Rice Exports on the Rise: Mexico Plans Major Entry into Saudi Arabia
According to the latest reports, Mexico is all set to do rice exports with Saudi Arabia. The nation is preparing to expand its trade ties with Saudi Arabia by exporting high-quality rice to the Kingdom. Moreover, Mexico has an export offer for three premium rice varieties that meet the highest international standards.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia imports limited quantities of Mexican rice, mainly for use in Mexican cuisine and restaurants. Interestingly, this latest initiative indicates the Kingdom’s position as one of the world’s largest rice consumers, with per capita consumption averaging 45.77 kilograms annually, the highest among plant-based food products. Nearly 70 per cent of consumption consists of basmati rice, whereas total annual imports exceed 1.3 million tons.
A request to do rice exports from Mexico
The information mentioned that the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs received a request from the Mexican Embassy in Riyadh. The request conveys the interest of the Mexican state of Nayarit to do rice exports of premium rice to the Saudi market.
Particularly, the embassy cited that three rice varieties are available for export: Super Extra Whole Grain Rice (long grain) with a monthly supply of 120 tons; Milagro Super Extra Rice (polished broad grain) with a capacity of 30 tons per month; and Morelos rice, an additional premium-grade variety.
Saudi Arabia took steps to encourage private-sector imports of Cambodian rice
Interestingly, earlier, Saudi Arabia has taken steps to encourage private-sector imports of Cambodian rice in a move intending to diversifying supply sources alongside rice imports from India, Pakistan, the United States and Egypt. Strong demand for favoured rice varieties in Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf, combined with challenges such as rising shipping costs and climate-related disruptions, has occasionally led to price fluctuations. Notably, these factors have prompted the Kingdom to broaden its supplier base to ensure the availability of this commodity and maintain price stability.
Apparently, the government recently decided to increase Pakistani rice imports to account for 20 per cent of total needs, re – strengthening supply stability and food security. Forecasts suggest that per capita rice consumption in Saudi Arabia could rise to around 50 kilograms annually in the coming years, a rise from the current 45.77 kilograms, outlining rice’s central role in the Kingdom’s food industry and traditional cuisine.