Rice market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the U.S. rice market volume experienced significant fluctuations. After reaching 7.9 million tons in 2018, the market contracted to 5.7 million tons in 2019 due to a drop in domestic production coupled with rising exports. A recovery to 8.2 million tons followed in 2020, driven by increased production and imports, but volume declined again to 6.2 million tons in 2021.

In 2022, climatic factors including variations in temperature and precipitation adversely affected the rice harvest, leading to a fall in production to 7.3 million tons. Market volume stabilized at 6.1 million tons supported by higher imports. The following year, production rebounded to 9.9 million tons, aided by the adoption of precision farming techniques on organic rice farms and sustained consumer demand for premium varieties such as basmati and jasmine. Consequently, market volume grew to 8.5 million tons in 2023.

Production rice in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States ranked as the 13th largest producer of rice globally.

Top producers of rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of rice, 2017-2020

In 2020, the United States produced 10 320 thousand tons of rice, marking a significant 22.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 27.7%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 8.5%. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 17.3%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 25.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of rice output in the United States reached 5 908 million US dollars, reflecting a robust 36.0% rise from the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, production value surged by 63.1%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 17.7%. The most significant decrease was observed in 2019, at 19.2%, whereas the largest increase took place in 2018, with a jump of 48.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports rice from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, the United States exported 3 299 thousand tons of rice, representing a 9.1% decline from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 14%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018, at 3 194 thousand tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 16.7%, while the most significant increase was in 2019, at 13.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, rice exports from the United States were relatively evenly distributed among partners. Mexico accounted for 22.5% of exports in kind, Haiti for 13.3%, and Japan for 8.8%, with these three countries together making up only 44.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Rice exports from the United States increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 889 million US dollars, showing a modest year-over-year advance of 0.6%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 9.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018, at 1 691 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a decrease of 1.6%, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 11.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, no single market dominated rice exports in value terms. Mexico accounted for 15.1% of exports, Japan for 13.3%, and Haiti for 12.5%, with these three partners together representing only 40.9% of total export value. Many smaller partners each held modest individual shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports rice to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

Rice imports into the United States increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 1 188 thousand tons, up by 23.4% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 54.8%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 15.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Throughout 2017-2020, three key markets—Thailand, India, and China—were central to rice imports in kind, collectively accounting for 84.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Foreign rice supplies to the United States increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 284 million US dollars, reflecting a strong advance of 18.2% over the past year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 76.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Thailand and India clearly dominated the partner structure for rice imports in value terms, while other countries together formed the remaining share.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020