Largest Rice Exporting and Importing Countries in the World

Rice is one of the most widely traded food grains in the world. Hundreds of millions of people depend on it as a daily staple, while countries with surplus production supply markets where local crops cannot fully meet demand.

When people search for the Largest Country Exporter and Importer of Rice, the answer depends on whether they are looking at exports or imports. India sits far ahead of every other exporting nation, while the Philippines leads rice imports in the latest United States Department of Agriculture forecast.

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service September 2026 report forecasts world rice trade at about 62.72 million metric tonnes for trade year 2026/27. India alone is forecast to export 25 million tonnes, close to 40% of the world total. The Philippines is forecast to import 5.6 million tonnes.

This article uses the USDA September 2026 forecast. USDA reports rice trade on a milled-equivalent basis and includes rough rice, brown rice, milled rice, and broken rice. Rough and brown rice volumes are converted to their milled equivalents for comparison.

Srindhya Global lists rice among the Indian FMCG and agricultural goods it sources for international B2B trade. Its website states that its food and agro range also covers spices, pulses, edible oils, and packaged goods.

World Rice Trade at a Glance

Here is a quick answer for readers looking for the current leaders:

1. India is the world’s largest rice exporter, with 25 million metric tonnes forecast for 2026/27.
2. The Philippines is the world’s largest rice importer, with 5.6 million tonnes forecast.
3. Vietnam and Thailand remain the next two major exporters after India.
4. China and Vietnam rank among the largest importing markets.
5. India is forecast to account for almost 40% of world rice exports.
6. Asia dominates both sides of international rice trade.
7. West African markets such as Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire remain major import destinations.
8. World rice trade is forecast at about 62.72 million tonnes in 2026/27.

Top 10 Largest Rice Exporting Countries in the World

The table below ranks countries using the USDA September 2026 forecast for trade year 2026/27. The United States appears separately in the USDA table but has been placed in its proper position here according to export volume.

1. India: 25 Million Metric Tonnes

India stands in a category of its own in international rice exports. USDA forecasts shipments of 25 million tonnes in 2026/27, compared with a world total of 62.715 million tonnes. That puts India’s share at just under 40%.

The scale of India’s rice sector allows exporters to serve very different markets. Premium Basmati rice is widely purchased across the Middle East, while non-Basmati varieties serve buyers across Africa, Asia, and other price-sensitive markets.

Indian exports include long-grain rice, Basmati, parboiled rice, white rice, and broken rice.

Srindhya Global’s article on agricultural products exported from India also identifies rice as a major Indian agricultural export and discusses Basmati and non-Basmati trade markets.

2. Vietnam: 8.1 Million Metric Tonnes

Vietnam ranks second, with rice exports forecast at 8.1 million tonnes. The country has a large production base in the Mekong Delta and sells substantial quantities to Asian markets.

The Philippines has long been an important destination for Vietnamese rice. USDA’s September report states that Vietnam remains the leading supplier to the Philippines.

Vietnam’s presence on both the exporter and importer rankings can look surprising. Imports can include paddy rice and other grades used domestically or processed before further trade. A country can therefore import and export rice during the same period.

3. Thailand: 7.5 Million Metric Tonnes

Thailand takes third place with a forecast of 7.5 million tonnes.

Thai rice has an established international market across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and other regions. Jasmine rice is one of the country’s well-known higher-value varieties, while Thai exporters also sell white and broken rice.

USDA reported in September 2026 that Thai rice prices had risen during the preceding month amid sales to Africa and Southeast Asia.

Price movements between India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Pakistan can change buying patterns quickly, especially among bulk buyers.

4. Pakistan: 5 Million Metric Tonnes

Pakistan is forecast to export 5 million tonnes of rice in 2026/27.

The country competes in both aromatic and non-aromatic rice markets. Pakistani Basmati competes with Indian Basmati in several international destinations, while other rice grades serve African and Asian buyers.

Pakistan’s position near India gives it access to similar shipping regions, though crop size, domestic supply, exchange rates, and export pricing can alter its competitiveness from season to season.

5. Cambodia: 3.6 Million Metric Tonnes

Cambodia is forecast to ship 3.6 million tonnes.

USDA lowered its September 2026/27 Cambodia export forecast from 3.8 million tonnes to 3.6 million tonnes. The agency linked the cut mainly to weaker sales of paddy rice to Vietnam, partly balanced by larger milled-rice exports.

Cross-border paddy trade forms an important part of Cambodian rice flows. This also helps explain why Vietnam appears as both a major importer and exporter.

6. United States: 2.5 Million Metric Tonnes

The United States is forecast to export 2.5 million tonnes in 2026/27.

U.S. rice production serves both domestic consumers and overseas buyers. Southern states grow much of the country’s long-grain crop, while California has a strong medium-grain sector.

U.S. rice usually competes with South American and Asian origins in overseas markets. Freight distance, crop size, grain type, and price can influence where American rice is sold.

7. China: 2.2 Million Metric Tonnes

China is unusual because it ranks among both the world’s major rice exporters and importers.

USDA forecasts Chinese rice exports at 2.2 million tonnes for 2026/27 and imports at 4 million tonnes.

These figures do not conflict. China has a very large rice market, and domestic needs vary by grain type, location, industrial use, and price. It can export one type or grade while purchasing another.

USDA reported especially strong Chinese demand for broken rice during 2026, including supplies used in the feed sector.

8. Myanmar: 2.1 Million Metric Tonnes

USDA uses the name Burma in its statistical tables. This article uses Myanmar for readers while keeping the USDA naming clear.

Exports are forecast at 2.1 million tonnes in 2026/27.

China has historically been an important destination for Myanmar rice, including cross-border broken rice trade. USDA reported that India moved ahead of Myanmar as a supplier of broken rice to China during early 2026 as Indian supply became more price-competitive.

9. Brazil: 1.4 Million Metric Tonnes

Brazil is forecast to export 1.4 million tonnes.

Brazil is both a producer, exporter, and importer of rice. Geography matters here. Production areas and consumer markets can be far apart, making imports commercially sensible in some regions even while rice leaves other parts of the country for overseas buyers.

Brazil’s presence also shows that the world export market extends well beyond the major Asian producers.

10. Uruguay: 975,000 Metric Tonnes

Uruguay rounds out the top ten with forecast rice exports of 975,000 tonnes.

Its total production is much smaller than India’s or Vietnam’s, but exports take an important place in Uruguay’s rice sector. South American suppliers such as Uruguay, Brazil, and Paraguay serve regional buyers and overseas destinations.

Paraguay sits just below Uruguay at a forecast 950,000 tonnes.

Top 10 Largest Rice Importing Countries in the World

USDA also lists the European Union at 2.35 million tonnes. Since the EU is a group of top rice exporting countries in India rather than one country, it has been excluded from this country-only ranking. If the EU were treated as one market, it would sit between Nigeria and Iraq.

Largest Country Exporter and Importer of Rice: What the Data Tells Us

1. Philippines: 5.6 Million Metric Tonnes

The Philippines ranks first among individual rice-importing countries, with 5.6 million tonnes forecast for 2026/27. USDA also describes the Philippines as the world’s largest rice importer in its September market discussion.

Rice consumption is high, and imported supplies help cover the gap between domestic output and total demand.

Vietnam is the country’s leading overseas supplier. USDA reported in September that Philippine policy changes affecting rice with up to 5% broken content could shift purchases toward grades containing more broken rice.

2. China: 4 Million Metric Tonnes

China is forecast to import 4 million tonnes in 2026/27.

Its sheer size makes China an important buyer even though it also produces enormous quantities of rice domestically.

USDA raised its 2026 import forecast to 4.3 million tonnes and reported strong buying of broken rice. China imported nearly 1.4 million tonnes of broken rice during the first seven months of 2026, the highest comparable volume since 2022.

India and Myanmar have been important suppliers of this segment.

3. Vietnam: 3.6 Million Metric Tonnes

Vietnam’s 2026/27 import forecast stands at 3.6 million tonnes, while its export forecast is much higher at 8.1 million tonnes.

Much of the apparent two-way trade reflects regional supply structures. Vietnam can purchase paddy rice from neighboring producers, process rice domestically, supply local needs, and send other rice varieties to overseas buyers.

USDA cut its September Vietnam import forecast from 3.8 million to 3.6 million tonnes because of weaker demand for Cambodian paddy rice.

4. Nigeria: 2.9 Million Metric Tonnes

Nigeria is forecast to import 2.9 million tonnes, making it the largest country-level rice importer in Africa in the USDA table.

Nigeria also grows a large domestic crop. USDA forecasts Nigerian milled production at 5.67 million tonnes and consumption at 8.8 million tonnes for 2026/27.

That difference helps explain why overseas supply remains relevant despite domestic production.

5. Iraq: 2 Million Metric Tonnes

Iraq’s 2026/27 rice import forecast is 2 million tonnes.

Imports serve a market where rice holds a regular place in household diets. Asian exporters can supply multiple grades suited to different price points and consumer tastes.

USDA cut Iraq’s 2026 import estimate during September due to logistical difficulties, but its 2026/27 forecast remains at 2 million tonnes.

6. Saudi Arabia: 1.8 Million Metric Tonnes

Saudi Arabia is forecast to import 1.8 million tonnes in 2026/27.

The country relies heavily on imported rice because local growing conditions do not support production at a scale close to consumption needs.

Basmati rice has a strong place in Gulf food markets, which makes suppliers from India and Pakistan relevant to Saudi buyers. Other varieties also enter retail, catering, hospitality, and food-service channels.

7. Bangladesh: 1.7 Million Metric Tonnes

Bangladesh is one of the world’s major rice producers, yet USDA forecasts imports of 1.7 million tonnes in 2026/27.

That may seem unusual, but large producing countries can still import rice when domestic production, inventories, prices, or regional availability create a supply gap.

Bangladesh’s proximity to India also makes Indian rice commercially relevant when import conditions permit cross-border purchases.

8. Côte d’Ivoire: 1.7 Million Metric Tonnes

Côte d’Ivoire is forecast to import 1.7 million tonnes.

It is one of several West African markets with steady demand for imported rice. Price-sensitive grades, white rice, and broken rice can form part of regional buying patterns.

USDA’s regional forecast places total Sub-Saharan African rice imports at more than 19 million tonnes for 2026/27, showing the scale of rice demand across the region.

9. Malaysia: 1.6 Million Metric Tonnes

Malaysia is forecast to purchase 1.6 million tonnes from international markets.

Domestic farming supplies part of the country’s needs, while imports provide the remaining volume and a wider selection of rice types.

Its position in Southeast Asia gives Malaysian buyers access to nearby suppliers such as Thailand and Vietnam as well as other Asian origins.

10. United States: 1.6 Million Metric Tonnes

The United States is another country that appears on both sides of world rice trade.

USDA forecasts U.S. imports at 1.6 million tonnes and exports at 2.5 million tonnes in 2026/27.

Imported rice can serve demand for varieties and grain characteristics that differ from domestic production. Fragrant Asian varieties are one part of that market.

This two-way trade shows why production size alone does not determine whether a country will buy rice from abroad.

Why Can a Country Import and Export Rice at the Same Time?

China, Vietnam, Brazil, and the United States appear on both sides of the international rice market.

There are several reasons. Rice is not one uniform product. Buyers trade Basmati, jasmine, long-grain white rice, parboiled rice, medium-grain rice, glutinous rice, paddy rice, and broken rice.

A country can produce a surplus of one variety while importing another. Transport costs within a large country can also make imported rice cheaper in one region while another region exports its surplus.

Processing plays a role too. Paddy rice may cross a border for milling before some finished rice moves into another overseas market.

Why India Holds Such a Large Share of Rice Exports

India’s forecast 25 million tonnes compares with 8.1 million tonnes from Vietnam and 7.5 million tonnes from Thailand. Even those two exporters combined remain well below India’s forecast.

Several factors support India’s position, including the size of its rice crop, broad range of rice types, large milling base, access to major ports, and established buyers across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

USDA’s September 2026 data forecasts India and China each producing 147 million tonnes of milled rice in 2026/27 after USDA reduced its Indian crop estimate that month.

Buyers researching Indian agricultural sourcing can also read Srindhya Global’s guide to APEDA and agricultural food exports. The page explains APEDA’s place in Indian agricultural exports and discusses documentation connected with food and farm shipments.

What Changes Global Rice Import and Export Rankings?

Rice rankings do not remain fixed. Weather can raise or lower crops. Government export restrictions can reduce supply. Import duties can affect purchasing decisions. Currency movements alter costs. Freight rates influence landed prices.

Stock levels also matter. A country may import more after a poor crop and reduce purchases the next year after production recovers.

Buyer preferences create another factor. A market purchasing fragrant rice may source from different countries than one buying low-priced broken rice.

The September 2026 USDA report provides a useful case. It describes stronger Chinese demand for broken rice while the Philippines changed its treatment of sanitary and phytosanitary clearances for 5% broken rice. Such changes can redirect trade between suppliers within months.

This is why buyers, exporters, researchers, and food distributors should check current trade figures rather than relying on rankings from several years ago.

What the Rankings Mean for International Rice Buyers

The largest supplier is not automatically the right source for every purchase.

A commercial buyer should look at the required variety, broken percentage, grain length, moisture limits, milling level, packaging, destination rules, freight cost, payment terms, and shipment schedule.

An importer looking for Basmati may compare Indian and Pakistani supply. A buyer seeking jasmine rice may examine Thailand and Vietnam. A wholesaler focused on lower-priced broken rice may compare several Asian sources depending on current availability.

Srindhya Global states that it works with international B2B buyers sourcing Indian-manufactured goods and lists rice within its FMCG and agro range. The company also states that it works across GCC, Southeast Asian, and African trade networks.

Final Thoughts

The latest USDA forecast shows how concentrated the export side of world rice trade has become. India is expected to ship 25 million tonnes in 2026/27, close to two-fifths of worldwide exports. Vietnam and Thailand follow at a considerable distance.

The import side is more widely distributed. The Philippines leads at 5.6 million tonnes, followed by China at 4 million tonnes and Vietnam at 3.6 million tonnes. Nigeria leads individual African countries at 2.9 million tonnes.

These figures also show why rice trade cannot be understood through production figures alone. China, Vietnam, Brazil, and the United States buy and sell rice because grain type, location, processing, domestic demand, and pricing differ from one market to another.

For businesses working in food trade, checking the latest USDA data and destination-country rules before entering a purchase contract gives a much clearer picture than relying on an older country ranking.