India: Rice export freights remain steady w-o-w amid port congestion; carriers eye hikes in Aug’26
India’s rice freight market remained stable in the week ended 22 July, supported by firm African demand despite port congestion and weather disruptions. Non-basmati parboiled rice (IR-64 5% PB) prices rose to $364/tonne FOB Kakinada, while carriers signalled GRI and peak season surcharges from August amid tightening vessel availability.
India’s rice freight market remained largely stable in the assessment week ended 22 July 2026, as firm cargo demand and active vessel enquiries continued to support freight sentiment across African trade lanes. While weather-related disruptions and congestion persisted at several destination ports, improved vessel availability prevented a broader escalation in freight levels. Market attention has now shifted towards August rate revisions, with carriers preparing fresh surcharges amid tightening vessel space and the approaching peak shipping season.
Freights to West Africa remain firm despite operational bottlenecks
West African freight sentiment remained resilient amid steady cargo interest, weather-related disruptions in Conakry, and prolonged congestion at Abidjan. Although operational challenges continued to slow cargo evacuation, active vessel enquiries kept the market supported, particularly on the Cotonou route where negotiations remained active.
A shipbroker told BigMint, “Freight negotiations for Cotonou remained marked by a wide bid-offer gap, limiting fixture activity. While rates are expected to stay largely stable through the end of July, carriers have begun signalling higher freight levels for August.”
Another shipbroker said, “I expect current freight levels to remain valid until end-July. From August, carriers are likely to implement a general rate increase (GRI) of $400-500/twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU).” The anticipated increase reflects strengthening carrier confidence amid improving cargo demand and tightening vessel availability.
Route-wise update
Container market eyes higher surcharges
Container freights remained broadly balanced during the week as improved vessel availability offset congestion and monsoon-related disruptions at key gateways. Nevertheless, carriers are increasingly shifting their focus towards preserving margins ahead of the traditional peak shipping period.
A source told BigMint, “Carriers are also expected to impose a $500/20ft peak season surcharge (PSS) from August, driven by strong cargo demand and limited vessel space on these routes.”
Besides congestion at Mombasa and inland logistics constraints, market participants are also closely monitoring Madagascar’s decision to raise rice import duties to 20%, which has increased landed costs and prompted importers to adopt a more cautious approach towards fresh bookings. Even so, underlying demand across East Africa has remained supportive, preventing any major deterioration in freight sentiment.
Non-basmati rice prices continue to strengthen
BigMint’s assessment for non-basmati parboiled rice (IR-64 5% PB), FOB Kakinada increased by $4/tonne (t) w-o-w to $364/t on 22 July, compared with $360/t a week earlier. The improvement was driven by sustained African buying interest, firmer domestic paddy prices, and expectations of higher logistics costs as carriers prepare to implement additional surcharges.
Outlook
Rice freight sentiment is expected to remain firm in the near term, supported by the planned GRI and PSS from August, tightening vessel space, and healthy cargo demand. Meanwhile, port congestion, weather-related disruptions, evolving import regulations and carrier capacity management will continue to influence freight sentiment and booking activity in the coming weeks.
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Source : BigMint
