Dec 19, 2022
BAGHDAD, IRAQ – Ending the year on a positive note for the U.S. rice industry, Al Awees from Iraq has purchased 44,000 tons of U.S. rice. This marks the first purchase of the 2022-2023 MOU, which calls for 200,000 tons of U.S. rice.
Iraqi lawmakers approved a new government in October, ending more than a year of deadlock. As new officials took office, there were delays in approving the funding mechanisms that enable the purchase of rice; these have now been resolved.
“Our exports have been extremely low this year, so this sale is much needed movement for our industry,” said Mark Holt, chair of the USA Rice Europe, Middle East, Africa Trade Policy and Promotion Subcommittees. “Al Awees has been an engaged customer and we look forward to continuing to strengthen and develop this mutually beneficial relationship.”
U.S. rice exports amount to less than one percent of Iraq’s overall rice imports, yet it is a vital market for the U.S. with purchases totaling $60 million of U.S. rice this year.