10 Countries That Export the Most Rice in the World

Rice is one of the most widely consumed staple foods in the world. It provides energy, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber to billions of people. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), rice production reached 515 million tons in 2022, with Asia accounting for 90% of the total. But which countries are the top exporters of rice in the world? Here is a list of the 10 countries that exported the most rice in 2022, based on data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

1. India

India is the world’s largest rice exporter, with a market share of 36.8% in 2022. India exported 10.8 billion US dollars worth of rice, mainly to African countries, Bangladesh and Nepal. India produces a variety of rice, including Basmati, which is highly valued for its aroma and quality. India banned the export of non-Basmati white rice in July 2022 due to domestic price inflation and crop damage caused by irregular monsoon rains.

2. Thailand

Thailand is the second-largest rice exporter in the world, with a market share of 13.5% in 2022. Thailand exported 4 billion US dollars worth of rice, mainly to China, Indonesia, Nigeria and the Philippines. Thailand is known for its jasmine rice, which has a fragrant and soft texture. Thailand also produces glutinous rice, which is sticky and used for desserts and snacks.

3. Vietnam

Vietnam is the third-largest rice exporter in the world, with a market share of 8.6% in 2022. Vietnam exported 2.5 billion US dollars worth of rice, mainly to China, Cuba, Malaysia and the Philippines. Vietnam produces long-grain white rice, which is suitable for daily consumption and cooking. Vietnam also produces fragrant rice, such as Nang Thom Cho Dao and Tai Nguyen.

4. Pakistan

Pakistan is the fourth-largest rice exporter in the world, with a market share of 8% in 2022. Pakistan exported 2.4 billion US dollars worth of rice, mainly to China, Kenya, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Pakistan produces long-grain Basmati rice, which has a distinctive flavor and aroma. Pakistan also produces non-Basmati varieties, such as IRRI-6 and PK-386.

5. United States

The United States is the fifth-largest rice exporter in the world, with a market share of 5.8% in 2022. The United States exported 1.7 billion US dollars worth of rice, mainly to Canada, Haiti, Japan and Mexico. The United States produces medium-grain and short-grain rice, which are used for sushi, risotto and paella. The United States also produces long-grain varieties, such as Carolina Gold and Texmati.

6. China

China is the sixth-largest rice exporter in the world, with a market share of 3.5% in 2022. China exported 1 billion US dollars worth of rice, mainly to Hong Kong, Iraq, Singapore and South Korea. China is also the world’s largest rice producer and consumer, with more than 200 million hectares of cultivated land and more than 1.4 billion people who depend on rice as their staple food. China produces various types of rice, such as indica, japonica and hybrid.

7. Italy

Italy is the seventh-largest rice exporter in the world, with a market share of 2.7% in 2022. Italy exported 804.7 million US dollars worth of rice, mainly to Germany, France, Spain and Switzerland. Italy is the largest rice producer in Europe, with more than 200 thousand hectares of cultivated land and more than 4 million tons of annual production. Italy produces mainly medium-grain and short-grain varieties, such as Arborio, Carnaroli and Vialone Nano.

8. Myanmar

Myanmar is the eighth-largest rice exporter in the world, with a market share of 2.7% in 2022. Myanmar exported 786.8 million US dollars worth of rice, mainly to China, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Myanmar is one of the oldest rice producers in Asia, with more than 6 million hectares of cultivated land and more than 28 million tons of annual production. Myanmar produces mainly long-grain white rice, such as Emata and Paw San.

9. Brazil

Brazil is the ninth-largest rice exporter in the world, with a market share of 2.2% in 2022. Brazil exported 657.5 million US dollars worth of rice, mainly to Venezuela, Cuba, Peru and Senegal. Brazil is also the largest rice producer in South America, with more than 2 million hectares of cultivated land and more than 11 million tons of annual production. Brazil produces mainly long-grain white rice, such as Agulhinha and Caiapó.

10. Belgium

Belgium is the tenth-largest rice exporter in the world, with a market share of 1.8% in 2022. Belgium exported 515.6 million US dollars worth of rice, mainly to France, Germany, Netherlands and United Kingdom. Belgium is not a rice producer, but a rice re-exporter, which imports rice from other countries and processes it for further distribution in the European market. Belgium re-exports various types of rice, such as Basmati, jasmine and parboiled.

Largest Exporter of Rice in the World

According to the latest data from the USDA, India is the world’s largest exporter of rice, accounting for 36.8% of the total rice exports in 2022. India exported 10.8 billion US dollars worth of rice in 2022, up by 11.8% from 2021. India’s main customers are African countries, Bangladesh and Nepal, who mostly buy non-Basmati white rice.

Global Demand for Rice

The global demand for rice is expected to increase in the coming years, as rice is a staple food for more than half of the world’s population. Rice consumption is projected to grow by 1.1% per year, reaching 515 million tons by 2023. The main drivers of rice demand are population growth, urbanization, income growth and dietary diversification. Rice demand is especially high in Sub-Saharan Africa, which is the largest rice importing region in the world.

Challenges and Opportunities for the Rice Industry

The rice industry faces several challenges, such as climate change, water scarcity, pests and diseases, low productivity and price volatility. To overcome these challenges, the rice industry needs to adopt more resilient and sustainable practices, such as improved varieties, irrigation systems, pest management and post-harvest technologies. The rice industry also has opportunities to tap into new markets, such as organic, fortified and specialty rice products, which can offer higher value and quality to consumers.

References:

https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL/visualize

https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL
https://www.worldstopexports.com/rice-exports-country/
https://www.statista.com/chart/30491/biggest-rice-exporters/
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/rice-production-by-country
https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/crops/rice/trade