United States Rice Market Analysis
The United States Rice Market size is estimated at USD 6.76 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 7.69 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 2.6% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
In the United States, areas under rice cultivation increased rapidly over time due to increased long-grain rice production. The grain types grown across the United States include long, medium, and short grain. However, long-grain types and hybrids are more common in southern states, whereas medium-grain types are more common in California. The major rice-producing areas include Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas, California, and Louisiana.
The US rice industry has made impressive progress. The US rice industry has improved land use efficiency by 39%, reduced soil erosion by 28%, and decreased water use by 52%. It has also reduced energy use by 34% while cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 41%. As part of its commitment to continuous improvement, it has set ambitious targets for 2030 to maintain and improve it for the next generation.
Furthermore, rice is widely consumed by various consumer groups in the country. The ever-increasing consumption signifies rising demand due to the increasing population and preference toward specialty rice varieties with improved income levels. Uramaki, Arroz con gandules, Rainbow Roll, Loco Moco, Hoppin John, Dirty rice, Red beans and rice, and Arroz con huevo are the most consumed rice dishes in the United States that are influencing the demand for rice. According to USDA the consumption of rice in the United States has increased to 5,144 thousand metric tons in the year 2023, from 4,607 thousand metric tons in 2022.
The factors driving the market demand are government support in the production of rice, growing demand for rice for numerous uses, an increasing number of rice processing companies, and rising exports to regions like Mexico, Northeast Asia, Central America, the Caribbean, Canada, the Middle East, the European Union, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
United States Rice Market Trends
Rising Production Levels to Cater to the Demand
Rice production in the United States is increasing steadily due to an expansion in acreage under rice cultivation. US long-grain rice production is concentrated in the South, with Arkansas typically growing 56-58% of the US long-grain crop. California is the primary producer of medium-grain rice, typically growing 70-76% of the crop. Despite California's drought conditions, Arkansas produces a significant amount of medium-grain rice, supporting the market's growth.
In 2023, US rice production reached 9.89 million metric tons, a 36% increase compared to 2022, according to USDA data. The harvested area expanded to 1.15 million hectares, a 32% increase over the previous year. This surge in output is attributed to favorable growing conditions, advanced farming techniques, and increased focus on rice cultivation.
After facing challenges in 2022 due to drought and other factors, US rice farmers rebounded, contributing significantly to both domestic food supply and export capacity. This boost in production ensures a steady supply for local markets and enhances the country's global rice export potential. Maintaining and expanding rice production in the United States will depend on continued innovation in farming techniques, climate resilience, and market adaptability. The ongoing increase in acreage under rice cultivation is expected to boost productivity, driving growth in the US rice market during the forecast period.
The United States is a Major Exporter
The United States is a consistent, timely supplier of high-quality rice in both the long- and combined medium- and short-grain global markets and accounts for less than 2% of global rice production. It ships almost 5% of global exports and is currently the fifth-largest exporter of rice worldwide. Exports are thus important to the US rice industry, with around 45% of the crop currently exported each year.
The United States rice is majorly shipped to more than 120 countries worldwide every year. The United States rice harvest is typically around 1.15 million hectares, which tends to oscillate depending on several economic, weather, and regulatory factors. According to ITC Trade, the export value of rice in the country increased in 2023 to USD 2.01 billion compared to last year's USD 1.7 billion in 2022, further encouraging the market to grow in the future.
The major exporting partners for the US within the region are Mexico, Canada, and Haiti. The country exports rough rice, parboiled rice, brown rice, and fully milled rice. According to the International Trade Center (ITC), the quantity of rice exported from the United States amounted to 2.70 million metric tons in 2023, an 8.71% increase compared to the previous year, with 2.48 million metric tons in 2022.
United States Rice Market News
- April 2024: Riviana Foods Inc., one of the leading rice companies in the United States, expanded the completion of the initial phase of its USD 80.6 million investment in its Memphis, Tennessee processing and packaging facility. This phase involved renovating approximately 20,000 square feet of the plant.
- February 2024: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) partnered with La Différence, a private sector firm operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This partnership is intended to stimulate the production of local, organic, and premium-quality rice, haricot beans, and soybeans for domestic consumption.