The US rice industry, led by the USA Rice Federation, is systematically ramping up domestically grown jasmine rice to reduce its reliance on imports from Thailand. Each year the US imports roughly 1.5 million tons of rice worth about 1.5 billion US dollars, and as much as approximately 800,000 tons of that is Thai jasmine rice. In 2026, the US expanded its jasmine rice planting area to a record high of about 50,000 acres, or roughly 126,400 rai, triggering a shortage of seed. Six states, namely Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Texas, are now all producing jasmine rice. The jasmine rice market is expanding at an average of 4% per year and is expected to grow to 7% by 2030. Walmart has announced it is the first retailer to switch its sourcing to domestically grown rice, while Kroger is moving in the same direction. A campaign during National Rice Month in September 2025 drove sales of domestically produced jasmine rice up 8.9% year on year and 5% month on month. The Thai Trade Center in Chicago warns that Thailand must adopt a more proactive strategy, focusing on preserving the value of Thai Hom Mali Rice rather than competing on price cuts.
Walmart Inc.Walmart announced it is the first retailer to switch its sourcing to domestically grown jasmine rice.
Kroger CompanyKroger is moving to source domestically grown jasmine rice, supporting US rice demand.
Record US jasmine rice plantings and retailer sourcing shifts raise demand for US-grown rice.
