Global Rice Consumption Estimated at 540.6 Million Tons

10-Apr-2026 05:45 PM

New Delhi. Taking into account carryover stocks from the previous period combined with current production, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has projected that global rice availability for the 2025-26 marketing season is likely to reach 732.9 million tons—an increase of 400,000 tons over its March estimate. Conversely, the estimate for global consumption has been revised downward by 400,000 tons, setting it at 540.6 million tons.

The USDA's April report projects that global rice trade during the 2025-26 season is likely to amount to 61.5 million tons—a decrease of 500,000 tons compared to the March estimate. Rice exports from Pakistan are expected to decline. According to the report, global carryover stocks of rice stood at 191.52 million tons at the beginning of the 2025-26 marketing season; these stocks are expected to rise to 192.31 million tons by the end of the season.

For the 2025-26 period, the USDA has estimated that India will produce 152 million tons of rice, with total exports from the country projected to reach 24 million tons. It is noteworthy that India is the world's leading rice exporter, while it remains in fierce competition with China for the title of the largest rice-producing nation.