The United States Department of Agriculture(USDA) in its Grain and Feed 2025 Report has highlighted sustained growth in rice imports in several West African markets, noting that consumer preference remains a central driver of demand for foreign rice despite improvements in domestic output. The report, released for the 2025 to 2026 marketing year, provides updated projections on production, consumption and trade flows, and shows that structural consumption patterns continue to favour imported rice varieties, particularly in countries such as Ghana.
According to the USDA’s latest assessment, Ghana’s rice consumption is projected to remain strong in 2025 to 2026, driven by steady population growth, urbanisation and changing dietary patterns. While domestic milled rice production is forecast to increase moderately due to expanded cultivation and improved weather conditions, imports are still expected to account for a significant share of total consumption. The report indicates that imported rice continues to dominate urban retail markets, reflecting entrenched consumer tastes and purchasing habits.
Consumer preference and market demand
The USDA report emphasises that consumer preference for specific rice attributes is a major reason behind sustained import levels. In Ghana and neighbouring markets, many households favour fragrant long grain rice, which is predominantly sourced from Asian suppliers such as Vietnam, India and Thailand. These imported varieties are widely perceived as superior in aroma, grain uniformity, texture and cooking quality.
Urban consumers in particular demonstrate strong brand loyalty toward imported rice, especially premium fragrant types that are marketed as cleaner, well milled and consistent in quality. The USDA notes that even when locally produced rice is available at competitive prices, many buyers prioritise perceived quality and familiarity over cost considerations. This has reinforced a steady import pipeline, with traders continuing to secure supply contracts from Asian exporters to meet retail and wholesale demand.
The report also points to the expansion of modern retail outlets and supermarkets in major cities as a factor supporting foreign rice consumption. Imported rice is often attractively packaged and marketed, reinforcing perceptions of higher quality. Meanwhile, locally milled rice sometimes struggles with issues such as uneven grain size, the presence of stones or limited branding, which can affect consumer confidence.
Domestic production gains and structural constraints
Although Ghana’s domestic rice sector has recorded incremental improvements, the USDA underscores that structural challenges remain. Production growth in 2025 to 2026 is attributed to favourable rainfall patterns and ongoing government support programmes aimed at increasing acreage and improving seed distribution. However, productivity levels are still constrained by limited irrigation infrastructure, insufficient mechanisation and post harvest losses.
The report explains that many rice farmers rely heavily on rain fed agriculture, leaving yields vulnerable to climate variability. Milling capacity and processing standards also vary widely, which affects the final quality of locally marketed rice. Without consistent quality control and modern processing facilities, domestic producers find it difficult to compete with the polished and standardised output of large scale Asian exporters.
Import volumes are therefore projected to remain elevated in the current marketing year. The USDA indicates that rice imports into Ghana are expected to stabilise at levels close to recent years, reflecting steady demand rather than sharp increases. This suggests that while domestic output is growing, it has not yet displaced foreign rice in the national consumption basket.
Trade policy and food security implications
The sustained reliance on imported rice carries important economic and food security implications. The USDA report highlights that heavy import dependence exposes countries to global price volatility and currency fluctuations. In recent years, international rice markets have experienced supply disruptions linked to export restrictions and climate events in major producing countries. Such developments can quickly translate into higher domestic prices in import dependent economies.
At the same time, the report recognises ongoing regional trade reforms under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aim to boost intra African trade and reduce barriers. However, rice trade within West Africa remains limited compared with imports from Asia, largely because production capacities and quality standards vary across the region.
To reduce long term vulnerability, the USDA analysis suggests that sustained investment in irrigation, improved seed varieties, mechanisation and modern milling infrastructure will be critical. Strengthening quality assurance systems and branding for local rice could also help shift consumer perceptions over time. Public awareness campaigns and institutional procurement policies that prioritise local rice may gradually rebalance demand, but such measures require consistent implementation.
In conclusion, the USDA Grain and Feed 2025 Report makes clear that consumer preference remains a dominant force shaping rice import trends. Despite measurable gains in domestic production, imported fragrant rice continues to command strong loyalty in urban markets. Unless structural constraints in production and processing are addressed and quality perceptions change, foreign rice is likely to retain a significant share of the market in the 2025 to 2026 marketing year and beyond.