We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry. current time
Aromatic Rice Markets Shift as US Production Expands and Bangladesh Prices Rise
The aromatic rice market is seeing contrasting developments in the United States and Bangladesh. While US growers are increasing jasmine rice production to reduce dependence on imports, prices of aromatic varieties in Bangladesh’s Rajshahi have risen sharply amid tighter supplies, higher exports and increasing processing costs. The United States is seeking to establish a stronger domestic supply base for jasmine rice as consumer demand continues to grow. North America accounts for about 35 per cent of the global jasmine rice market, while the US imports nearly 1.5 million tonnes of rice each year. Thai jasmine rice makes up around 800,000 tonnes of these imports. Domestic cultivation reached a record 50,000 acres across the six US rice-producing states in 2026. Industry efforts are focused on increasing consumer awareness of locally grown jasmine rice through retailers, restaurants and promotional campaigns. Walmart has already shifted its store-brand jasmine rice towards US-grown varieties, while Kroger is also moving in the same direction.
A promotional campaign conducted in 2025 helped lift sales by 8.9 per cent from the previous year. Further expansion could be supported by a new crop-insurance option for aromatic rice expected in 2027. The industry is also working on quality standards and improved varieties to strengthen the competitiveness of US-grown jasmine rice. Bangladesh, meanwhile, is facing a sharp rise in aromatic rice prices. In Rajshahi, wholesale prices have climbed from around Tk100 per kg six months ago to Tk180–200, while retail prices have also increased substantially. In Saheb Bazar, open Chinigura is selling at Tk140–145 per kg, compared with Tk115–120 earlier. Packaged Chinigura has reached Tk160–170 per kg, while Kalijira is around Tk150 per kg. Recent market reports also show that prices can vary considerably by quality, brand and market. The rise has been linked to several supply-side factors. Increased exports have reduced domestic availability, while lower aromatic paddy production, stockpiling by large millers and higher processing and transportation expenses have added to market pressure. Three major companies exported a combined 1,530 tonnes of rice during the 2025–26 fiscal year.
Weather has further affected supplies. Heatwaves and insufficient rainfall in parts of northern Bangladesh reduced aromatic paddy yields, contributing to tighter availability. Higher prices are now influencing consumption patterns. Households and restaurants are cutting back on aromatic rice purchases as the cost of popular varieties increases. Traders have reported weaker demand, while farmers are considering expanding aromatic rice cultivation if elevated prices continue to provide better returns. The developments in the two markets highlight different responses to changing demand and supply conditions. The US is attempting to build domestic jasmine rice production and reduce import dependence, while Bangladesh is dealing with higher prices resulting from a combination of export demand, reduced production, stockholding and rising processing costs.
