Rice is one of the most traded food commodities globally, feeding billions and driving the agricultural economies of many countries. While some nations produce rice mainly for domestic consumption, others have become global powerhouses in rice exports—shaping supply chains and stabilizing international food markets. This article presents the top rice exporting countries in the world for 2025, based on the latest trade data, offering insights into global trade patterns, agricultural strengths, and export leadership.
Global Rice Export Overview
In 2025, the total global rice export volume is approximately 88.4 million tonnes, the highest in recorded history.
Rice exports are critical for balancing global food security, especially for rice-import-dependent countries in the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia. The international rice trade is dominated by a few major exporters who consistently meet global demand, even during supply shocks or geopolitical shifts. Export trends also reflect a country’s production efficiency, surplus output, and investment in trade infrastructure.
Top 10 Rice Exporting Countries (by Quantity)
Here are the top rice exporting countries based on total quantity exported in 2025:
- India – 33,107,000 tonnes
- Thailand – 10,995,000 tonnes
- Vietnam – 8,628,000 tonnes
- Pakistan – 6,768,000 tonnes
- Belgium – 4,902,000 tonnes
- China – 3,229,000 tonnes
- Myanmar – 3,218,000 tonnes
- United States – 3,094,000 tonnes
- Brazil – 2,080,000 tonnes
- Netherlands – 1,586,000 tonnes
India continues to dominate the global rice export market, exporting over 33 million tonnes, which accounts for more than one-third of total global exports. Its success is driven by a massive surplus from domestic production, competitive pricing, diverse varieties (basmati and non-basmati), and strong government support. Thailand and Vietnam also hold top positions, consistently known for premium-quality rice and a long-standing history in the export business.
Pakistan, another major exporter of basmati rice, ranks fourth, followed by Belgium, which acts more as a re-export hub due to its strategic port logistics. The presence of China and Myanmar highlights the growing importance of Asian producers, while the United States maintains its position due to specialized varieties and access to Western markets. Brazil and the Netherlands round out the top 10, with the Netherlands also playing a re-export and trade facilitation role in Europe.
Rice Export by Country (FAOSTAT 2023)
| # | Country | Export Quantity (Tonnes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 33,107,000 |
| 2 | Thailand | 10,995,000 |
| 3 | Vietnam | 8,628,000 |
| 4 | Pakistan | 6,768,000 |
| 5 | Belgium | 4,902,000 |
| 6 | China | 3,229,000 |
| 7 | Myanmar | 3,218,000 |
| 8 | United States | 3,094,000 |
| 9 | Brazil | 2,080,000 |
| 10 | Netherlands | 1,586,000 |
| 11 | Uruguay | 1,395,000 |
| 12 | Paraguay | 1,099,000 |
| 13 | Italy | 1,089,000 |
| 14 | Cambodia | 1,068,000 |
| 15 | Argentina | 601,000 |
| 16 | Guyana | 551,000 |
| 17 | Tanzania | 551,000 |
| 18 | Spain | 411,000 |
| 19 | Turkey | 378,000 |
| 20 | Australia | 325,000 |
| 21 | Taiwan | 238,000 |
| 22 | South Africa | 225,000 |
| 23 | Malaysia | 224,000 |
| 24 | Kazakhstan | 195,000 |
| 25 | Bulgaria | 188,000 |
| 26 | Portugal | 182,000 |
| 27 | Greece | 168,000 |
| 28 | Rwanda | 143,000 |
| 29 | Germany | 140,000 |
| 30 | Senegal | 137,000 |
| 31 | France | 122,000 |
| 32 | United Arab Emirates | 122,000 |
| 33 | Russia | 107,000 |
| 34 | Poland | 101,000 |
| 35 | Laos | 88,000 |
| 36 | Republic of Korea | 73,000 |
| 37 | Egypt | 68,000 |
| 38 | Ecuador | 65,000 |
| 39 | United Kingdom | 65,000 |
| 40 | Ivory Coast | 57,000 |
| 41 | Romania | 56,000 |
| 42 | Suriname | 56,000 |
| 43 | Canada | 50,000 |
| 44 | Czech Republic | 42,000 |
| 45 | Japan | 42,000 |
| 46 | Costa Rica | 34,000 |
| 47 | Peru | 29,000 |
| 48 | Lithuania | 21,000 |
| 49 | Bangladesh | 19,000 |
| 50 | Slovenia | 18,000 |
| 51 | North Macedonia | 17,000 |
| 52 | Hong Kong | 15,000 |
| 53 | Israel | 13,000 |
| 54 | El Salvador | 11,000 |
| 55 | Indonesia | 11,000 |
| 56 | Denmark | 10,000 |
| 57 | Sri Lanka | 10,000 |
| 58 | Zambia | 10,000 |
| 59 | Hungary | 9,000 |
| 60 | Saudi Arabia | 9,000 |
| 61 | Nicaragua | 8,000 |
| 62 | Austria | 7,000 |
| 63 | Honduras | 7,000 |
| 64 | Finland | 6,000 |
| 65 | Iran | 6,000 |
| 66 | Bahrain | 5,000 |
| 67 | Cameroon | 5,000 |
| 68 | Fiji | 5,000 |
| 69 | Mexico | 5,000 |
| 70 | Colombia | 4,000 |
| 71 | Mozambique | 4,000 |
| 72 | Slovakia | 4,000 |
| 73 | Switzerland | 3,000 |
| 74 | Togo | 3,000 |
| 75 | Uganda | 3,000 |
| 76 | Botswana | 2,000 |
| 77 | Ghana | 2,000 |
| 78 | Ireland | 2,000 |
| 79 | Kyrgyzstan | 2,000 |
| 80 | Norway | 2,000 |
| 81 | Moldova | 2,000 |
| 82 | Sweden | 2,000 |
| 83 | Ukraine | 2,000 |
| 84 | Angola | 1,000 |
| 85 | Benin | 1,000 |
| 86 | Chile | 1,000 |
| 87 | Dominican Republic | 1,000 |
| 88 | Georgia | 1,000 |
| 89 | Guatemala | 1,000 |
| 90 | Malawi | 1,000 |
| 91 | Mauritius | 1,000 |
| 92 | Morocco | 1,000 |
| 93 | Philippines | 1,000 |
| 94 | Trinidad and Tobago | 1,000 |
Beyond the top 10, countries like Uruguay, Italy, Cambodia, and Argentina are important mid-level exporters. Uruguay and Paraguay lead rice exports in South America, while Italy dominates within Europe due to its production of high-quality arborio rice. African countries like Tanzania and Senegal are also emerging as regional exporters, supported by regional trade agreements and growing rice production.
Global Rice Export Trends Over the Years
The global rice export volume has risen steadily from 51 million tonnes in 2010 to over 88 million tonnes in 2022. The surge is driven by growing global demand, especially in Africa and the Middle East, and improved agricultural practices in exporting countries. The years 2020–2022 saw particularly strong growth, fueled by pandemic-related food security concerns and increased stockpiling by importers. This upward trend highlights rice’s critical role in global food systems and trade.
The Role of Rice in Food Diplomacy
Rice exports are more than just economic activity—they’re often used in food diplomacy. Countries like India and China have used rice donations and trade deals as soft power tools in Africa and Southeast Asia. Reliable rice exports help stabilize regions during crises, boost bilateral ties, and influence trade negotiations. As food security becomes an increasing global concern, rice will remain a strategic export with both economic and political weight.
Rice exports are vital for global food balance and economic development in key producing countries. In 2025, India, Thailand, and Vietnam lead the world as rice suppliers, followed by strong contenders like Pakistan, China, and the United States. With rising demand, evolving trade policies, and climate-related challenges, global rice trade will continue to play a pivotal role in feeding nations and shaping global economic relations.
Explore More Rice-Related Insights
- Top Rice Producing Countries in the World
- Rice Production Per Capita by Country
- Top Rice Consuming Countries in the World
- Rice Consumption Per Capita by Country
- Least Rice Consuming Countries in 2025 (Lowest Rankings)
- Top Rice Importing Countries in the World