Global rice production projected to reach 542 million tonnes

31-Oct-2025 12:34 PM

London. The International Grains Council (IGC) has projected global rice production to reach 542 million tonnes in the 2025-26 marketing season, an increase of 1 million tonnes from the expected 541 million tonnes for the 2024-25 season.

Previously, global rice production was estimated at 525 million tonnes for the 2023-24 season and 517 million tonnes for the 2022-23 season. India is expected to see improved rice production.

According to the IGC's new monthly report, global rice trade is expected to reach 60 million tonnes in the 2025-26 marketing season, up from 59 million tonnes in 2024-25, with imports expected to increase, particularly from African countries. India will remain the leading rice exporter.

Global rice consumption is expected to reach 540 million tonnes, 7 million tonnes more than the estimated total consumption of 533 million tonnes for the 2024-25 season. Population growth will increase rice consumption.

Thus, with production of 542 million tonnes and consumption of 540 million tonnes, global rice surplus stocks will increase by 2 million tonnes, from 185 million tonnes in the 2024-25 season to 187 million tonnes.

Surplus stocks will increase in major exporting countries, but may decrease in importing countries. Leading rice exporting countries include India, Thailand, Vietnam, the United States, Pakistan, and Myanmar.

Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines also produce and consume rice in significant quantities, while China remains at the top. India is now overtaking China in rice production.