India’s Top Exported Rice Varieties and Where They’re Headed in 2025

For many years, the Southeast Asian nation, India, has been the world’s biggest exporter of rice, providing a variety of rice types to the majority of countries that import it. India’s rice is of the highest quality and available at the best prices, allowing it to maintain its dominance in international trade, whether it is aromatic Basmati rice or multipurpose non-basmati rice. Global consumption trends, trade laws, and supply chain advancements are changing the landscape of rice export growth in India as we move further into 2025.

This article discusses India’s most popular rice exports, their new markets, and how websites like tradologie.com are changing the country’s bulk rice market.

India’s Position in Global Rice Trade

Let us first understand India’s position as the largest exporter of rice in the world. As per data from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), India exported over 20 million metric tons (MMT) of rice in FY 2023–24. This includes both Basmati rice exports (around 4.5 MMT) and non-Basmati rice exports (over 15.5 MMT).

Basmati rice is exported to Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Yemen, the United States, and the United Kingdom; non-basmati rice is exported to Benin, Senegal, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, and Vietnam. 

With constantly rising demand and shifting geopolitical landscapes, we can be sure that the year 2025 is expected to see both consolidation in key markets and expansion into newer regions.

India’s Top Exported Indian Rice Varieties in 2025

1. 1121 Basmati Rice: This basmati rice variety is known for its extra-long grains and exquisite aroma. 1121 Basmati is a premium variety that is highly demanded across Middle Eastern and European countries. 1121 Basmati rice exports are expected to maintain strong momentum in Saudi Arabia and UAE (Hospitality and HoReCa segment), USA and Canada (Retail and Ethnic grocery), Europe (Growing preference for premium aromatic rice)

2. 1401 Basmati Rice: 1401 Basmati Rice is gaining popularity due to its cost-effectiveness compared to 1121, while retaining a similar aroma and cooking quality. Expected markets in 2025 for the rice are Iraq and Iran (staple demand) and West African nations (budget-conscious bulk imports).

3. IR-64 Parboiled Rice: A staple in the non-Basmati rice export category, IR-64 Parboiled Rice is widely consumed in Africa, Southeast Asia, and South Asia for its affordability and versatility. Target Markets for 2025 are Benin, Togo, and Nigeria (Bulk public procurement) and Bangladesh and Nepal.

4. Sona Masoori Rice: Preferred for its soft texture and lightweight characteristics, Sona Masoori rice is primarily exported to North America, Australia, and the Gulf countries by Indian suppliers. Growing demand comes from health-conscious buyers in the US and Canada as well as the ethnic Indian population in Australia and Gulf nations.

5. Broken Rice: India is also a major exporter of 100% broken rice, particularly to African nations and Southeast Asia, where it is used in human consumption, animal feed, and brewing industries. Emerging use cases are from China and Vietnam (Fermentation and alcohol industries) and Senegal and Indonesia (Low-cost food programs)

What’s Driving India’s Rice Export Growth in 2025?

1. Digital Platforms Like Tradologie.com

Tradologie.com allows bulk rice buyers and sellers who are registered to connect and negotiate in real-time, eliminating middlemen, ensuring secure payments, and offering end-to-end trade facilitation. It is facilitating the easy access to new markets for Indian rice exporters, with 800,000+ verified buyers worldwide. Verified buyer inquiries, real-time price discovery and negotiation, and international payment facilitation are all made possible by the platform.

2. Policy Shifts and Global Demand

While export duties and restrictions temporarily affected Indian rice exports in 2023–24, 2025 is expected to bring an easing of regulatory curbs as inflation stabilizes and stock levels normalize. Additionally, climate impact on rice production in competing nations (Thailand, Vietnam) is increasing global reliance on Indian rice.

3. Growing Demand in Africa and Latin America

Because of rising urbanization and demand for rice, India is aggressively entering emerging markets like Angola, Mozambique, and Ivory Coast. Brazil and Mexico are looking into new trade agreements for long-grain and basmati rice.

Future Outlook: What Can We Expect from Indian Rice in 2025?

• Sustainability Focus: For markets like the EU and Japan, exporters are spending money on organic and residue-free rice.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Investments in rice milling and packaging units in India for better value addition.
• Digital Export Channels: Increased preference for B2B platforms like Tradologie.com to manage trade digitally and efficiently.
• Diversified Varieties: Hybrid and climate-resistant rice varieties being developed to ensure steady production despite environmental challenges.

In 2025, technology-led trade, robust supply chains, and growing global consumption will usher in a new era for India’s rice export industry. Embracing smarter, faster, and more secure trade solutions is crucial for Indian rice exporters who want to expand or enter new markets. Tradologie.com is proud to be at the forefront of this shift, digitizing bulk rice trade, connecting exporters with verified importers in over 100 countries, and facilitating seamless imports and exports.