The Rise of India as a Leading Rice Exporter in 2025

Rice, a fundamental staple for over half of the world’s population, continues to dominate international commodity trade. In 2024, the total value of global rice exports surged to approximately US $39.10 billion, reflecting a robust 12% growth compared to the prior year. The first quarter of 2025 alone saw around $8.25 billion in export value.

Geographically, Asia accounted for nearly 80% of global rice exports in 2024, shipping $31.2 billion in value. Europe contributed about 7%, North America around 6.4%, and Latin America 5.5%. Africa and Oceania made up less than 1% combined.

Top 10 Rice Exporting Nations (2024–25)

Here’s a snapshot of the leading rice exporters, along with their export values and global market shares:

Rank	Country	Export Value (US$ bn)	Global Share (%)
1	India	11.83	30.3
2	Thailand	6.37	16.3
3	Vietnam	5.70	14.2
4	Pakistan	4.19	10.7
5	United States	2.43	6.2
6	Cambodia	1.88	4.8
7	Myanmar	1.34	3.4
8	Italy	0.94	2.4
9	China	0.78	2.0
10	Brazil	0.56	1.4

Among these, India, a leading Rice Exporter from India, dominates the landscape with an impressive 30% of global rice export value.

Why India Leads as a Rice Exporter from India

Massive Export Volume

India shipped over 20–22 million metric tons of rice in 2025, reclaiming over 40% of the global market share—more than the combined totals of the next largest exporters.

Varietal Diversity

The country is renowned for both basmati and various non-basmati rice types, catering to global demand for aromatic long-grain and staple white rice varieties.

Production Scale and Climatic Advantage

Favorable growing conditions, especially in the Gangetic plains and other fertile regions, support continuous production growth. Estimated global output in FY 2024/25 reached 543 million metric tons, with India contributing significantly to the supply surplus.

Recent Trends Affecting the Global Rice Market

Record Production & Surplus

In 2025, a bumper monsoon-fed season pushed India’s rice production to record levels, resulting in government-held stocks exceeding 59 million metric tons, far above typical targets.

Export Restriction Lifted

Export controls were removed in early 2025, unleashing a wave of shipments that drove export prices to multi-year lows. The revived exports helped India reclaim its top exporter position.

Price Dynamics

Global rice prices dropped sharply as India returned to the market. Exports from Thailand, Vietnam, and Pakistan declined in response, as buyers shifted to the more competitively priced Indian rice.

Export Forecasts for 2025

India is expected to export a record 22.5 million metric tons of rice in 2025, driving global trade volumes toward 60 million tons—a near-record level.

Key Takeaways

• The Rice Exporter from India leads the global market, with an export share of approximately 30% and expected exports of 22 million tonnes in 2025.

• Asia remains the powerhouse region, accounting for nearly 80% of global exports, while other continents collectively contribute the remainder.

• India’s production surplus, lifted export curbs, and competitive pricing have reshaped global trade flows—prompting buyers worldwide to pivot back to Indian rice.

  
  

Why It Matters to Rice Buyers & Traders

Cost-efficiency

Indian rice prices remain among the lowest globally, benefiting food-importing regions.

Food Security

Large volumes and a stable supply pipeline enhance food availability in import-dependent countries.

Market Influence

As a leading Rice Exporter from India, the country sets price benchmarks and export dynamics in the rice industry.

Conclusion

The global rice market is witnessing significant shifts, with India firmly establishing itself as a dominant player. The combination of massive export volumes, diverse rice varieties, and favorable climatic conditions positions India as a crucial supplier in the international arena. As the market continues to evolve, stakeholders must remain vigilant to capitalize on emerging trends and opportunities.