The global rice export market is worth billions, hitting $29.3 billion in 2022. This marks an 8.7% gain from the year before1. Over five years, rice exports have grown by 12.5%, reaching $29.3 billion1. A few countries lead this global trade, standing out as top rice exporters.
| Rank | Country | Export Quantity (tons) | Flag | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 22,073,747 | 🇮🇳 | |
| 2 | Thailand | 7,684,732 | 🇹🇠| |
| 3 | Vietnam | 5,437,911 | 🇻🇳 | |
| 4 | Pakistan | 4,568,646 | 🇵🇰 | |
| 5 | China | 2,349,304 | 🇨🇳 | |
| 6 | United States | 2,124,681 | 🇺🇸 | |
| 7 | Myanmar | 2,070,855 | 🇲🇲 | |
| 8 | Brazil | 1,409,134 | 🇧🇷 | |
| 9 | Uruguay | 979,834 | 🇺🇾 | |
| 10 | Paraguay | 752,340 | 🇵🇾 | |
| 11 | Italy | 721,261 | 🇮🇹 | |
| 12 | Cambodia | 641,175 | 🇰🇠| |
| 13 | Belgium | 629,490 | 🇧🇪 | |
| 14 | Argentina | 414,804 | 🇦🇷 | |
| 15 | Netherlands | 375,005 | 🇳🇱 |
Key Takeaways
- The top five rice-exporting countries – India, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, and the United States – collectively account for 72.8% of the worldwide rice export value.
- Asian countries dominate the global rice export market, contributing 76.7% of the total value in 2022.
- India remains the world’s largest rice exporter, with expected exports valued at over $10.7 billion in 2024.
- Thailand and Vietnam are also major players, generating $4 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, from rice exports in 2024.
- The United States is a significant rice exporter, generating $1.7 billion in export revenue in 2024.
Beef Production by Country (2022)
Source: FAO
India: Leading the Pack
India is the top rice exporter in the world. It is famous for its many types of rice, like Basmati. This makes India very important in the rice market globally.
India’s Prominent Role in the Global Rice Trade
Roughly 40% of all rice that’s traded globally comes from India. This means it exports about 20 million tons of rice every year2. Such huge numbers show how much of a leader India is in rice exports worldwide2. In 2022, its rice exports were worth over $10.7 billion, crucial for the world’s rice needs3.
Diverse Varieties, Including Aromatic Basmati Rice
India is filled with many types of rice, from the popular Basmati to non-Basmati white rice3. Basmati rice, especially, is loved for its scent and taste. It’s well-loved in other countries too3. Apart from Basmati, India ships lots of white rice, making up 25% of its exports4.
India meets a huge chunk of the world’s rice needs. Its variety and export amounts maintain its top spot as a rice exporter34. India’s role in the rice trade is always growing stronger32.
“India’s move to ban rice exports has led to surge in rice prices in countries like Nepal and Vietnam.”4
Thailand: A Global Rice Hub
Thailand is a key player in the global rice trade. It’s just behind India as a top rice exporting country5. The nation earns about 15% of its farming GDP from rice. Plus, over 60% of its 13 million farmers grow rice. This uses more than half of Thailand’s agricultural land5. Thailand is known for its top-notch Jasmine rice. Its commitment to quality has made it a major rice hub in the world.
High-Quality Jasmine Rice Exports
Jasmine rice is Thailand’s speciality and known for its great taste and quality5. It’s produced only in specific areas of the country. This ensures its unique flavor. In 2017, Thai rice trade was worth 174.5 billion baht. This made up 12.9% of the nation’s farming earnings6.
Stringent Quality Standards and Reputation
Thailand takes quality seriously in its rice export business5. It has support from Thailand’s royal family, which adds to its prestige5. Thailand is the world’s second-biggest rice exporter and has a lot of land for growing rice. The country aims to grow more rice by adding 500,000 hectares6. In the 2019–2020 season, it projects 27–28 million metric tons of rice grains6.
Thanks to its know-how and strict quality checks, Thailand is highly regarded in the rice world. It showcases its excellence through its quality Jasmine rice. Thailand keeps raising the bar in the global rice trade675.
Vietnam: Rising in the Ranks
Vietnam is becoming a key player in rice exports across the globe. It focuses on growing various rice types, including Jasmine and fragrant varieties. This effort is meeting the rising need for rice all over the world
.
In 2023, Vietnam earned $4.78 billion from rice exports. This figure reflects its growing importance in the global rice market8. Thanks to its well-planned cultivation and export strategies, Vietnam is solidifying its place in this market.
In recent years, Vietnam’s rice sector has seen significant expansion. By 2023, its rice exports hit 8.13 million metric tons, making it the 5th largest producer and 3rd largest exporter globally8. The main buyers of Vietnamese rice are the Philippines, Indonesia, and China. Of these, the Philippines leads the import with 3.1 million tons bought in 20238.
Vietnam plans to keep its place in the global rice market8. For 2024, it aims to produce between 43 and 43.5 million tons of rice. The goal is to export around 3.23 million tons in the first quarter of the year8. To make this happen, Vietnam is improving its farming methods and offering better-quality rice types, including Jasmine, White, Basmati, and Broken rice8.
Top rice exporters in Vietnam include Intimex Group, Vietnam Northern Food Corporation, and Orient Rice Co. Ltd8. These companies are instrumental in Vietnam’s growth in the global rice market.
Even though Vietnam’s rice exports are growing fast, it has a long-term plan in mind9. By 2030, Vietnam aims to lower its exports to 4 million tons each year, from 7.1 million tons previously. The focus will shift to selling higher-quality, more profitable rice types. This change aims to improve its global market position and remain competitive9.
Vietnam’s success in the global rice market showcases its dedication to innovation and quality10. With a strong focus on premium rice types and a smart strategy for export, Vietnam is set to climb higher in global rice trade rankings810.
Pakistan: Contributing to Global Rice Supply
Pakistan is a big name in the world’s rice market. It plays a vital role in the global rice supply11. The country stands out for its Basmati rice with its special smell and long grains.
Renowned Basmati Rice Exports
In 2022, Pakistan’s rice exports were worth $2,352,983,000, showing its key role in global rice trade11. Rice makes up a large part of Pakistan’s food exports and mostly goes out as rough, brown, and fully milled rice11. Indica rice is the main type traded and makes up most of the world’s rice trade.
Improving Agricultural Practices and Quality Control
Pakistan is focused on better farming and quality checks. This effort has made it an important name in rice exports11. It grows rice on 2.89 million hectares, bringing in about $2 billion. This is roughly 8% of Pakistan’s export earnings11.
With 7.4 million tonnes harvested, Pakistan is among the top 10 rice producers worldwide11. The country is expected to grow even more in the coming years. The USDA says Pakistan’s milled rice production will jump by 64% in 2023-24. Rice exports are also predicted to hit 5 million tonnes that same year12.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Rice sector’s contribution to agriculture value added | 3.0% |
| Rice sector’s contribution to GDP | 0.6% |
| Rice crop area in 2018-19 | 2,810 thousand hectares |
| Rice production in 2018-19 | 7,202 thousand tonnes |
| Rice’s share in total food group exports | 44.4% |
| Rice cultivation area in Pakistan | 2.89 million hectares |
| Rice production in Pakistan | 7.4 million tonnes |
| Forecasted milled rice production in 2023-24 | 9 million mt |
| Forecasted rice exports in 2023-24 | 5 million mt |
“Pakistan’s Basmati rice is particularly renowned for its unique aroma and long grain, making it a highly sought-after commodity in the global rice market.”
United States: A Western Powerhouse
The United States is a key player in the global rice market. It’s a big exporter of long-grain rice. In 2022, it shipped rice worth $1,703,807,000 globally. This shows how important the U.S. is in the world of rice13. Its exports bring a wider variety of rice choices to everyone.
Major Exporter of Long-Grain Rice
The U.S. is well-known for its high-quality long-grain rice13. It leads the world in exporting farm products, with $118.3 billion in sales in 201913. This market strength highlights its role as a major force in the global rice trade.
Diversifying Global Rice Options
The U.S. rice export industry is key in global rice diversity13. Being the top in agricultural exports, it offers many types of rice to the world. This mix adds variety and meets different tastes and cooking needs everywhere.
“The U.S. is a major exporter of long-grain rice, contributing $1,703,807,000 worth of rice exports in 2022. The country’s rice export industry helps to diversify the global rice options available to consumers worldwide.”
The U.S.’s strong role in global rice exports shows its farming strength and versatility. As a key player in the trade, it continues to influence the market13.
China: Meeting Domestic and International Demand
China plays a big part in the world’s rice scene14. It became the top agricultural importer in 2019, surpassing the EU and the USA14. With strong farming methods, China can meet its needs and play a big role in the global rice market.
In 2022, China’s rice exports hit $1,033,704,00014. This shows its importance in global rice trade14. But, in 2021, its rice exports dropped 18%, mainly because its prices couldn’t keep up with the rest of the world15.
Still, China is a major player in the rice world16. Its grain use has skyrocketed, from 125 million metric tons to 420 million metric tons between 1975 and 201816. This growth shows China’s huge need for rice. It also shows its growing ability to meet the world’s rice demands.
China is key in the global rice market as the second biggest economy14. Between 2000 and 2019, it increased the consumption of poultry meat by 32%14. It also upped its soybean oil use four times14. These facts show China’s increasing need for various agricultural goods, including rice.
China is a top player in the global rice game, as both a big consumer and exporter15. Its rice exports stayed at 1.69 million mt in the first eight months of 202115. This shows China is still very relevant in the global rice market. With its huge population, China’s rice business will remain important worldwide141615.
India’s Dominance in the Global Rice Export Market
India is the top player in the global rice export market17. It exported rice worth $10,766,623,000 in 202217. This is over a third of all worldwide rice exports18. The country’s broad range of rice types, including the famous Basmati, has helped it keep this leading role. It is vital for meeting the world’s food security needs19.
India shines in the rice export market with its big numbers17. It’s the second-largest rice producer17, and since 2012, it’s been the leading exporter17. With a yield of 2,809 kg/hectare17, India has 11.2% of the Earth’s farmable land17. It outdoes China in exporting rice despite China producing more17.
In 2022, India sent 22.1 million tonnes of rice overseas17. Its main exports were Basmati, parboiled, non-Basmati white, and broken rice17. Nearly all of what India exported (98%) came from these types in 2022-2317.
| Key Statistics on India’s Rice Exports | Value |
|---|---|
| India’s rice exports in 2022 | $10,766,623,00017 |
| India’s rice exports in 2021 | 21.5 million tonnes18 |
| India’s share in global rice exports | Over 33%17 |
| India’s rice production yield | 2,809 kg/hectare17 |
| India’s share of the world’s arable land | 11.2%17 |
India’s role in rice exporting shines in major importing countries too18. It has a strong position in three of the top five rice importers18. Plus, from April to December 2022, India’s basmati rice alone earned $3.33 billion18. This money came mainly from Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates18.
India holds firm as the india largest rice exporter, india top rice exporter, and india biggest exporter of rice. Its growth in rice exports stands out. Between 2017 and 2021, its rice exports increased by 8% yearly18. This is more growth than big exporters like Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, and the U.S18.. It shows how strong India is in the global rice market.
“India’s rice exports play a crucial role in its economy, providing jobs and income for many.”19
To sum up, India leads the way in the global rice export market171819. Its rich variety of rice, including the famous Basmati, and its top production and export status are key. This makes it essential for feeding the world171819.
Myanmar and Cambodia: Emerging Players
Myanmar and Cambodia are now important in the rice market. In 2022, Myanmar made $786,839,000 from rice exports20. Cambodia’s sales hit $415,995,000. This shows they are big in the rice world.
Cambodia is getting ready to export more rice20. By 2024/2025, they’ll have more rice than ever, 2.84 million tonnes. The government’s plan will help them sell more abroad.
The growing role of Myanmar and Cambodia in rice exports is changing the rice market21. In Southeast Asia, 26 percent of the world’s rice is grown. These countries are key in the global rice market.
| Country | Rice Export Value (2022) | Key Export Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Myanmar | $786,839,000 | – |
| Cambodia | $415,995,000 | EU (37.8%), Mainland China (33.5%), Malaysia (7.9%) |
Myanmar and Cambodia are becoming big names in rice exporting20. While they’re not as big as some, their role is growing. Since 2010, Cambodia’s rice exports went up a lot and so did the money they made from it. These trends show they are on the rise as important rice sellers.
Myanmar and Cambodia are making a difference in the rice world. These Southeast Asian countries are using their farms to add to the global rice supply202122.
Uruguay and Brazil: South American Contenders
Uruguay and Brazil are making a big mark in the world of global rice exports23. They stand out in the production and consumption of three major food crops: rice, wheat, and maize. These two countries are playing a vital role in international rice trade.
In 2022, Uruguay saw its rice exports hit $498,030,00023. Brazil, on the other hand, exported rice worth $657,488,00023. These numbers highlight their growing importance in the global rice market.
Uruguay and Brazil are really making their mark in the global rice business23. This adds to the variety of rice available to consumers around the world. These South American nations are not just serving their own markets. They’re also reaching out to customers abroad, enriching the global rice trade.
| Country | Rice Exports (in USD) |
|---|---|
| Uruguay | $498,030,000 |
| Brazil | $657,488,000 |
South American countries like Uruguay and Brazil are playing a bigger role in the rice trade23. They’re adding to the options consumers have and showing how connected the rice market is globally. Their efforts highlight the changing face of the rice industry.
Uruguay: Cultivating Quality Rice in South America
Uruguay is in the heart of South America and stands out in the rice export market. It uses its unique features and vast rice fields to help feed the world24.
Unique Geographic Features for Rice Cultivation
Its temperate climate and fertile land make Uruguay perfect for growing rice. With over 135,000 hectares for rice, it produced over a million metric tonnes last season. This made it the seventh-largest rice exporter globally24. Each hectare can produce about nine tons of rice, showing how much Uruguay values rice farming24.
Contributing to Global Rice Diversity
Uruguay’s rice industry is both productive and varied. It sells rice to many places, with the European Union buying a good bit. Also, it is a top rice supplier to Peru, where its sales grew by 35.3% in early 202024.
In the first part of 2020, sales of Uruguayan rice increased by 6.25%. By April, these exports reached USD 1,811 million. The prices for rice grew by 11% in January and 15% in April, showing a strong market24.
Uruguay stands strong in the global rice market due to its natural advantages and dedication. It helps diversify the rice available worldwide and is known for its high quality. This makes it a key producer and exporter of rice in South America242526.
Brazil: A Rising Force in Rice Exports
Brazil is the biggest South American country known for its farming. Its rice industry is booming. In 2022, it made $657,488,000 from rice exports27. This shows Brazil can meet the world’s rice needs. It’s becoming a key player in the rice trade.
The rice sector is important for Brazil’s economy. It led Brazil to be the world’s top farming exporter28. From 2000 to 2020, the agriculture’s value grew 8% each year28. Also, its exports increased by 9.4% every year until 202128. This makes Brazil strong in the food and farming world.
Brazil is the fourth-largest grains producer. This includes rice and makes up 7.8% of the world’s production29. In 2020, it produced 239 million tons of grains. It exported 123 million tons of these29. This made Brazil the top exporter of grains with a 19% market share.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Brazil’s Rice Exports (2022) | $657.48 million |
| Brazil’s Global Rice Export Market Share (2023) | 2.2% |
| Brazil’s Global Grains Production Share (2020) | 7.8% |
| Brazil’s Global Grains Exports Share (2020) | 19% |
Brazil’s success in rice enhancing is due to many reasons. Its vast lands and good weather help. So do the new farming tools and skills28. In 2021, 29% of Brazil’s economy came from farming and food28. This area is vital for Brazil’s growth.
As Brazil sells more rice globally, it becomes more essential. It aims to meet the world’s increasing rice needs282927. Thanks to its big farms, creative farming, and focus on quality, Brazil is on the rise in the rice business.
Conclusion
The global rice export market is always changing. Many countries are key in feeding the world’s big need for rice30. Each country, like India and Thailand, brings something special to the global rice trade3130.
People want different kinds of rice. This makes top rice exporting countries very important for the industry’s future30. Things like trade rules, how much rice is made, and world events keep shaping the global rice export market32.
Helping make sure there’s enough food for everyone keeps the global rice-trade network moving30. Research and smart choices will be key as our world changes30. The main rice-selling countries will keep making big impacts, making rice trade reliable and interesting30.
FAQ
Who is the biggest exporter of rice in the world?
What are the major rice-exporting countries?
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