Global rice consumption 2023/24, by country

Rice is one of the most widely consumed grains in the world. As the most populous country in the world, China also consumes more rice than any other country, with about 150 million metric tons consumed in 2023/2024. Following China, India is ranked second with 118 million metric tons of rice consumed in the same period.

Rice production

Rice requires very specific conditions in order to flourish. It must be grown in a field flooded with several inches of water, known as a paddy field. Unsurprisingly, China and India also top the list as the biggest producers of rice worldwide. Rice has such a neutral flavor that it can be integrated into almost any kind of dish, paired with virtually any flavor. In China, rice is often steamed and served alongside stir-fried meat and vegetables.

Rice varieties

Though there are dozens of varieties of rice grown and consumed across globe, the three most prominent types of rice are indica, japonica, and aromatic. The price index of all rice, however, has increased by over 40 points since 2016.