10 Countries That Export the Most Rice in the World

Rice is the most important staple food in the world, feeding more than 3 billion people in Asia alone, but which 10 countries that export the most rice in the world? As many as 40,000 varieties of rice are produced in the world, from short to long grain and in a variety of colors. Rice is produced in regions with higher rainfall and doesn’t require much labor compared to other crops.

In 2014, total rice exports in the world were $24.9 billion, down 2.2% compared with 2013. That’s an estimated 42.5 million metric tons. Asian countries account for 74.6% of rice exports in the world, and they also make up most of the 11 Countries that Consume the Most Rice in the world.

To understand the global rice market, we ranked top rice-exporting countries by overall dollars, because different kinds of rice bring in hugely disparate prices per pound. The dollar data comes from UN Comtrade.

10. Australia – $352.8 million

More than 80% of Australia’s rice production is exported to 60 countries all over the world. Careful planning and modern technology help to boost Australia’s high-quality yields.

9. China: $378.3 million

China is the largest rice producing nation in the world overall. But the Chinese population relies heavily on rice, and proportionately less is exported as a result.

8.Brazil: $397 million

Brazil is the largest rice producer outside of Asia. Like Australia, Brazil has adopted advanced farming technology and planning to increase production. The state of Rio Grande do Sul produces the most.

7. Uruguay: $513.1 million

Uruguay’s economy relies heavily on agricultural exports. It may only be the #7 exporter overall, but Uruguay is the smallest nation on this list by far and about 90% of domestic production is exported.

6. Italy: $699.5 million

Italy is the largest rice-growing nation in Europe, with an ideal climate, abundant suitable land, and plentiful labor. It exports rice mainly to neighboring European countries because of proximity and barrier-free trade, but risotto lovers around the world pay top dollar for Italian arborio rice.

5. Vietnam: $1.8 billion

Vietnam is continuously increasing its rice production by expanding farmland and improving yields. However, rising population could adversely impact Vietnam’s rice exports in coming years. Last year, Vietnam exported about 6 million metric tons of rice in many varieties, which is why it takes the 5th place among the 10 countries that export the most rice in the world.

4. United States: $2 billion

The US exports high-quality rice with a focus on high-end varieties. Even though US produces just 2% of world’s total rice production, it accounts for about 8% of global exports. Major varieties of rice produced in the US include historical heirloom species like Carolina Gold. The United States exported 3.3 million metric tons of rice last year.

3. Pakistan: $2.2 billion

Pakistan is a major producer and exporter of rice in the world. Sophisticated irrigation and a perfect climate helped Pakistan export 4 million metric tons last year — mostly high-quality Basmati rice that fetches a high price in nearby Middle Eastern nations for use in staple meals like biryani.

2. Thailand: $5.4 billion

Thailand’s economy is export-oriented, where traditional farmers are happy to produce crops for international sale at higher prices. Most Thai rice ends up in neighboring countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Myanmar, and with 9 million metric tons last year, Thailand is narrowing the gap with rice behemoth India. India stays far ahead in dollars because it exports higher-priced varieties than Thailand, which produces Jasmine, Red Cargo, Brown and White rice. But rice is nevertheless an economic lifeline for Thailand, making up about half of its GDP.

1. India: $7.9 billion

India is the largest rice exporter in both quantity and dollar amount, accounting for more than 31% of total global exports. India exported 11.5 million metric tons of rice during 2014, and while Thailand is narrowing the quantity gap, India is still way ahead in overall value of exports. The government of India also restricts export of non-basmati rice to ensure its domestic supply.

In an increasingly global and sophisticated market, the 10 Countries That Export The Most Rice in the World play a more and more vital role. But there’ll be competition at the top of the list as Thailand tries to edge out India, with production even outpacing Thailand’s capacity for storage or transport.