Where does BD export rice?

Saudi Arabia and the United States are among the leading destinations for Bangladeshi milled rice.

In 2024, Saudi Arabia imported around 1,643 tonnes of rice from Bangladesh, worth approximately $1.8 million. The United States imported about 1,001 tonnes, valued at roughly $1.57 million.

Bangladeshi rice also finds markets in Canada and Australia, which imported approximately 318 tonnes and 206 tonnes, respectively, in the same year.

The European Union imported around 285 tonnes, while Bangladeshi rice is also shipped to the United Kingdom, Italy, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Qatar, Bahrain and New Zealand.
Why doesn’t Bangladesh export more rice?

The country’s limited rice exports are closely linked to its domestic food-security needs.
Rice is the main staple of Bangladesh’s population, meaning that production is primarily intended to meet domestic consumption. Even a relatively small disruption in production can affect prices and supply.

Unlike India, Thailand and Vietnam, Bangladesh does not normally maintain a large structural surplus of rice available for export. As a result, the country has limited scope to compete with major rice-exporting nations on volume.

Government policy can also affect exports. Restrictions or controls may be imposed when domestic supplies become tight or prices rise, while imports are encouraged when additional supplies are needed.