International Markets

Canada
Canada shares the world’s longest international border with the United States and is a top market for U.S. rice. Canada does not produce any rice. It grows wild rice, which is not a true rice, but the seed of an aquatic grass. The majority of rice on store shelves that is consumed in Canada is grown in the U.S. Essentially, U.S.-grown rice is as local as it gets for Canadians.
Central America
China
“Have you eaten rice yet?” is a common Chinese expression used as a way to say hello. Per capita rice consumption in China is estimated at 221 pounds per year, nearly 10 times U.S. per capita consumption and one of the highest in the world. China is the largest importer of rice, bringing in over 5 million tons annually. The U.S. rice industry has been working for over a decade to gain access to the Chinese market and while progress has been made, we are not yet to the finish line.
Colombia
Rice is a staple in Colombia whose 50 million people have a high domestic consumption level of more than 1.6 million tons per year. Traditional dishes such as Bandeja Paisa (white rice, red beans, ground beef, plantain, sausage, fried pork skin, corn patty, avocado, and a fried egg) can be found on the table year-round.
Cuba
Cuba is a small Caribbean island 93 miles south of Key West, Florida with a population of over 11 million. Once the number one export market for U.S. rice, exports evaporated when the U.S. imposed an embargo against Cuba. Given their large consumption of rice at 190 lbs per capita annually, Cuba remains a large consumer of rice and will be a top market for U.S. rice once again.
Ghana
Haiti
Haiti is a beautiful mountainous country that makes up the Western third of the island once known as Hispaniola, sharing a border with the Dominican Republic. Haitians prefer to eat rice on a daily basis, consuming about 115 lbs annually per capita.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong produces no rice yet eats nearly 100 pounds per capita annually and thus is dependent upon imports. Hong Kong is a truly open market (like the U.S.!) with no quantitative or qualitative restrictions and no tariffs on imported rice.
Iraq
Japan
Japan is the United States’ second largest milled rice export market in terms of volume and first in terms of value. Many rice farmers in California grow varieties such as Koshihikari, Akitakomachi or sweet rice specifically for the Japanese market though the majority of imports are Calrose. Japan has recently subsidized super premium quality rice and rice for feed use for domestic Japanese farmers, resulting in an insufficient supply of reasonably priced rice favored by the foodservice industry. This provides a large opportunity for imported rice, such as U.S. rice.
Jordan
Jordan is the largest single Arab market for U.S. medium grain rice exports and continues to be a growth market. Jordan is one of the four driest countries in the world, making the country heavily reliant on food imports including rice. Rice is a staple and the average yearly consumption is estimated at 53 lbs. per capita, yet the country produces no rice. The most popular national dish, mansaff, uses U.S. medium grain rice.
Mexico
Mexico is the largest export market for U.S. rice and has been for years. In 1994 they entered into the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and the United States. Since then Mexico’s economy has grown exponentially. The country currently manages a $2.4 trillion economy, which is 11th largest in the world. Mexico’s population of nearly 125 million people is a critical component of U.S. trade.
Saudi Arabia
Rice is the main dish in Saudi Arabia and is usually served twice daily. Saudi Arabia is the Middle East’s second largest importer of long grain rice; they do not produce rice and thus depend entirely on imports. Rice is imported freely by private companies, with zero import duty and no import subsidies.
Singapore
South Korea
South Korea is a country of 51 million and is the second largest market for U.S. rice in Asia. Per capita consumption is estimated at 136 pounds per year but is declining. South Korea imported 152,000 MT of U.S. rice in 2017.
Taiwan
Taiwan has a population of 23.5 million and per capita rice consumption is estimated at 97.9 pounds per year. The U.S. is the largest rice supplier to Taiwan, accounting for about half of their imports. Taiwan has in recent years imported U.S. Calrose, Southern medium grain, long grain and glutinous rice from the U.S.
Turkey

Turkey grows rice; however, it is not enough to satisfy domestic demand which has been increasing over the past several years. Recently, there has been a good deal of uncertainty in the market due to the tense political and economic situation which has led to the rapid depreciation of the Turkish Lira against foreign currencies and an increase in interest rates.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is the single largest market for U.S. rice sales in the European Union, mostly importing U.S. long grain rice, as well as some medium grain rice for sushi. In 2017, the UK imported 678,000 MT of rice, with India being the largest single supplier, mostly Basmati rice. The USA is the eighth largest exporter with a 4 percent market share.
West Bank

Recent News

Asiha Grigsby with Rice Stories display at potluck meal in Canada — USA Rice's Asiha Grigsby tells the U.S. rice story in Canada

Nov 03, 2025

TORONTO, CANADA — USA Rice Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere Asiha Grigsby was here last week to embark on a series of strategic trade and promotional activities designed to reinforce relationships and show continued appreciation for the Canadian market and its rice consumers.

The visit began with dinner at Piano Piano, a USA Rice foodservice partner known for its playful Italian comfort fare. Among the menu highlights was the “Cacio e Pepe,” featuring U.S. Arborio rice risotto enriched with brown butter, pecorino, and tri-peppercorn, a creation by Chef Victor Barry that left diners craving more.

Grigsby also visited Loblaws and Sobeys, two Canadian grocery store chains, to assess rice availability and market dynamics. The rice aisles displayed a wide range of U.S. and non-U.S. origins, and private label brands, alongside many California short and medium grain options. Canadian-made and Canadian-prepared products maintained strong visibility, with packaging proudly featuring the iconic maple leaf to signify local identity.

In virtual meetings with Canadian importers, Grigsby heard firsthand about challenges faced since early 2025 related to tariffs and lagging sales of U.S. origin rice due in part to shifting consumer perceptions. Some importers reported losing customers and diversifying their operations to mitigate business losses.

The highlight of the trip was a collaborative dinner event with Chatelaine, a magazine in publication here since 1928, themed around a potluck — a nod to the warmth and togetherness of friends and family sharing comforting, home-cooked meals. Grigsby welcomed guests, including chefs, influencers, media representatives, and trade professionals, and shared insights about the quality, versatility, and reliability of U.S.-grown rice. Each dish served told a story, and the evening proved to be a smashing success, leaving guests inspired to incorporate U.S. rice into their culinary creations.

The visit concluded at the Grocery Innovations Canada Trade Show, where Grigsby connected with potential partners and explored new avenues for collaboration.

“Canada is one of our most valued and loyal markets,” Grigsby said. “Maintaining strong, face-to-face connections with our partners and end users is essential to understanding their needs and continuing to grow the presence of U.S. rice across the country. These ongoing engagements serve as a reminder that collaboration, communication, and culinary creativity are key ingredients in strengthening market relationships and celebrating the shared love of rice across borders.”

In late August, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced (see USA Rice Daily, August 22, 2025) that Canada would eliminate its 25 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. imported goods, including rice, a move that helped to significantly restore U.S. competitiveness in the market.