SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – On August 11, a group of U.S. rice exporters met in person and virtually with Korean importers regarding U.S. rice supply, quality, and the potential outlook for 2025 U.S. rice export sales to Korea.  In addition, participants discussed the current regulatory framework in Korea that governs domestic and imported rice sales as well as logistics around the costs of imports.

Since the country-specific quota (CSQ) was signed in 2020, establishing an annual purchase commitment of 132,304 metric tons, Korea has been a strong partner and has worked with the United States to live up to the full tonnage of their annual purchase.  Unfortunately, since 2023, Korea has not allowed a small portion of U.S. table rice to enter the market through weekly auctions.

“We always appreciate the opportunity to visit with our important trading partners, and this year, we were more than happy to travel to Seoul to share current planting and harvest situations in California in order to effectively meet the needs in the Korean market,” said Michael Rue, California rice farmer and chair of the USA Rice Asia Trade Policy Subcommittee.  “With a good crop outlook for the year ahead, we look forward to having plenty of quality supply for export.”

Korea is regularly a top export market for U.S. rice by both volume and value and has long been the second largest market for U.S. medium grain exports.

Published Date: August 12, 2025