Basmati Rice Export Price: What Decides the FOB Rate

Why Basmati Prices Change

Basmati is a natural product traded every day, so its price moves with the crop, the currency and demand. Two exporters can quote different prices for "1121 basmati" on the same day, and both can be fair, because the rice behind the quotes is not the same. This guide explains how an export price is built, so you can compare quotes properly and read our Today Price table with confidence.

FOB, CFR, CIF and Ex-Mill: What the Numbers Mean

• Ex-mill (ex-factory): the price of the rice at the mill gate, usually quoted in Indian rupees per kg. Transport, port charges and freight are extra.

• FOB (Free on Board): the price with the rice loaded on the vessel at the Indian port, for example FOB Mundra, quoted in US dollars per metric ton. You arrange the sea freight.

• CFR (Cost and Freight): FOB plus sea freight to your port.

• CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight): CFR plus marine insurance.

When you compare offers, compare like with like: the same Incoterm, the same port and the same currency.

What Moves the Price

The Crop and the Season

The new basmati crop is harvested in Punjab and Haryana in October and November, and paddy arrives in the mandis from October to December. The size and quality of the crop, and the paddy prices farmers get, set the base price for the whole year.

Variety and Processing

1121 usually costs more than 1509 or Sugandha because of its longer grain. Steam and Sella rice go through extra parboiling and drying steps, and aged rice has been stored for months before milling. Both add cost.

Quality Grade

Broken percentage is the biggest single factor: rice with 1–2% broken grains costs clearly more than rice with 5% or more. Grain length, colour sorting, moisture and purity also count. Rice tested to strict EU or USA pesticide-residue limits carries a premium for selected sourcing and lab testing.

Packing

Retail pouches with printed artwork cost more per ton than plain 25 kg or 50 kg bags, and private-label packing adds the cost of your printed bags.

Currency, Freight and Rules

The rupee-dollar rate, container freight rates and government export rules, such as a minimum export price when one is in force, all affect the final dollar price.

Demand

Buying by the big importing markets, such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, the UAE, Europe and the USA, can push prices up or down within weeks.

How to Read Our Today Price Table

Our Today Price page lists each variety and form with these columns:

• Rice Variety: the variety and form, for example 1121 Golden Sella.

• Avg. Length: the average grain length in mm.

• Packing Size: the bag size the price is based on.

• FOB Mundra (USD): the price per metric ton loaded at Mundra port.

• Ex Factory (INR): the price per kg at our mill.

• Market Trend: whether prices are firming (bullish), easing or stable.

The table is an indication for planning. A firm price is confirmed against your exact specification, quantity, packing, destination and payment terms.

Checklist: What to Send for an Accurate Quote

• Variety and form (for example 1121 Steam or 1509 Golden Sella).

• Specification: grain length, broken %, moisture, ageing, and any residue standard you need.

• Packing: bag size and type, and private label or plain.

• Quantity, in metric tons or containers.

• Destination port and Incoterm (FOB, CFR or CIF).

• Payment terms and the shipment month.

Send these through our Contact page, call +91 86077 21573 or email admin@msgexim.com, and the MSG Exim export desk will reply with a firm offer.