Rice Production and Usage Increase

WASHINGTON - Mar 11/03 - SNS -- Global production, imports, exports, consumption, and ending stocks for rice were raised slightly from last month's USDA outlook report.

World production is projected at 382 million tons, nearly the same as last month, 15.1 million tons below 2001-02, and the smallest crop since 1996-97. Global ending stocks in 2002-03 are projected at 107.8 million tons, up slightly from last month, 26.6 million tons below 2001-02, and the smallest stocks since 1987-88.

U.S. imports for 2002-03 are raised 0.5 million cwt from last month to 13.0 million cwt based on a higher-than-expected import pace through December, according to data from the Census Bureau. Total exports in 2002-03 are projected at a record 107 million cwt, 2% above a month ago, 14% above 2001-02, and the highest since 1994-95.

Exports of milled and brown rice are projected at 68 million cwt (rough-equivalent basis), 3% above last month and 9% above 2001-02. Rough rice exports in 2002-03 are projected at a record 39 million cwt, unchanged from last month, but 23% above 2001-02.

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