IR-8 Long Grain Rice

Import IR-8 Long Grain Rice In Bulk

What is IR 8 Long Grain Rice?

IR-8 Long Grain Rice is a foundational high-yielding IR 8 rice variety, often historically termed "Miracle Rice," that revolutionised rice production across Asia. From a trade point of view, however, it is viewed as a robust, functional commodity—no premium storytelling, just a reliable workhorse for global food security.

It matters in global trade because it offers a sturdy grain composition and consistent yield potential. This makes IR 8 rice a cornerstone product for global bulk B2B trade, utilised heavily by industries ranging from large-scale food service to consumer-packaged staples. Buyers procure IR8 raw rice when they need a cost-effective, non-sticky long grain rice that is suitable for large-volume logistics without the price tag of fragrant varieties.

Historical Context

It is impossible to overestimate the significance of this grain. The Green Revolution was started, and famine was avoided when the IR 8 rice variety was brought to the Philippines and India in the 1960s. It is still a representation of agricultural productivity and volume today.

How is IR-8 Long Grain Rice Different from Premium Fragrant Rice?

IR 8 rice and premium varieties like Basmati or Jasmine sit in different segments of the trade. While fragrant rice is driven by aroma and luxury appeal, IR-8 is driven by fundamentals: yield, resilience, and cost.

Price Point & Economics

IR 8 Long Grain Rice is the cost-effective alternative. The IR 8 rice price is generally much more competitive compared to premium fragrant varieties, making it the preferred choice for budget-conscious institutional catering, government stockpiling, and public distribution systems.

Texture & Utility

Premium varieties are valued for aroma and delicate softness. In contrast, IR8 raw rice is valued for its firm texture and non-sticky nature.

Supply Consistency & Buyer Profile

• Supply: Fragrant varieties often have specific geographical indications (GI) and seasonal volatility. The IR 8 rice variety, being a high-yield semi-dwarf plant grown across multiple nations, offers a more predictable supply volume for large international tenders.
• Buyers: Basmati buyers are looking for a dining experience; IR 8 rice buyers are looking for efficiency. The decision usually comes down to whether the end-user requires a standalone table rice (Premium) or a reliable staple for heavy consumption.

IR-8 Long Grain Specifications

The Origin & Definition: Understanding IR-8 Long Grain Rice

Before analysing specific grades, it is vital to understand the classification. The IR 8 rice full form stands for "International Rice-8". It is a high-yielding, semi-dwarf variety originally developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) that kick-started the Green Revolution in Asia.

While traders often use the shorthand, the IR rice full form refers to the broader "International Rice" lineage. Specifically, the IR8 meaning in a modern trading context has shifted from just a botanical variety to a genericised term for a specific class of long-grain, high-volume coarse rice. When buyers ask for the IR8 full form in trade documents, they are verifying this specific origin standard, distinct from Basmati or Jasmine varieties.

Types, Grades & Variants - Import IR-8 Long Grain Rice

IR-8 is traded as a versatile bulk commodity. When buyers import IR-8, they are choosing a specific processing style to match their target market, not a brand.

By Processing Type

• Raw Milled (White Rice):
  • Description: The baseline standard where the husk and bran are completely removed.
  • Trade Context: This is the most widely traded volume, used for general consumption and retail packaging. It cooks fluffy but is more prone to breakage than parboiled variants.
• Parboiled (Sella Rice):
  • Description: The paddy is soaked and steamed before milling. This drives nutrients from the bran into the grain and gelatinises the starch.
  • Trade Context: Preferred by food service and industrial processors. The parboiling process adds cooking resilience (it rarely overcooks) and increases yield, making it ideal for mass catering and institutional supplies.
• Brown Rice (Cargo Rice):
  • Description: Only the husk is removed; the bran layer remains intact.
  • Trade Context: Imported by the health food segment or, more commonly, imported as "Cargo Rice" to destinations like the EU to be re-processed locally to avoid higher import tariffs on white rice.

By Broken Percentage

Broken percentage is the primary price lever in the rice trade. It refers to the percentage of grains broken during the milling process.

• 3% Broken (Parboiled):
  • Profile: A premium export grade.
  • Market: Highly preferred in the Middle East and African markets for its consistent quality and visual appeal on the plate.
• 5% Broken (Raw Milled):
  • Profile: The standard international benchmark.
  • Market: It balances price and visual quality, making it the most traded grade globally. When traders quote a "standard" price without specification, they are usually referring to IR-8 5% Broken.
• 100% Broken:
  • Profile: Grains are fractured and lack structural integrity.
  • Market: Used exclusively for animal feed, brewing (as an adjunct), or rice flour production where grain integrity is irrelevant but starch content is key.

By Application

• Retail Grade:
  • Requires well-milled grains with a low broken percentage (typically 5% or less). These are intended for consumer bags (1kg, 5kg, 10kg).
• Industrial Grade:
  • Standard milling that has a higher breakage (25% or more) or chalky grains. This is a cost-effective option for processed foods.

Applications & End-Use Mapping - IR-8 Long Grain Rice

IR-8 is used where texture and volume matter more than aroma. It fits into systems that require non-sticky, firm rice.

• Food Service & HORECA: Often used in canteens, restaurants, and catering. The parboiled variant is favoured here as grains must remain separate and fluffy even after sitting in warmers.
• Retail & Consumer Packaging: The standard 1kg to 10kg bags found in supermarkets globally. It serves as the everyday household rice.
• Industrial Processing: Used in the production of rice flour, puffed rice snacks, and for ready-to-eat meals.
• Export-Oriented Tenders: A primary choice for government-to-government tenders in import-dependent nations, ensuring food security.

Supply & Demand Countries - IR-8 Long Grain Rice

Major Asian exporters are connected to high-consumption markets in Africa and the Middle East through the IR-8 trade flow.

Top Exporters of IR-8 Long Grain Rice

• India: Being a large-exporter nation, it has been providing large quantities, particularly parboiled varieties, to countries like Punjab, Haryana, and UP.
• Vietnam & Thailand have been among the top exporters with prices rivaling India's FOB prices.
• Pakistan is also an important supplier in the Asian region, adding to the global gene pool for long-grain varieties.

Leading Importers of IR-8 Long Grain Rice

• West Africa: Major importers include Nigeria, Senegal, and the country of Ghana. These are especially for parboiled types.
• Middle East: Saudi Arabia and the UAE import huge quantities for local consumption.

Global Market Overview - IR-8 Long Grain Rice

IR 8 long grain rice fits into the major "Long Grain Rice" category in global trade (HS Code 1006). It acts as the heavy lifter of the rice world, supporting essential food supplies globally.

Market Size & Growth

The global rice market is huge, estimated to be worth over USD 300 billion every year. IR 8 rice makes up a significant portion of this non-basmati trade volume. Experts project that the market will continue to grow steadily at a rate of around 2.5% through 2030.

Why It Matters

What keeps the IR 8 rice variety active is its sheer scale.

• Not Niche: It is not a speciality product; it is a staple commodity.
• Mass Movement: It moves in massive bulk vessels to feed millions of people.
• Policy Sensitive: While it is largely unaffected by luxury trends, the trade of this variety is highly sensitive to government trade policies.

Key Demand Drivers - IR-8 Long Grain Rice

Population Growth & Food Security

As a staple food for billions, baseline demand is consistent. It is the engine of food security in many importing nations.

Cost-Effectiveness

It offers a calorie-dense food source at a price point far below fragrant varieties. This economic efficiency drives its volume.

Urbanisation & Commercial Kitchens

The growth of institutional catering favours IR-8. Commercial kitchens need rice that doesn't clump and yields well. IR-8 fits this operational requirement perfectly.

Regulatory Stockpiling

Governments often prefer IR-8 for public distribution systems and buffer stocks because it stores well and has reliable yields.

Production & Supply Dynamics - IR-8 Long Grain Rice

Concentrated Production

Production is heavily packed into the Asian region. India and Vietnam lead as suppliers, meaning the global supply of IR8 raw rice is tightly tied to their production rate.

Climate & Geopolitical Risk

Weather plays a huge role here. The El Niño cycle can mess up Asian monsoon patterns, creating sudden jumps in the IR 8 rice price. On top of that, politics matter—export bans or new taxes from major producers (like India) can drastically choke off the supply overnight.

Supply Concentration

Any disruption has a significant impact on the market because of the small number of key exporters. Whether it is a drought in Thailand or a policy change in New Delhi, the impact is felt globally, affecting the availability of this staple, which is often sought after as IR8 dosa rice for its popular culinary uses.

Bulk Export Price & Bulk Cost Indicators - IR-8 Long Grain Rice

Indicative Bulk Price (FOB Major Asian Port, 2026):

• Raw Milled (5% Broken): USD 480 - USD 520 per Metric Ton (MT)
• Parboiled (3% Broken): USD 540 - USD 580 per Metric Ton (MT)

Prices in this sector have seen a 15-20% increase since 2023 due to geopolitical constraints, but have stabilised in early 2026.

Note: Prices move based on grade, order volume, and origin. In this trade, cost control comes from locking in contracts during harvest peaks and managing logistics efficiently.

HS Code & Classification - IR-8 Long Grain Rice

IR-8 classification is mandatory for accurate duty calculation.

• For Milled Rice (Raw): 1006.30.90
• For Parboiled Rice: 1006.30.10
• For Brown Rice: 1006.20.00
• For Broken Rice: 1006.40.00

Correct classification under the 1006 heading is critical for smooth customs clearance. Most exporters will align the specific code with the buyer's import requirements before shipping.

Logistics, Packaging & Incoterms - IR-8 Long Grain Rice

Packaging

• Bulk: 50kg PP (Polypropylene) bags are the B2B standard.
• FIBC: 1 MT Jumbo bags for industrial buyers.
• Retail: 1kg - 5kg bags for direct-to-consumer markets.

Storage

IR-8 has a shelf life of 12-24 months if stored in cool, dry conditions. It is a robust grain that travels well.

Incoterms

• FOB: Common for major ports like Mundra or Ho Chi Minh City.
• CIF: Preferred by African and Middle Eastern buyers who want the seller to handle the freight and insurance complexity.

Certifications & Compliance – IR-8 Long Grain Rice

Following international standards is essential for seamless export operations of a long grain non basmati rice that is traded extensively.

Phytosanitary Certificate

This is the non-negotiable passport for IR 8 rice. Every shipment moves with one to prove the cargo is pest-free and disease-free.

Quality Inspection

Buyers often mandate third-party inspection. They verify specific parameters, such as identifying the broken limit, moisture content, and verifying the overall quality of the IR8 raw rice before shipment.

Market Specifics

• Halal: This certification is mandatory for the IR 8 rice variety to enter OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) member countries.
• ISO 22000 / HACCP: These are preferred by major retail chains to provide food safety assurance.
• MRL Compliance: Exporting IR 8 long grain rice to regions like Europe, suppliers must adhere to strict Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) for pesticides.

Future Outlook & Opportunities - IR-8 Long Grain Rice

Steady Growth

The outlook remains positive. As a staple commodity, demand tracks with population growth, not trends.

Fortified Rice

A major growth segment is the blending of IR-8 with fortified kernels to meet government nutritional mandates. This adds value to the base commodity.

Value-Added Shifts

Opportunities exist in shifting towards organic-certified IR-8 or specific premium parboiled variants for export markets that demand higher traceability.

Why Buy IR-8 Long Grain Rice Through Tradologie?

Built for bulk trade, not listings

You don't scroll products. You post a real requirement, and suppliers respond to it. That's how serious buying actually happens.

Direct access to verified exporters

You deal directly with IR-8 rice exporters who are active in the trade. No broker layers, no mixed signals.

Live negotiation, real market pricing

Prices aren't static. Negotiations happen in real time, based on broken %, volume, and shipment terms.

Specs stay front and centre.

Grain type, breakage, moisture, packing, port — everything is aligned upfront, not fixed later.

Support without interference

Coordination is there when needed, but decisions stay between Buyer and seller. Clean, professional, and transparent.

Transparency & Disclaimer

All prices, specifications, and trade data are indicative and subject to change based on season, origin, compliance requirements, and logistics. Buyers and Sellers should verify details before contracting. Data sources include Tradologie Internal Market Data and ITC Trade Map.