India plays a leading role in the global rice trade, supplying premium Basmati and non-Basmati rice to markets across the Middle East. Among these destinations, Iraq has emerged as a high-demand and stable market for Indian rice exporters due to its population growth, government food programs, and preference for Indian-origin rice.
Moreover, this comprehensive guide explains how to export rice from India to Iraq, covering regulations, documentation, logistics, quality standards, and buyer strategies to help exporters succeed in 2025.
Iraq is one of the largest rice-importing countries in the Middle East, relying heavily on imports to meet domestic consumption. In addition, Indian rice is favored by Iraqis due to its consistent quality, competitive prices, and long-grain varieties suited to Iraqi cuisine.
Key reasons Iraq prefers Indian rice:
This makes Iraq an attractive destination for businesses planning to export rice from India and expand across West Asia.
Understanding buyer preference is essential before entering the Iraqi market.
| Category | Rice Varieties | Market Use |
|---|---|---|
| Basmati Rice | 1121 Steam, 1121 Sella, 1509 Basmati | Premium retail & government tenders |
| Non-Basmati Rice | IR64 Parboiled, PR11/14 | Bulk supply & public distribution |
| Specialty Rice | Sugandha, Sharbati | Mid-range commercial buyers |
Furthermore, these varieties are also widely traded in other Gulf markets, similar to rice export from India to Saudi Arabia and surrounding regions.
To ensure smooth trade, exporters must comply with both Indian export laws and Iraqi import regulations.
Accurate documentation is critical for customs clearance.
Mandatory Documents Checklist:
As a result, well-prepared documentation can reduce delays and enhance credibility in global trade.
Most rice shipments to Iraq move via sea freight.
| Indian Port | Iraqi Port | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mundra Port | Umm Qasr | 14–18 days |
| Nhava Sheva | Umm Qasr | 16–20 days |
| Kandla Port | Umm Qasr | 15–19 days |
Best Practices:
However, these logistics practices align with those used by exporters serving markets such as rice export from India to USA.
The cost to export rice from India to Iraq depends on several factors:
To stay competitive, exporters should benchmark prices against suppliers from the top 10 rice exporting countries and offer flexible order volumes.
Iraqi buyers prioritize consistency and compliance.
Quality Guidelines:
Packaging Requirements:
Maintaining quality strengthens long-term buyer relationships.
Trust, consistency, and transparent communication are key to success.
Common Challenges
Risk Mitigation
Choosing the right Indian rice exporter is crucial for Iraq and Middle East importers. Shah Enterprises Group (India). supports smooth rice import from India with quality assurance and reliable logistics.
Why importers trust us:
For Dubai-based rice importers, we also operate through Hind Gate General Trading LLC (Dubai), making sourcing easier for:
With offices in India and Dubai, we ensure faster coordination, trusted supply, and smooth rice imports across Iraq and the Middle East.
Iraq offers strong long-term potential for Indian exporters seeking to grow in the Middle East. By meeting regulatory standards, maintaining quality, and executing efficient logistics, India continues to strengthen its global standing among the top rice exporter companies in the world.
At Shah Enterprises Fbd Pvt. Ltd., we are proud to be recognized among the top 10 rice exporters in India, supplying premium Basmati and non-Basmati rice to international markets.
If you are planning to export rice from India to Iraq, partner with Shah Enterprises for reliable supply, consistent quality, and trusted global reach.
Shah Enterprises supplies high-quality Basmati and Non-Basmati rice to Iraq with consistent quality, timely shipments, and complete export documentation support.
Yes, India legally exports rice to Iraq. Indian exporters can supply Basmati and non-Basmati rice to Iraq by fulfilling requirements such as IEC registration, APEDA certification, phytosanitary clearance, and Iraqi import regulations.
Rice in Iraq is commonly called “Ruzz” (رز) in Arabic. It is a staple food in Iraqi cuisine, especially used in dishes like Biryani, Qoozi, and traditional rice meals.
Rice prices in Iraq vary by quality and origin. On average, imported Indian rice costs USD 600–1,100 per metric ton, depending on the variety (Basmati or non-Basmati), packaging, and shipment size.
Yes, India exports rice to Iran, mainly Basmati rice. Despite periodic trade restrictions, Iran remains a major importer of Indian rice through regulated channels and approved payment mechanisms.
