A new analysis by World Visualized, drawing on data from WorldStats, highlights that Myanmar tops the list of countries with the highest per capita rice consumption at a staggering 278.97 kg per person per year.

It’s followed closely by Comoros (274.51 kg), Gambia (256.4 kg), Cambodia (247.54 kg), and Bangladesh (246.85 kg). Completing the top ten are Vietnam, Laos, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), global rice utilisation in 2023/24 stood at approximately 522 million tonnes, reflecting steady demand despite elevated prices. However, projections for 2024/25 indicate renewed growth, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa , where consumption is expected to continue expanding.

The FAO and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) both forecast a rise in global rice output through 2025/26. The USDA estimates total production could reach 541.6 million tonnes (milled basis), led by higher yields in India and Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, global rice trade is projected to climb to nearly 60 million tonnes, driven largely by expanding Indian exports.

India, the world’s largest rice exporter, recently lifted its two-year ban on de-oiled rice bran exports, easing domestic stockpiles and injecting new volume into the global market.

However, not all policy movements are liberalising. The Philippines, one of Asia’s largest rice importers, may extend its import restrictions into early 2026 to protect local farmers, a move analysts say could tighten supply and nudge prices upward in the coming quarters.

Global rice prices have been on a sharp downward trend. The FAO Rice Price Index has fallen about 13% in 2025, and benchmark prices for Thailand ’s 5% broken white rice are now at their lowest levels in eight years. The drop comes after record harvests and excess stockpiles, particularly from India, which exported more than 33 million tonnes in 2024.

Following India in the top ten are Thailand (10.9 M), Vietnam (8.6 M), Pakistan (6.7 M), Belgium (4.9 M), China (3.2 M), Myanmar (3.2 M), the U.S.A (3.0 M), Brazil (2.0 M), and the Netherlands (1.6 M).

These figures, from WorldStats, offer a vivid map of who’s dominating the international rice trade this year.

But behind those numbers lie deeper forces at work, ones that pit bumper harvests against fragile farmer margins, shifting trade rules, and global food security questions.

Oversupply meets policy shifts

The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in May projected that global rice production in 2024/25 will expand by about 1.5 percent, reaching 543.6 million tonnes, which would be a new record. With more rice in the world and more sellers competing, supply is outpacing demand in many markets.

India’s role in this story is pivotal. As the largest exporter of rice, its export behaviour echoes globally. In 2025, India has set an ambitious export target of 30 million tons for the 2025–2026 season, a move expected to add downward pressure on global rice prices.

India is looking to broaden its export markets beyond its traditional buyers in Africa, negotiating with countries such as the Philippines .

This influx of supply has already contributed to price declines. Global rice prices have dropped significantly as Thailand, Vietnam, and India have started releasing large volumes. The FAO All Rice Price Index has fallen, with some benchmarks hitting their lowest in years.

At the same time, the Philippines, one of the world’s largest rice importers, plans to extend its rice import ban until April to protect domestic farmers. That move may tighten demand further and ripple through international prices.

Based on a survey by NetCredit from 102 cities around the world, men pay as high as $64.50 for a haircut in Norway.

In Japan, an average of $56 is paid at the barbershop for a haircut. Denmark follows closely with a $48.21 payment.

Sweden and Australia see men go in for haircuts at $46.13 and $46 respectively.

In sharp contrast to these figures, Zambia offers the most affordable prices for haircuts at $1.65.

Although Nigeria is reported to have women pay 634% more than men for a haircut, it has the second lowest price for a trim at $1.83. The country also has the most affordable price in West Africa.

In Latin America , Argentina hoists the most affordable flag with men paying an average of $3.15 for a trim.

Pakistan and India in Asia stand tall at $4.44 and $5.29 respectively.

How much are you willing to pay for a haircut?