| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Historical Data Period | 2019 - 2023 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 75.79 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 86.59 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 2.70 % |
China Rice Market Analysis
The China Rice Market size is estimated at USD 75.79 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 86.59 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 2.7% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
- China is one of the largest producers and consumers of rice in the world, playing a critical role in the global rice market. According to FAOSTAT, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), China produced about 220.0 million metric tons of rice in 2022, with the area harvested being 29.7 million ha. It cultivates a variety of rice, including indica, japonica, and hybrid varieties. Major rice-growing regions include the Yangtze River Basin (central China), the northeastern provinces (like Heilongjiang), and southern provinces (like Guangdong and Guangxi).
- Rice is a staple food in Chinese diets, particularly in the southern provinces. Typically, rice is served plain to be eaten with other dishes, but there are other variations of rice such as congees and fried rice, which can also be consumed on its own. According to FAO-OECD, consumption of rice in China was 150,293 thousand metric tons in 2020, which increased to 156,360 thousand metric tons in 2022.
- Besides, China is one of the major exporters of rice. Despite the huge domestic demand, the country has been able to increase its export volumes over the years. According to the ITC Trade map, China exported around USD 916,281 thousand of rice in 2020, which reached USD 983,750 thousand in 2023. Major importers of Chinese rice are Ivory Coast, Egypt, Turkey, Korea, the Philippines, and Japan. The continuous high rice production in the region is likely to increase export quantity further during the forecast period.
- The Chinese government plays a major role in the rice market, regulating prices, offering subsidies to farmers, and maintaining large rice reserves to ensure food security. China maintains minimum purchase price policies to support rice farmers and stabilize domestic prices. For instance, in 2024, to encourage farmers to grow grain, the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission released a minimum purchase price of rice at CNY 2,580 (USD 358.40).
China Rice Market Trends
Increased Production Potential in The Country
In recent years, China has relied heavily on imports to meet its surging rice demand. A pivotal advancement in rice cultivation came with the introduction of hybrid rice, spearheaded by the esteemed agronomist Yuan Longping. Initiated in the 1970s, this groundbreaking work aimed at developing high-yield rice varieties to amplify production. However, with the introduction of focused cultivation of rice through several studies, domestic production has increased during the study period. For instance, according to FAOSTAT, China's production of rice was 214.4 million metric tons in 2021, which increased 220.0 million metric tons in 2022.
Moreover, studies in precision agriculture have emphasized the use of technology to optimize inputs such as water, fertilizer, and pesticides. Research institutions in China have explored the use of satellite imagery, drones, and data analytics to monitor rice fields, helping farmers make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilization, and pest control. These technologies are particularly valuable in regions with limited resources, where maximizing the efficiency of each hectare is critical for boosting rice production while minimizing environmental impact.
In recent years, focused studies have shifted towards sustainability, addressing the environmental impacts of intensive rice farming. Research has highlighted the importance of reducing water usage and chemical inputs to protect ecosystems while maintaining high yields. Studies on water-saving techniques, such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), have shown that it is possible to reduce water consumption by up to 30% without sacrificing productivity. This method, tested in various regions across China, has been particularly beneficial in areas facing water scarcity that prioritize high production volumes.
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Changes In Consumption Patterns Drive the Import of Rice
Changes in consumption patterns in China have played a significant role in driving the import of rice, despite the country being the world’s largest producer of the crop. While China has traditionally been largely self-sufficient in rice production, shifts in consumer preferences, lifestyle changes, and the diversification of diets have led to an increase in rice imports in recent years. According to the ITC Trade Map, China's import of rice was 2.5 million metric tons in 2019, which increased to 2.6 million metric tons in 2023. China imports rice from Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, and India with 36.6%, 21.2%, 16%, 10.3%, and 6.7% value share in 2023.
Besides, with the rapid expansion of China’s middle class and urbanization, there has been a shift in consumer preferences toward higher-quality rice varieties. Many Chinese consumers, especially in urban areas, nowadays prefer premium rice types, such as jasmine rice from Thailand and basmati rice from India, which are not widely grown domestically. The local varieties of rice in China, such as India and japonica, are staple foods, but the rising demand for aromatic, long-grain rice varieties from Southeast Asia has led to increased imports. These premium varieties are often perceived as more flavorful and are sought after for special occasions or in high-end restaurants.
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China Rice Market News
- July 2024: Madagascar has signed two memoranda of understanding(MOU) with the Chinese seed company Yuan Longping High-Tech Agriculture Co. (Yuan’s Seed) to bolster its rice production sector and achieve food self-sufficiency. This partnership includes an initial hybrid rice production project on 2,000 hectares in Betsipotika, with a long-term goal to expand cultivation to 300,000 hectares.
- February 2023: China's central government has issued a 10-billion-yuan (about USD 1.46) fund for granting one-off subsidies to crop-growing farmers in light of the costs of farming supplies and agriculture production including rice.
China Rice Industry Segmentation
Rice is the starchy seed of an annual Southeast Asian cereal grass (Oryza sativa) that can be cooked and used for consumption. The China rice market is analyzed by production (volume), consumption (volume and value), import (volume and value), export (volume and value), and price trend. The report offers the market size and forecast in terms of value (USD) and volume (metric tons) for the above-mentioned segments.
| China | Production Analysis |
| Consumption Analysis (Volume and Value) | |
| Import Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | |
| Export Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | |
| Price Trend Analysis |
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China Rice Market Research FAQs
How big is the China Rice Market?
The China Rice Market size is expected to reach USD 75.79 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 2.70% to reach USD 86.59 billion by 2030.
What is the current China Rice Market size?
In 2025, the China Rice Market size is expected to reach USD 75.79 billion.
What years does this China Rice Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the China Rice Market size was estimated at USD 73.74 billion. The report covers the China Rice Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the China Rice Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Rice in China Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 China Rice market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. China Rice analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
