Prime Highlights:

• Mexico is seeking to boost trade ties with Saudi Arabia by exporting three premium rice varieties to the Kingdom.
• The move supports Saudi Arabia’s strategy to diversify rice suppliers and strengthen long-term food security.

Key Facts:

• Saudi Arabia imports more than 1.3 million tonnes of rice annually, with around 70% being basmati, making it one of the world’s largest rice-consuming markets.
• The Mexican Embassy in Riyadh submitted a request to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighting Nayarit’s capacity to supply up to 150 tonnes of premium rice per month across different varieties.

Background:

Mexico is moving to strengthen its trade relationship with Saudi Arabia by offering to export premium-quality rice to the Kingdom, according to sources familiar with the development. The initiative reflects growing economic cooperation and aims to tap into Saudi Arabia’s high demand for rice.

Officials said Mexico has proposed exporting three high-grade rice varieties that meet international standards. These include Super Extra Whole Grain Rice, long grain with a supply of up to 120 tonnes per month; Milagro Super Extra Rice, a polished broad grain variety with a monthly capacity of 30 tonnes; and Morelos rice, known for its premium quality.

The proposal comes as Saudi Arabia continues to rank among the world’s largest rice consumers. Average per capita consumption stands at about 45.77 kilograms per year and is expected to rise to nearly 50 kilograms in the coming years. Rice is an important part of daily meals and traditional dishes in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia imports more than 1.3 million tonnes of rice each year. About 70 percent of this is basmati rice. The country mainly buys rice from India, Pakistan, the United States, and Egypt. It is also looking for new suppliers to keep supplies steady.

Sources said the Mexican Embassy in Riyadh sent a request to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, showing that the Mexican state of Nayarit wants to export rice to the Saudi market. At present, Mexican rice is imported in limited quantities, mainly for use in restaurants and Mexican cuisine.

Saudi Arabia has recently taken steps to diversify its rice imports, including encouraging private-sector purchases from Cambodia and increasing imports from Pakistan to cover about 20 percent of its needs. The government says these steps will help protect food supplies and lower the risk of shortages.

Higher shipping costs and climate problems have sometimes pushed up global rice prices. To avoid this, the Kingdom is looking for more suppliers. Bringing in rice from Mexico could help keep supplies steady and give consumers more choices.

The planned exports show Saudi Arabia’s focus on securing key food products, while Mexico aims to expand its reach in global agricultural markets.