IRRI-6 is cheaper and higher volume. It dominates West African markets (Nigeria, Ghana) and much of East Africa. If your buyers are price-sensitive wholesale distributors, IRRI-6 15% broken is almost certainly the right specification.
IRRI-9 is a step up in appearance and milling quality. It has a longer, slimmer grain and is gaining ground in markets where buyers want something better than IRRI-6 but cannot afford Basmati. If you’re targeting retail or premium wholesale, IRRI-9 may command a better margin despite the higher FOB cost.
Both are non-aromatic long-grain varieties. Neither has the fragrance of Basmati. The decision comes down to your target market, buyer price sensitivity, and the margin structure you need.
| Attribute | IRRI-6 | IRRI-9 |
|---|---|---|
| Grain Length (avg) | 6.5–7.0 mm | 7.0–7.5 mm |
| Grain Profile | Shorter, slightly thicker | Longer, slimmer |
| Milling Quality | Good | Better (fewer chalky grains) |
| Aroma | None (non-aromatic) | None (non-aromatic) |
| FOB Price (est.) | USD 280–360/MT | USD 310–400/MT |
| Price vs IRRI-6 | — (baseline) | ~5–15% higher |
| Export Volume from Pak | Very High (dominant) | Growing |
| Standard Africa Grade | 15% broken | 15% broken |
| Best For | Price-sensitive wholesale | Mid-tier retail & premium wholesale |
IRRI-6 dominates. Nigeria is the single largest African market for Pakistani rice and overwhelmingly trades in IRRI-6 15% broken. The volume and price point are the primary drivers. Nigerian wholesale buyers moving 50+ containers per year almost universally specify IRRI-6. IRRI-9 is present but a small fraction of total imports.
Both varieties trade, with IRRI-6 leading. Kenya’s Mombasa-based importers ship large volumes of IRRI-6, but IRRI-9 is gaining traction among Kenyan retailers targeting the urban middle class in Nairobi. Tanzania and Uganda remain predominantly IRRI-6 markets.
IRRI-6 is the standard. Somalia’s rice import market is dominated by IRRI-6 due to affordability. Ethiopia, landlocked and importing via Djibouti, also primarily trades in IRRI-6.
Both varieties, Basmati dominant. In Middle Eastern markets, IRRI-6 and IRRI-9 fill the economy segment alongside premium Basmati. Iraq and Yemen import significant IRRI-6 volumes. Oman imports IRRI-9 for specific retail channels.
For both IRRI-6 and IRRI-9, the broken grain percentage is a critical quality parameter that directly affects price. Most African markets trade in 15% broken as the standard commercial grade. Here’s how to choose:
If you are importing for the first time or buying for a price-sensitive wholesale market: Start with IRRI-6 15% broken. It is the most liquid, most price-competitive specification with the widest market acceptance across Africa.
If you are targeting retail, urban supermarkets, or a premium segment: IRRI-9 5% or 15% broken gives you a better-looking grain in the bag at a modest premium. It can support higher shelf pricing and better margin.
HAG Commodities supplies both IRRI-6 and IRRI-9 in all broken grades. Contact us for current FOB prices and availability.
IRRI-6 has a slightly shorter, thicker grain (6.5–7.0mm) with opaque white colour. IRRI-9 has a longer, slimmer grain (7.0–7.5mm) with cleaner milling. Both are non-aromatic long-grain varieties.
IRRI-6 is generally 5–15% cheaper than IRRI-9 FOB Karachi. Higher IRRI-6 production volumes keep prices competitive.
IRRI-6 dominates Nigeria. Nigerian wholesale buyers overwhelmingly prefer IRRI-6 15% broken as the standard commercial grade due to price and market familiarity.
IRRI-9 generally has better milling quality and longer, slimmer grain. However, quality also depends on the milling facility and crop year. A well-milled IRRI-6 can match poorly processed IRRI-9.
15% broken is the standard commercial grade for both IRRI-6 and IRRI-9 in African markets. Premium retail buyers specify 5% broken; economy/institutional buyers may accept 25% broken.