10 Countries That Are the Biggest Rice Exporters in the World

Rice is one of the most consumed staple foods in the world, especially in Asia and Africa. It is a versatile grain that can be cooked in various ways and used in different cuisines. But which countries produce and export the most rice in the world? In this article, we will rank the top 10 rice exporters based on the data from the International Trade Centre (ITC) for 2020.

10. Brazil

Brazil is the largest rice producer and exporter in South America, with an annual output of about 11 million tonnes. Most of its rice is grown in the southern states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, where the climate is favorable for irrigated rice cultivation. Brazil mainly exports its rice to neighboring countries such as Venezuela, Peru, and Cuba, as well as to some African and Middle Eastern markets.

9. Myanmar

Myanmar is one of the leading rice exporters in Southeast Asia, with an annual export volume of about 12 million tonnes. Rice is the main crop and food source for most of its population, accounting for about 60% of its agricultural land use. Myanmar exports its rice to China, India, Bangladesh, and some African countries. However, its rice industry faces challenges such as low productivity, poor infrastructure, and political instability.

8. Cambodia

Cambodia is another major rice exporter in Southeast Asia, with an annual export volume of about 13 million tonnes. Rice is the mainstay of its economy and culture, providing livelihoods for about 80% of its rural population. Cambodia exports its rice to China, the European Union, Malaysia, and some African countries. It is known for its fragrant jasmine rice, which has a high demand in the international market.

7. Pakistan

Pakistan is the fourth-largest rice producer and the seventh-largest rice exporter in the world, with an annual export volume of about 14 million tonnes. Rice is grown in all provinces of Pakistan, but mainly in Punjab and Sindh, where the Indus River provides irrigation water. Pakistan exports its rice to China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and some African countries. It is famous for its basmati rice, which has a long grain, aromatic flavor, and fluffy texture.

6. Thailand

Thailand is the second-largest rice producer and the sixth-largest rice exporter in the world, with an annual export volume of about 16 million tonnes. Rice is the staple food and national symbol of Thailand, occupying about half of its arable land. Thailand exports its rice to China, Nigeria, Indonesia, and some other Asian and African countries. It is renowned for its jasmine rice, which has a fragrant smell and a soft texture.

5. Vietnam

Vietnam is the third-largest rice producer and the fifth-largest rice exporter in the world, with an annual export volume of about 17 million tonnes. Rice is the main crop and food source for most of its people, covering about 80% of its cultivated area. Vietnam exports its rice to China, Philippines, Indonesia, and some other Asian and African countries. It is known for its high-quality white rice, which has a low broken rate and a high milling yield.

4. United States

The United States is the tenth-largest rice producer and the fourth-largest rice exporter in the world, with an annual export volume of about 18 million tonnes. Rice is grown in six states: Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas. The United States exports its rice to Mexico, Haiti, Japan, and some other American and Asian countries. It is recognized for its long-grain rice varieties such as Texmati and Calrose.

3. India

India is the largest rice producer and the third-largest rice exporter in the world, with an annual export volume of about 19 million tonnes. Rice is grown in almost all states of India, but mainly in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. India exports its rice to Bangladesh, Nepal, Iran, and some other Asian and Middle Eastern countries. It is famous for its basmati rice varieties such as Dehradun and Pusa.

2. China

China is the second-largest rice producer and the second-largest rice exporter in the world, with an annual export volume of about 20 million tonnes. Rice is grown in most regions of China, but mainly in Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, Hunan, and Guangdong provinces. China exports its rice to North Korea, Hong Kong, Philippines, and some other Asian countries. It is known for its hybrid rice varieties such as Yuan Longping No. 1 and Shanyou No. 63.

1. Thailand

Thailand is not only a major rice producer but also the largest rice exporter in the world, with an annual export volume of about 21 million tonnes. Thailand has a long history and tradition of rice cultivation, dating back to more than 5,000 years ago. Thailand exports its rice to China, Nigeria, Indonesia, and some other Asian and African countries. It is renowned for its jasmine rice varieties such as Hom Mali and Pathum Thani.

Rice is a vital crop and commodity for many countries in the world, especially in Asia and Africa. It provides food security, income, and employment for millions of people. The global rice trade is expected to grow in the future, as the demand for rice increases with the population growth and urbanization. The top 10 rice exporters in the world play a significant role in meeting this demand and contributing to the global food system.

The Rise and Fall of Global Rice Demand

Rice is one of the most important staple foods in the world, especially in Asia and Africa. It provides energy, protein, vitamins and minerals for billions of people. However, the global demand for rice has been fluctuating in recent years due to various factors such as climate change, population growth, income levels, dietary preferences and trade policies. In this blog post, we will examine the trends and drivers of global rice demand and how they affect the biggest rice exporters in the world.

India: The Top Rice Exporter Facing Domestic Challenges

India is the world’s largest rice exporter, accounting for around 40 percent of worldwide exports, almost half of which is made up of the non-Basmati white rice variety . India’s rice exports have increased by 11.9 percent since 2021, reaching $10.8 billion in 2022 . India’s main customers are African countries as well as Bangladesh and Nepal, which rely on Indian non-Basmati rice for their food security .

However, India’s rice production and exports are facing serious challenges due to an irregular monsoon season that has affected the crop yields and quality . According to the Indian government, the export ban on non-Basmati white rice issued in July 2023 was necessary to ensure domestic food security and stabilize the prices . The ban has caused widespread panic buying, food inflation and fears of shortages in the global market .

Thailand: The Second Largest Rice Exporter with Stable Growth

Thailand is the second largest rice exporter in the world, with a market share of 13.5 percent and a value of $4 billion in 2022 . Thailand’s rice exports have grown by 18.3 percent since 2021, mainly due to the strong demand from China, Indonesia and Malaysia . Thailand is known as the largest exporter of jasmine rice, which is highly valued for its fragrance and quality .

Thailand’s rice production and exports are relatively stable compared to other major exporters, as the country has a favorable climate, advanced irrigation systems and supportive government policies . However, Thailand also faces some challenges such as rising production costs, aging farmers, environmental degradation and competition from other suppliers .

Vietnam: The Third Largest Rice Exporter with Declining Performance

Vietnam is the third largest rice exporter in the world, with a market share of 8.6 percent and a value of $2.5 billion in 2022 . However, Vietnam’s rice exports have declined by 16.1 percent since 2021, mainly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, droughts, floods and pests on its production and trade . Vietnam’s main customers are China, Philippines and Indonesia, which have reduced their imports due to their own bumper harvests or stockpiling strategies .

Vietnam’s rice production and exports are highly dependent on the Mekong Delta region, which accounts for more than 90 percent of its output . However, this region is also vulnerable to climate change, salinity intrusion, land subsidence and water pollution . Vietnam needs to diversify its rice varieties, improve its quality standards and enhance its value-added services to maintain its competitiveness in the global market .

Pakistan: The Fourth Largest Rice Exporter with Moderate Growth

Pakistan is the fourth largest rice exporter in the world, with a market share of 8 percent and a value of $2.4 billion in 2022 . Pakistan’s rice exports have grown by 9.2 percent since 2021, mainly due to the increased demand from China, Iran and Afghanistan . Pakistan is known as a major exporter of Basmati rice, which is prized for its aroma and flavor .

Pakistan’s rice production and exports are largely dependent on the Indus River basin, which provides irrigation water and fertile soils for its cultivation . However, this region is also facing water scarcity, soil erosion and salinity problems that threaten its sustainability . Pakistan needs to invest more in research and development, quality control and infrastructure to improve its productivity and profitability in the global market .

United States: The Fifth Largest Rice Exporter with Decreasing Performance

The United States is the fifth largest rice exporter in the world, with a market share of 5.8 percent and a value of $1.7 billion in 2022 . However, the United States’ rice exports have declined by 11.6 percent since 2021, mainly due to the reduced demand from Mexico, Haiti and Central America . The United States is known as a major exporter of long-grain rice, which is preferred for its fluffy and separate texture .

The United States’ rice production and exports are concentrated in six states: Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Texas . However, these states are also facing challenges such as high production costs, labor shortages, environmental regulations and trade disputes . The United States needs to diversify its export markets, develop new rice varieties and promote its quality and safety standards to retain its market share in the global market .

Rice is a vital crop for global food security and trade. However, the global demand for rice is influenced by many factors that create opportunities and challenges for the major rice exporters in the world. India, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan and the United States are the top five rice exporters in the world, but they have different strengths and weaknesses in their production and trade performance. They need to adapt to the changing market conditions and consumer preferences by improving their quality, efficiency and innovation.

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