India is the world’s largest rice exporter, accounting for about 40% of global rice exports. In 2022 alone, they exported nearly 22 million tonnes of rice to more than 140 countries. A large part of this was low-value, mass-produced rice destined for low-income countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Other major rice exporters include Thailand, Vietnam, China, Brazil, etc.
1. List of the world’s largest rice exporting countries at present
1.1. Vietnam ranks 3rd in rice exports at present each year
Are you wondering where Vietnam’s rice exports rank in the world? Vietnam is currently the country with the 3rd largest rice export output in the world with a solid foundation as a country developed from a rice civilization. Therefore, rice is both a main food source and a strategic export item.
Rice is Vietnam’s main agricultural export product. Therefore, it is not difficult for Vietnam to become a country in Southeast Asia with the world’s leading rice export volume.
According to customs statistics, in 2022, Vietnam’s rice export turnover reached 7.1 million tons with a value of 3.45 billion USD, up 13.8% in volume and 5.1% in value over the same period in 2021.
According to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, as of early April this year, rice exports reached nearly 3 million tons, with a turnover of 1.56 billion USD, up 43.6% in volume and 54.5% in value over the same period. In particular, the average export price of rice is estimated at 526 USD/ton, up 7.6% over the same period. With this price, Vietnamese rice surpassed Thailand, rising to the leading position in the world, which is also the highest price in the past 2 years.
Vietnam’s largest rice export markets are still the Philippines, Indonesia, China, South Korea, EU countries and the United States.
1.2. India – the world’s largest rice exporter
According to the forecast from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), India is expected to continue to lead the list of countries with the largest rice export output in the world in 2022, with more than 25% of the global market share. India’s non-basmati rice export market focuses mainly on African and Asian countries, while its premium basmati rice is often exported to Middle Eastern countries, the United States and the UK.
Currently, India’s rice reserves are at a record level. It is expected that rice consumption in India will increase by about 2.3 million tons in 2022. However, India’s rice export volume is forecast to decrease to about 2.25 million tons due to the impact of the decline in global trade.
1.3. Thailand was once the top 1 rice exporter in the world
Thailand stands out as the country with the largest rice export output in Southeast Asia, and ranks second in the world with about 7.54 million tons, just behind India. Thailand’s rice export market mainly focuses on countries such as the United States, South Africa, Angola, China and Japan.
According to the forecast from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Thailand’s rice export output in 2021 is expected to reach about 6.1 million tons, an increase of 400,000 tons compared to the same period in 2020. It is worth noting that Thailand’s Hom Mali fragrant rice is considered one of the best rice varieties in the world, helping to ensure a solid position of Thai rice in the international market.
1.4. China – the world’s largest rice producer
China, the world’s most populous country, has a significant rice consumption and export market, and plays an important role in the world’s rice trade. In particular, China is also one of the major rice importers. However, it is increasingly strict on the quality standards, origin, and packaging of imported rice. Compared to last year, China has contributed a large part to the expected increase in total global rice consumption. The forecast shows that China’s total rice consumption has increased to 155.7 million tons, compared to 5.4 million tons a year ago. The main countries to which China exports rice include neighboring countries such as South Korea, Mongolia, and Hong Kong.
1.5. Pakistan – 4 million tonnes of rice exports per year
Pakistan, despite facing frequent food crises, has continued to maintain its rice exports on the international stage. Among the countries receiving Pakistani rice exports, China is the top and the largest market the country is focusing on.
Pakistan’s premium Basmati rice has built a strong competitive position, especially in competition with India. This is partly due to the balanced tricyclazole and carbendazim content of Pakistani Basmati rice, which has attracted the favor of the European Union.
1.6. United States – exports nearly 3 million tons per year
Although the United States is a powerhouse with important industries such as oil, steel, and automobile manufacturing, and has impressive developments in the fields of science and technology, significant investment and development in the agricultural sector should not be overlooked. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), US rice exports in 2022 are expected to decrease by about 2.5%, equivalent to 2.88 million tons, due to reduced supply and increased costs.
1.7. Uruguay – the largest food center in South America
Uruguay’s economy is mainly based on the export of agricultural products. Therefore, it is understandable that Uruguay is on the list of the leading rice exporting countries in the world. In the period from 2020 to 2021, Uruguay exported more than 780,000 tons of rice. Their main target market is Brazil.
1.8. Italy
According to statistical data, Italy produces an average of about 1.4 million tons of rice per year. Most of this product is often exported to markets in the European Union. In particular, in 2019, the volume of rice exported from Italy reached more than 780,000 tons.
1.9. Brazil
In the past, Brazil used to be a country that had to import rice from other countries. But now, Brazil has completely changed the landscape and is on the list of the world’s largest rice exporting countries. This change is mainly due to the implementation of innovative policies in the field of science and technology and the expansion of farming activities. Brazil’s main export markets include Peru, Venezuela, Cuba and Costa Rica.
1.10. Cambodia
Cambodia ranks 10th in the list of countries with the largest rice export production globally. During the period 2020-2021, Cambodia exported about 1.45 million tons of rice to more than 60 different countries around the world. In the list of main markets that Cambodia exports rice, they include China, the European Union (EU) and some countries in the ASEAN region. The above article has provided the exact 10 largest rice exporting countries in the world up to now. If you need to learn about regulations and services related to rice export, please contact Boomlogistics, a prestigious and leading company in Vietnam, to receive detailed advice and support from A to Z.