Why 1121 Basmati Rice Pricing Matters to Importers
1121 Basmati is the most widely traded premium rice variety in the world. Its unique extra-long grain (8.35mm+ uncooked) and 2.5Ã elongation on cooking make it the preferred variety for Gulf food service, biryani restaurants and retail packs across the Middle East, Europe and beyond. For importers, understanding 1121 Basmati rice price per ton is the starting point for every sourcing decision.
This guide explains the current price range, what drives price fluctuations and how to get an accurate FOB Karachi quote for your specific requirements.
1121 Basmati Rice Price Per Ton â Current Range (FOB Karachi)
Rice prices change weekly based on crop conditions, global demand and currency rates. As a general reference, 1121 Basmati FOB Karachi prices in 2024 have traded in the following ranges:
| Grade |
Processing |
Approx. FOB Range (USD/MT) |
| 1121 Raw |
Natural milled, white |
$900 â $1,100 / MT |
| 1121 Sella |
Parboiled, golden |
$850 â $1,050 / MT |
| 1121 Steam (STPP) |
Steamed white, premium retail |
$950 â $1,150 / MT |
*Prices are indicative FOB Karachi ranges. Actual price depends on quantity, packing, crop year and market conditions. Contact us for a live quote.
What Is the Difference Between Raw, Sella and Steam 1121?
The three grades of 1121 Basmati come from the same paddy but go through different milling processes:
- 1121 Raw: Paddy is milled directly without any heat treatment. The grain is white, has a natural aroma and cooks soft. Preferred by buyers who want the purest Basmati flavour. Slightly higher breakage risk in transit.
- 1121 Sella (Parboiled): Paddy is soaked, steamed and then dried before milling. The result is a golden-coloured grain with a firmer texture and dramatically lower breakage. Sella has a longer shelf life and is the most popular grade in Gulf retail and food service.
- 1121 Steam (STPP): Paddy is steamed at high pressure after milling. This gives the grain a bright white appearance with the firmness of Sella but closer to the aroma and texture of Raw. The premium retail grade, commonly used for consumer pack branding.
Factors That Affect 1121 Basmati Rice Price Per Ton
Several variables impact the FOB price you receive in any given week:
- Crop year and harvest: Pakistan's Basmati harvest runs SeptemberâNovember. Prices are typically lowest just after harvest (OctoberâDecember) and rise through the year as stocks deplete.
- Quantity ordered: A single 20ft container (~25 MT) will be priced higher per ton than a multi-container order. Buyers committing to 5+ containers per month receive significantly better pricing.
- Packing specification: Consumer packs (1kg, 2kg, 5kg) add cost due to packaging materials and labour. Bulk 25kg or 50kg bags are always cheaper per ton.
- Indian export bans: When India restricts Basmati exports (as happened in 2023), global demand shifts to Pakistan, pushing Pakistani prices up 15â25%.
- PKR/USD exchange rate: A weaker Pakistani Rupee typically allows exporters to offer more competitive USD pricing.
- Freight rates: FOB price does not include freight. Rising container rates from Karachi can significantly affect your landed cost.
How to Get an Accurate FOB Price for 1121 Basmati
To get a price that reflects your actual requirements, provide the following when contacting an exporter:
- Grade required (Raw / Sella / Steam)
- Quantity in MT (or number of containers)
- Packing size (1kg, 2kg, 5kg, 25kg or 50kg)
- Destination port
- Preferred shipment month
HAG Commodities responds to all price enquiries within 24 hours with a formal quotation including FOB price, packing specs and available shipment dates.
Get a Live 1121 Basmati Price Quote
Share your quantity and grade requirement â we'll send you a formal FOB Karachi quotation within 24 hours.