2026-09-18 · percent of global rice consumption

Asia eats most of the world's rice

Half of humanity depends on rice — production mirrors consumption.

Rice feeds half of humanity, and Asia eats nearly all of it: the region accounts for 90% of global rice consumption, leaving just 10% for Africa, the Americas and everywhere else combined. Because production mirrors consumption, Asia's harvests, stocks and trade decisions effectively shape the market for the staple half the world depends on.

1 cell = 0.1 percent of global rice consumption (0.1% of rice consumption) · 1,000 cells

Context

The split is stark: Asia takes 90% of global rice consumption, while Africa, the Americas and other regions together account for the remaining 10%. Figures reflect FAO regional consumption shares for 2026.

That concentration is why FAO watches rice so closely: its Markets and Trade Division publishes the quarterly Rice Market Monitor, monthly Rice Price Updates from major origins and the AMIS Market Monitor, tracking production, consumption, trade, stocks and prices.

The near-term backdrop is watchful but stable: FAO's June 2026 Food Outlook expects global cereal production to ease from record highs yet remain at historically elevated levels, despite spillovers from energy and fertilizer markets into agriculture.

FAO rice consumption regional shares.