rice based on attributes such as aroma, texture, starch content, grain length and absorption rather than competing solely as a commodity.
The strategy will be a key feature of the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026, scheduled from October 23 to 25 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. ITC Hotels will curate a Global Rice Festival featuring 24 international dishes and 10 regional Indian biryanis, with varieties selected for their suitability to individual preparations.
The planned combinations include UAE Machboos with Kalajeera, Italian Risotto Milanese with Gobindobhog, Nigerian Jollof Rice with Sona Masuri, Spanish Paella Valenciana with Mushk Budji, Chinese Yangzhou Fried Rice with Jeerakasala and Louisiana Jambalaya with Chak Hao White Rice.
The industry’s premise is that demonstrating a variety in the dish for which it is intended can give overseas buyers a clearer assessment of its cooking performance and reduce uncertainty when considering a new source.
Export Growth Provides Early Indications
Trade data provides some indications of stronger market traction, although it does not establish that BIRC 2025 directly caused the subsequent rise in exports. The UK, France and Mexico, which were represented in the cuisine programme at BIRC 2025, recorded combined export-value growth of 27.2 percent and volume growth of 26.3 percent between November 2025 and March 2026.
All three markets reached their highest November-March export levels during the four-year period examined. Eight markets - the UAE, UK, Netherlands, Canada, Belgium, Germany, France and Mexico - recorded four-year highs in both export value and volume.
However, rice exports are influenced by several factors, including international prices, inventories, currency movements, import policies, freight costs and broader demand conditions. The stronger test for the strategy will be whether increased engagement leads to repeat orders and sustained demand for specific Indian varieties.
BIRC 2026 will expand its programme beyond exporters, millers and international buyers through events including a Master Chef Contest, Influencer Cook-off, Family Day and public tastings. The broader participation is intended to connect commercial buyers and industry participants with chefs, food creators and consumers.
For non-Basmati rice in particular, the strategy could provide an alternative to price-based competition by creating differentiated propositions around culinary performance. India's diverse portfolio of rice varieties offers scope to match grains with the functional requirements of specific cuisines and markets.
The longer-term objective is to convert that variety into durable overseas demand through consistent quality, competitive pricing and reliable supply. The success of the approach will ultimately depend on whether demonstrations and buyer engagement translate into contracts, repeat orders and deeper market penetration.
BIRC 2026 will be held from October 23 to 25, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
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