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Export rice from India to USA – shipping cost & price per kg.

How To Export Rice From India to USA?

India is one of the largest rice exporters in the world, supplying high-quality Basmati and Non-Basmati rice to various international markets, including the USA. Additionally, the demand for Indian rice in the USA has grown due to the growing Indian and South Asian population, the popularity of Indian cuisine, and the preference for premium-quality rice.

Moreover, this guide provides a step-by-step process that includes legal requirements, documentation, packaging, logistics, and marketing strategies to ensure a successful rice export from India to the USA.

Why Export Rice from India to USA?

Rice exports from India to the USA are profitable for several reasons:

1

High Market Demand

The USA imports over 1.2 million tons of rice annually, with Indian Basmati commanding 65% market share in the premium segment. Growing health consciousness boosts demand for authentic Indian varieties.

2

Expanding Consumer Base

The South Asian food market in the USA grows at 9.2% CAGR, with 5.4 million Indian-Americans and rising interest in ethnic cuisines creating new distribution channels.

3

Quality Differentiation

Indian exporters meeting FDA/USDA standards gain premium positioning. Our GI-tagged Basmati enjoys 20-30% higher prices than generic rice in US supermarkets.

4

Strong Profit Margins

Premium Basmati fetches $2.5-$4/kg in USA retail versus $1.2-$1.8 locally. Even after logistics, exporters achieve 35-50% margins on quality rice.

Market Insight: Indian rice exports to USA grew 22% in 2023, with Basmati accounting for 78% of shipments. Top importing states: California, Texas, New Jersey.

Step-by-Step Process to Export Rice from India to USA

Exporting rice from India to USA involves several essential steps, from obtaining the necessary licenses to ensuring compliance with stringent quality standards and efficient logistics. Moreover, Here’s a comprehensive guide to the step-by-step process export rice from India to USA:

1 Obtain Necessary Export Licenses
First and foremost, secure an IEC code and APEDA registration. Additionally, obtain an FSSAI license and ensure compliance with FDA and USDA regulations. These legal requirements form the foundation of your export business.
2 Choose the Right Rice Variety
Subsequently, identify high-demand varieties like Basmati (1121, 1509), Non-Basmati (Sona Masoori), and Organic rice. Different market segments require specific grain types, so thorough research is essential.
With the legal framework and product selection in place, let's explore how to connect with buyers...
3 Find Buyers in the USA
To establish your market presence, leverage B2B platforms like Tradewheel and Alibaba. Furthermore, participate in trade fairs such as the Fancy Food Show in New York and build relationships with local distributors.
4 Packaging & Labeling Compliance
Equally important is following U.S. food import regulations. Use FDA-approved packaging materials and ensure labels include nutritional facts, origin details, and necessary certifications like USDA Organic if applicable.
Now that your product is market-ready, let's examine the logistics...
5 Logistics & Shipping
When it comes to shipping, you have two main options: sea freight (cost-effective for bulk exports) or air freight (faster but 3-4x more expensive). Major U.S. ports include Los Angeles for West Coast deliveries and New York for East Coast.
6 Calculate Export Costs
Equally crucial is pricing strategy. Consider production costs, freight charges (₹10-14/kg by sea), U.S. customs duties (3-5%), and competitor pricing to determine profitable yet competitive rates.
With logistics planned, let's finalize the documentation...
7 Complete Customs & Documentation
Before shipping, prepare all documents including commercial invoices, certificates of origin, phytosanitary certificates, and fumigation reports. Proper documentation prevents costly delays at U.S. customs.
8 Market Indian Rice in the USA
Finally, implement marketing strategies targeting major supermarkets (Walmart, Whole Foods), Amazon FBA, and social media platforms. Highlight India's rice heritage and quality certifications to differentiate your brand.

Rice Export Cost from India to the USA per Kg

The rice export cost from India to USA per kg varies depending on the rice variety, quality, and international market trends. In addition, here is an approximate price list:

S.No Rice Variety Grain Length Rice Type Ex-Mill (₹/ton) FOB India (₹/ton) USA Landed (₹/kg)*
1 100% Broken Parboiled Rice 4.80mm Non-Basmati ₹35,000 ₹38,500 ₹52.00
2 100% Broken Raw Rice 4.75mm Non-Basmati ₹33,500 ₹37,000 ₹50.50
3 1121 Creamy Sella Basmati Rice 8.25mm Basmati ₹70,500 ₹74,500 ₹98.00
4 1121 Golden Sella Basmati Rice 8.30mm Basmati ₹75,000 ₹79,500 ₹105.00
5 1121 Steam Basmati Rice 8.35mm Basmati ₹78,500 ₹82,000 ₹108.00
6 1401 Raw Basmati Rice 7.60mm Basmati ₹95,000 ₹99,500 ₹132.00
7 1401 Steam Basmati Rice 7.65mm Basmati ₹92,500 ₹97,000 ₹128.00
8 1509 Creamy Sella Basmati Rice 8.10mm Basmati ₹60,000 ₹64,000 ₹86.00
9 1509 Golden Sella Basmati Rice 8.15mm Basmati ₹63,500 ₹67,500 ₹90.00
10 1509 Steam Basmati Rice 8.20mm Basmati ₹65,000 ₹69,000 ₹92.00
11 IR 64 Parboiled Rice 6.30mm Non-Basmati ₹43,500 ₹47,000 ₹63.00
12 IR 64 Raw Rice 6.20mm Non-Basmati ₹42,000 ₹45,000 ₹61.00
13 PR 11/14 Creamy Sella Basmati Rice 6.70mm Non-Basmati ₹44,500 ₹48,000 ₹65.00
14 PR 11/14 Golden Sella Basmati Rice 6.75mm Non-Basmati ₹46,000 ₹49,500 ₹67.00
15 PR 11/14 Steam Rice 6.80mm Non-Basmati ₹45,000 ₹48,500 ₹66.00
16 Pusa Creamy Sella Basmati Rice 7.90mm Basmati ₹85,500 ₹90,000 ₹120.00
17 Sarbati Creamy Sella Basmati Rice 7.50mm Basmati ₹77,500 ₹82,000 ₹110.00
18 Sarbati Golden Sella Basmati Rice 7.55mm Basmati ₹79,500 ₹84,000 ₹113.00
19 Sarbati Steam Basmati Rice 7.60mm Basmati ₹81,500 ₹86,000 ₹116.00
20 Sona Masoori Parboiled Rice 5.50mm Non-Basmati ₹50,500 ₹54,500 ₹74.00
21 Sona Masoori Raw Rice 5.40mm Non-Basmati ₹48,000 ₹52,000 ₹71.00
22 Sona Masoori Steam Rice 5.45mm Non-Basmati ₹49,500 ₹53,500 ₹73.00
23 Sugandha Creamy Sella Basmati Rice 7.80mm Basmati ₹83,500 ₹88,000 ₹118.00
24 Sugandha Golden Sella Basmati Rice 7.85mm Basmati ₹85,000 ₹89,500 ₹121.00
25 Sugandha Steam Basmati Rice 7.90mm Basmati ₹87,000 ₹91,500 ₹124.00
26 Swarna Parboiled Rice 5.30mm Non-Basmati ₹42,500 ₹46,000 ₹63.00
27 Swarna Raw Rice 5.20mm Non-Basmati ₹41,000 ₹44,500 ₹61.00
28 Traditional Creamy Sella Basmati Rice 7.70mm Basmati ₹90,000 ₹95,000 ₹128.00
29 Traditional Raw Basmati Rice 7.50mm Basmati ₹98,000 ₹105,000 ₹142.00

*Prices may vary depending on market demand, supply conditions, shipping costs, and regulatory changes.

Shipping Cost from India to the USA

In addition to the transportation method, shipment volume, and market conditions, the cost of shipping rice from India to the USA is influenced by the market conditions. Additionally, below is a breakdown of estimated shipping costs:

Shipping Method Best For Transit Time Cost per Metric Ton (INR) Cost per Metric Ton (USD)
Sea Freight ECONOMY Bulk shipments, non-perishable goods, cost-sensitive orders 25-30 Days ₹12,000 - ₹20,000 $145 - $240
Air Freight EXPRESS Urgent deliveries, perishable items, high-value shipments 5-7 Days ₹50,000 - ₹75,000 $600 - $900

*Note: Shipping costs fluctuate based on fuel prices, seasonal demand, and port charges.

How to Market Indian Rice in the USA?

🛒 Target Supermarkets

Penetrate mainstream and ethnic retail channels:

  • Walmart - Through their international sourcing program
  • Whole Foods - Highlight organic certifications
  • Indian grocery chains - Patel Brothers, Namaste Plaza
  • Regional chains - H-E-B (Texas), Publix (Florida)
🌐 Online Sales

Dominate e-commerce platforms:

  • Amazon USA - FBA program for Prime eligibility
  • Walmart Marketplace - Lower competition than Amazon
  • eBay - Good for small-quantity test markets
  • Ethnic platforms - Weee!, NamasteNow
📱 Social Media Ads

Laser-targeted digital campaigns:

  • Facebook/Instagram - Target Indian diaspora communities
  • Google Ads - Capture "buy basmati rice online" searches
  • YouTube - Recipe videos showing your rice variety
  • TikTok - Viral cooking demos with trending hashtags
🤝 B2B Networking

Build wholesale relationships:

  • Trade shows - Fancy Food Show, Winter Fancy Food Show
  • Foodservice distributors - Sysco, US Foods
  • Restaurant suppliers - Especially Indian/South Asian cuisine
  • Co-packing - Private label opportunities
Pro Tip: Combine strategies for maximum impact - Use social media ads to drive traffic to your Amazon listings, then leverage those sales figures when pitching to supermarket buyers.

Conclusion

Exporting rice from India to the USA is a lucrative business opportunity due to the increasing demand for premium-quality Indian rice. As well, exporters can build a successful international rice business if they follow packaging and shipping regulations, comply with licensing laws, and use effective marketing strategies to build a successful international rice business.

At Shah Enterprises, we specialize in providing high-quality rice varieties, ensuring compliance with global standards for smooth and profitable exports. Furthermore, if you are looking for the best Basmati rice or bulk rice trade solutions, we have you covered.

📩 We can help you start your rice export business from India to the USA!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, with an IEC, APEDA registration, FSSAI license, and FDA approval.

Obtain licenses, find buyers, follow FDA regulations, and choose sea or air freight.

IEC, APEDA certificate, FSSAI license, FDA registration, invoice, and phytosanitary certificate.

Yes, India is a top supplier of Basmati and Non-Basmati rice to the USA.

FOB price per ton: ₹47,000 – ₹98,000; shipping costs vary based on freight mode.

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