June 2000
The 2000/01 total foreign rice production is forecast at
394.0 million tons (milled basis), 2.0 million below last year's
record of 396.0 million tons for 1999/2000. The projected output
is based on a slight decrease in total foreign area and assumes
normal weather in all growing areas. Record or near-record crops
are expected in the major producing countries, and large or
record crops are projected for all major exporting countries as
well. For rice currently being planted in Asia, rainfall has been
adequate and timely, allowing producers to plant their crops
without delays.