WASHINGTON, DC – Earlier this week, ADM Rice confirmed the sale to Al Awees of two additional vessels of U.S. long grain milled rice totaling 88,000 metric tons. The shipments are scheduled to be loaded in September and November, providing a critical boost for U.S. long grain rice exports and bringing additional certainty to the market as the industry begins the 2026 harvest.

This is the first sale since last November, when two vessels were scheduled for shipment in January and March 2026 under the USA Rice-Al Awees Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Unfortunately, both shipments were entangled in logistical delays due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Together, the sales demonstrate Iraq’s continued commitment to purchasing high-quality U.S. rice and maintaining a dependable commercial relationship with American suppliers. 

The sale was made on the sidelines of a bilateral meeting between President Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. Shareholders of Al Awees and other related businesses traveled here with the official delegation. Several from the delegation also met with Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), John Boozman (R-AR), and staff for Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) to thank them for their continued support of the mutually beneficial trade. 

“These sales are a shot in the arm for our ailing industry,” said USA Rice President & CEO, Peter Bachmann. “This news should give rice farmers some hope for the market as they get into the 2026 harvest season. We are grateful for ADM and Al Awees honoring the terms of the MOU, despite facing so many challenges over the last three years. This support of the U.S. rice farmer falls in line with President Trump’s announcement this week regarding investment in U.S. businesses by Gulf nations.”

Iraq has limited domestic rice production and relies heavily on imported rice to meet consumer demand. Since the USA Rice–Al Awees MOU was established in 2021, the agreement has helped provide a consistent framework for at least 200,000 metric tons of U.S. rice purchases while supporting Iraq’s food security needs.

USA Rice continues to work with Congressional and Administration leadership seeking to resolve a yearslong financing challenge that would reduce exchange rate and other transaction fees on both parties. 

Published Date: July 16, 2026