Rice is much more than a staple food — it’s a strategic crop, a vital component of food security, and an important export commodity. The global rice trade remains a critical component of international food security and agricultural economics. With major exporting nations jockeying for supply share, the most recent data reveal three standout players: India, Vietnam and Thailand. This blog covers global rice export data that will help you know the top rice exporting countries 2024 and 2025.
Snapshot of the Global Rice Trade
The global rice export market is forecast to ship around 56.3 million tons (milled basis) in 2025 — slightly above the prior year.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (US USDA), in 2026 global rice trade is projected at about 61.3 million tons, with India alone expected to supply around 24.5 million tons (≈ 40 % of trade) as the world’s leading exporter.
According to rice trade statistics 2025, India reported an increase in rice exports in the first half of 2025 as compared to the previous year. The given chart covering global rice export data shows quarterly trends of top rice exporters.
| Country | 2024-Q1 | 2024-Q2 | 2024-Q3 | 2024-Q4 | 2025-Q1 | 2025-Q2 |
| India | 3.0 | 2.8 | 2.3 | 3.6 | 3.7 | 2.9 |
| Thailand | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 1.1 |
| United States | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.4 |
| Italy | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| China | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
*****Value USD Billion
Because rice is such a staple, shifts in supply or policy by major exporters can ripple through global food prices, trade flows, and food-security considerations.
Export prices are under pressure due to large crops and abundant stocks in key producers.
India: The Dominant Exporter
India is the world’s largest rice exporter. In the first half of 2025, India exported around 11.68 million tons, worth USD 6.5 billion, up ~36.5 % year-on-year. India’s rice exports valued at USD 11.8 billion in 2024, a rise from the previous year. Following chart covering global rice export data show yearly tends of top global top rice exporters.
| Country | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| India | 10.7 | 10.4 | 11.8 |
| Thailand | 3.9 | 5.1 | 6.3 |
| Vietnam | 3.1 | 4.3 | 5.2 |
| Pakistan | 2.3 | 2.8 | 4.1 |
| United States | 1.7 | 2.0 | 2.4 |
*****Value USD Billion
India’s strength comes from a combination of large production, cost-competitiveness, a wide variety of rice (basmati, non-basmati, parboiled), and strong export infrastructure. Here’s basmati rice export data and non-basmati rice export trends.
| Rice Variety | Value USD Billion |
| Semi-milled or Wholly Milled Rice | 11.2 |
| Broken Rice | 0.3 |
| Husked or Brown Rice | 0.1 |
| Rice in Husk, Paddy or Rough | 0.1 |
Drivers of India’s export leadership
Scale & diverse varieties: India produces huge volumes of rice, including premium basmati as well as more mass-market non-basmati rice.
Policy support & strong stocks: Government procurement, buffer stocks, irrigation infrastructure and export promotion have helped.
Competitive pricing: Because of scale and inputs, Indian rice exports tend to be among the lowest cost for many importers.
Global reach: India exports to a wide range of markets—Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, etc.
Challenges & caveats
While volume is strong, when many producers export at once, it exerts downward pressure on prices and margins. India’s abundant supplies are cited as one reason global rice prices have slid.
Domestic policies matter: India rice export ban impact, duties, or support programs (for example in years of domestic tightness) can alter global flows.
Infrastructure, logistics and quality differentiation remain areas needing continual improvement for India’s long-term competitiveness.
Thailand: The Long-standing Powerhouse
Thailand has historically been one of the top global rice exporters, known especially for fragrant jasmine rice and premium varieties.
However, as recent global rice export data show, Thailand’s export volume has fallen in the first half of 2025: about 3.73 million tons, a decline of ~27.3 % compared to the same period last year.
Forecasts from USDA show Thailand’s exports remain robust but face competition; for example, Thailand is projected at ~7.2 million tons in 2026 (though still trailing India).
What makes Thailand strong
Brand premium rice: Thai jasmine rice is globally recognised; quality and aroma matter in niche, higher-value markets.
Export infrastructure: Years of experience, established trading links, strong milling/packing industry for exports.
Diverse buyer base: Thailand has exported widely to Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Vietnam: Rising Fast & Making Inroads
Vietnam has recently overtaken Thailand to become the second-largest rice exporter at least for the first half of 2025 behind India. According to the Thai Rice Exporters Association, Vietnam exported ~4.72 million tons in Jan-Jun 2025, up ~3.6 % year-on-year. Thailand was third at ~3.73 million tons.
What is helping Vietnam’s rise
Vietnam rice export growth: Vietnam has been scaling up its rice export infrastructure, improving milling, packing and logistics for exports.
Specialisation in certain markets and varieties: Vietnam is strong in certain rice types and markets (e.g., West Africa, Southeast Asia) and is expanding its buyer footprint.
Competitive cost structure: Relative to premium varieties, Vietnam is competitive in volume segments, enabling it to capture markets when other producers are constrained.
Comparative View & Key Themes
- India is largest exporter by volume and value — its sheer scale gives it a commanding position.
- Vietnam is emerging strongly, climbing to the second slot in recent data, showing the potential for shifts in market dynamics.
- Thailand remains an important player, especially for premium rice, but is facing stiffer competition and has seen recent declines in some export volumes.
Implications for India / For Buyers / For Global Food Security
For India
India’s leadership gives it leverage: it can influence global rice prices, stable supply and trade relationships.
But India must also manage domestic balance: ensuring sufficient domestic supply, preventing over-stocking, and avoiding forcing exports at unsustainably low prices.
There is opportunity for India to increase value-addition (premium rice, speciality varieties) rather than purely volume export.
Infrastructure (port, packing, compliance with international standards) remains an important area.
For Buyers (Importing Countries)
Abundant supply from India and others means opportunity for importers to secure rice at competitive prices.
But dependence on a small number of exporters creates risk — diversification of supplier countries remains wise.
Premium buyers (who demand aroma, variety, speciality rice) will need to evaluate not just price but quality, certifications & supply reliability.
For Global Food Security
The fact that major exporters are producing and exporting large volumes is good for global food access and affordability — especially for rice-importing countries in Africa and Asia.
On the flip side, if too many producers export aggressively, it can depress global price and hurt farmer incomes — which may affect future supply resilience.
Monitoring ecological, climate and policy risks is important: big exporters face risks from weather, land degradation, water stress, which could disrupt future supply.
Conclusion
The global rice export market remains one of the most strategically vital segments of the global food trade. Based on the latest Rice Trade Statistics 2025, India, Thailand, and Vietnam continue to dominate as the Top Rice Exporters, shaping global supply, pricing, and food security trends.
- India stands as the Largest Rice Exporting Country, commanding nearly 40 % of global trade with strong performances across both Basmati Rice Export Data and Non-Basmati Rice Export Trends.
- Vietnam is demonstrating robust rice export growth, overtaking Thailand in certain periods of 2025, thanks to improved infrastructure and competitive pricing.
- Thailand, long a symbol of premium rice quality, remains a major player, although it faces pressure from lower global prices and rising competition.
Looking forward, the Future of Rice Trade will depend on how these nations balance volume growth with value addition, navigate export policies (such as the India Rice Export Ban Impact), and strengthen their role in ensuring Global Food Security Rice Supply.
For agribusinesses, traders, and policymakers, real-time trade intelligence is the key to staying ahead of market shifts — understanding export volumes, pricing patterns, and buyer trends.
Stay informed with accurate and updated Global Rice Export Data, track Rice Exporting Countries 2024–2025, and analyze market trends using Export Genius — your trusted partner for international trade intelligence.