Foreign Countries' Policies and Programs

India: Position in Global Rice Market

In CY 2002, India has become a major rice supplier, accounting for 22 percent of total global exports, up from 14 percent the previous year. In contrast, other major exporters - Thailand, Vietnam, and Pakistan - have lost market share and are estimated to account for only 44 percent of total global exports in CY 2002, down from 55 percent the previous year.

India has been competing one-on-one with Thailand in major parboiled markets, such as South Africa and Nigeria. Vietnam also competes with India and has lost market-share in price-conscious markets, like Indonesia. Furthermore, while Pakistan has been able to hold on to its high-quality basmati markets during the first two quarters of CY 2002, its shortage of coarse white rice has allowed India to obtain increased market share in key regions, like Southeast Asia and Africa. 

Next year, India is not expected to be quite as dominant as it is this year, but is still expected to be a major exporter. Additionally, with global trade forecast to expand year-to-year and lower exportable supplies in India (due to a smaller crop and lower stocks), it is expected that in CY 2003 Thailand and Vietnam will bounce back and Pakistan will continue to lag from a lack of exportable supplies.

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Last modified: Thursday, November 13, 2003