Top News

The global rice export landscape is reshaping under a flood of supply, shifting policies, and volatile markets. According to the striking graphic above, global exports reached 88.4 million tonnes, led overwhelmingly by India with more than 33 million tonnes.

Following India in the top ten are Thailand (10.9 M), Vietnam (8.6 M), Pakistan (6.7 M), Belgium (4.9 M), China (3.2 M), Myanmar (3.2 M), the U.S.A (3.0 M), Brazil (2.0 M), and the Netherlands (1.6 M).

These figures, from WorldStats, offer a vivid map of who’s dominating the international rice trade this year.

But behind those numbers lie deeper forces at work, ones that pit bumper harvests against fragile farmer margins, shifting trade rules, and global food security questions.

Oversupply meets policy shifts

The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in May projected that global rice production in 2024/25 will expand by about 1.5 percent, reaching 543.6 million tonnes, which would be a new record. With more rice in the world and more sellers competing, supply is outpacing demand in many markets.

India’s role in this story is pivotal. As the largest exporter of rice, its export behaviour echoes globally. In 2025, India has set an ambitious export target of 30 million tons for the 2025–2026 season, a move expected to add downward pressure on global rice prices.

India is looking to broaden its export markets beyond its traditional buyers in Africa, negotiating with countries such as the Philippines.

This influx of supply has already contributed to price declines. Global rice prices have dropped significantly as Thailand, Vietnam, and India have started releasing large volumes. The FAO All Rice Price Index has fallen, with some benchmarks hitting their lowest in years.

At the same time, the Philippines, one of the world’s largest rice importers, plans to extend its rice import ban until April to protect domestic farmers. That move may tighten demand further and ripple through international prices.

Source : msn