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

USMCA graphic with country symbols on blue background — Keep a good thing going

Nov 05, 2025

WASHINGTON DC – Earlier this week, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) formal public comment process closed seeking feedback from stakeholders on the efficacy of the United States – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA or Agreement) ahead of the Joint Review in July 2026.

The USMCA entered into force on July 1, 2020, and provides for the Agreement to terminate 16 years after the date of entry into force, unless each Party confirms that it wishes to continue the Agreement for a new 16-year term. The Free Trade Commission, which is composed of government representatives of the United States, Mexico, and Canada, must meet on the sixth anniversary of entry into force (i.e., July 1, 2026) to conduct a Joint Review of the operation of the Agreement, evaluate any recommendations for action submitted by a Party, and decide on any appropriate actions. Failure to extend the Agreement will automatically terminate it in 2036.

USA Rice submitted public comments supporting the extension of the USMCA for another 16 years while emphasizing the need to seek continued preferential market access afforded to U.S. rice exports in both Canada and Mexico. This includes supporting U.S. government efforts toward withdrawing or renegotiating Mexico’s duty-free concession to Vietnam under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, as well as discontinuing the Presidential decree that permits universal duty-free access for rough rice imports into Mexico. USA Rice also reinforced the need for strong sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulatory enforcement in the three countries and finally proposed several agricultural rail transportation-related enhancements to the current trade framework.

“The USMCA reinforced the preferential market access for U.S. rice achieved under the North American Free Trade Agreement, allowing the U.S. rice industry to make long-standing reliable relationships and cross-border business investments,” said Ryan Carwell, CEO of Poinsett Rice and Grain and chair of the USA Rice Western Hemisphere Trade Policy Subcommittee. “However, our preferential access to our number one market is currently under threat with certain anti-inflationary and trade policies being enforced in Mexico. Over the years, we have also seen how USMCA successes have created transportation-related challenges, specifically of U.S. agricultural goods heading south. Through the USMCA Joint Review, we hope to see Mexico renew its commitment towards an efficient North American supply chain while continuing to achieve its goals of food security and affordability.”

USA Rice also joined nearly 130 organizations representing the American food and agricultural value chain filing a letter of support for a full 16-year renewal of the Agreement in the public consultation process. Trade cooperation between the three countries has afforded multiple benefits, not only helping fuel the U.S. economy, but also facilitating and streamlining the flow of commerce between all three countries – all of which are essential factors supporting U.S. farmers’ business decisions.