Archive · 14 Aug 2025
Global Rice Production May Reach Record High Next Season
The world is expected to grow a lot of rice next year, a record amount!
This means more rice will be bought and sold around the world.
Iraq is buying a lot more rice, especially from India and Thailand.
These countries are competing to sell rice to Iraq.
Unless the weather causes problems, the price of rice is expected to stay the same.
Global rice production is expected to reach a record high in 2025-26.
Global trade in rice is projected to be higher.
Iraq's rice imports are on track to reach a record high in 2024-25.
India and Thailand are in tight competition for market share in the Iraqi rice market.
Rice prices are expected to remain stable unless there are weather-related problems.
- Who
- The US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Agricultural Marketing Information System (AMIS), and the International Grains Council (IGC).
- What
- Global rice production and trade are expected to increase, with Iraq importing a record high volume.
- When
- The 2025-26 season (October-September).
- Where
- Globally, with a focus on Iraq, India, Thailand, and the United States.
- Why
- Increasing global demand, especially in Africa and Asia, and Iraq's growing population and government programs.
India
Thailand
Market Share
India
India had been the primary supplier for the past decade.
Thailand
Thailand seized market share in 2022-23 when India implemented restrictive export policies.
- Projected Global Rice Production (2025-26)
- 541 million tonnes
- Projected Global Trade
- 62.04 mt
- Iraq's Import Increase (Jan-June 2025)
- 10%
- Iraq's Import Ranking (2025)
- 6th largest
- India's Rice Export Policy
- Restrictive in 2022-23