Canada does not produce rice, so many traders import rice to Canada for domestic consumption. In this article, K-Agriculture provides you with comprehensive information regarding rice importing from Canada. We do hope that after reading this article, you will feel confident to import rice to Canada, especially from Vietnam.
Contents
- 1 Overview of rice import to Canada
- 2 A step-by-step guide to import rice to Canada
- 2.1 Step 1: Know your rice
- 2.2 Step 2: Research Canadian requirements to import rice to Canada
- 2.3 Step 3: Select an appropriate foreign supplier to import rice to Canada
- 2.4 Step 4: Create a preventive control plan and implement it
- 2.5 Step 5: Develop a complaints and recall procedure
- 2.6 Step 6: Apply to the CFIA for your license to import rice to Canada
- 3 How do choose reliable rice suppliers to import rice to Canada?
- 3.1 Step 1: Conduct desk research to make a list of potential rice suppliers
- 3.2 Step 2: Verify the information of potential rice suppliers to minimize the risk of scam
- 3.3 Step 3: Make direct contact with your shortlist
- 3.4 Step 4: Select the best potential rice suppliers
- 3.5 Step 5: Deeper negotiation
- 4 Top 5 leading rice suppliers to import rice to Canada
- 4.1 American Commodity Company (ACC) – one of the biggest rice suppliers in the USA
- 4.2 K-Agriculture – one of the biggest rice suppliers in Vietnam
- 4.3 THAI HUA (2511) CO., LTD. – one of the biggest rice exporters in Thailand
- 4.4 LAL QILLA Basmati – one of the biggest rice suppliers in India
- 4.5 HASRice Pakistan – one of the biggest rice suppliers in Pakistan
Overview of rice import to Canada
In 2023, the total value of rice import to Canada is 508 million USD, up 2% compared to 2022, equivalent to over 664,676 MT, increasing from around 531,055 MT the previous year. These figures have pushed Canada up to rank 11 on the list of the world’s largest rice-importing countries.
The volume of rice imported in Canada from 2016 to 2023 (Tons).
The volume of rice imported in Canada from 2016 to 2023 (Tons). Source: TRADE MAP.
The amount of rice imported into Canada tends to increase from 2017 to 2020, from more than 376,000 tons to about 483,000 tons of rice. In 2021, the amount of imported rice will decrease to more than 414,000 tons of rice due to the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic. After that, this number increased again and reached more than 531,000 tons in 2022, increasing to about 664,676 tons in 2023.
Varieties of rice import to Canada
Rice is divided into 3 types based on its length, including short, medium, or long grain.
Three types of rice based on length
Basmati rice, which is noted for its enticing flavor, heavenly perfume, and delicate fluffy texture, is popular with importers to import rice to Canada. Jasmine rice, aromatic long grain rice with a high concentration of compounds that give off a distinct fragrance when cooked, is also popular in Canadian supermarkets.
Arborio rice, a short grain with a starchy covering, is also popular to import rice to Canada. The round grains are about a quarter-inch long and white in color. Arborio rice is available in brown (unrefined) form as well, but it is far more usually sold as white rice, which is starchier.
Demand for Rice in Canada
Canada’s demand for rice is expected to grow steadily over the next few years, with imports projected to increase incrementally from 2024 to 2028. In 2023, the actual import volume was recorded at 347.80 thousand metric tons. For 2024, imports are forecasted to rise to 353.62 thousand metric tons, representing a 1.67% increase. This upward trend is anticipated to continue, with year-on-year growth rates of 1.68% in 2025, 1.64% in 2026, 1.60% in 2027, and 1.57% in 2028, ultimately reaching an estimated 377.12 thousand metric tons by the end of the forecast period. This steady rise reflects increasing demand driven by population growth and dietary preferences in Canada.
Top 5 countries export rice to Canada
The top 5 largest exporting countries to import rice to Canada are The United States, Thailand, India, Pakistan, and Vietnam, Here is the comparison between these rice exporting countries.
The comparison of 4 largest exporting countries
Most rice imported to Canada is aromatic rice from Asia—jasmine from Vietnam and Thailand and basmati rice from Pakistan and India. In value terms, the United States constituted the largest supplier of rice to Canada, especially brown rice. Vietnamese and Thai rice is of good quality and is more popular with Canadian consumers than Indian rice, so it is usually more expensive. According to OEC, it is noticeable that Thailand’s rice import to Canada has experienced a drastic increase from under $70M in 2017 to over $110M in 2020. The value of rice import to Canada from Pakistan also followed a similar trend from nearly $10M in 2017 to about $14.6M in 2020.
If you want to import white rice to Canada, ocean freight is a key factor to consider. Freight rate from Cat Lai port, Vietnam to Toronto port, Canada is much lower than from Thailand, India, and Pakistan. For importers that want to buy white rice, Vietnam is a potential country to import rice to Canada. Some big rice suppliers in Vietnam are K-Agriculture, Sunrise, and Vinafood II, … K-Agriculture provides a variety of white rice from Vietnam, such as ST24, ST25, Jasmine, and DT08, which are suitable to import rice to Canada.
Taxes
Importing rice into Canada is generally free of customs duties due to preferential tariffs under various trade agreements. According to the 2023 Canadian Customs Tariff, rice products, including rice in the husk, husked (brown) rice, semi-milled or wholly milled rice, and broken rice, are all exempt from import duties when originating from countries with which Canada has free trade agreements, such as the United States and Mexic.
However, while there are no customs duties on rice imports, importers are still required to pay the Goods and Services Tax (GST) at a rate of 5% on the value of the imported goods. This tax is calculated based on the Canadian dollar value of the rice at the time of importation. Additionally, if the importer is registered for GST/HST, they may be eligible to claim an input tax credit (ITC) for the tax paid on imported rice.
A step-by-step guide to import rice to Canada
This guide introduces you to steps you can follow to import rice to Canada as well as some special requirements to be noticed when import rice to Canada
Step 1: Know your rice
Do you have a deep understanding of the rice you’re importing? Importing safe rice begins with a thorough understanding of the rice you import to Canada.
This contains the following:
- Could you please explain the rice you import? (This includes the kind of rice, its common name, the amount you want to import rice to Canada, and the packaging of the rice)
- Have you identified the dangers reasonably predicted to occur when importing rice to Canada? These dangers must be avoided to import rice to Canada, or they must be eradicated or lowered to a level that does not endanger human health.
- Do you have a broad understanding of the supply chain to import rice to Canada? Think about the following:
- Do you import rice straight from the supplier to Canada?
- Is it subjected to another procedure, such as being packaged, processed, or labeled by a different firm and/or in a different nation prior to import rice to Canada?
Deep understanding of your rice
In general, the more complicated the supply chain, the greater the possibility of danger occurring. Understanding the supply chain for your rice is crucial because it allows you to detect and handle risks that may arise when importing rice to Canada.
Step 2: Research Canadian requirements to import rice to Canada
As a Canadian importer, you should understand the following three requirements to import rice to Canada.
Import duty
The import tax for HS code: 10064000 (broken rice), HS code: 10061000 (rice in the husk), HS code: 10062000 (husked/brown rice), and HS code: 100063000 (semi-milled or wholly milled rice) is 0%, according to MFN treatment.
Duty-free creates favorable conditions for Canadian rice importers, especially reducing purchase costs, thereby lowering the selling price. This gives them a competitive advantage in the Canadian rice market.
Food requirements
Bilingual Labeling
An important requirement to import rice to Canada is that mandatory labeling information must be displayed in both English and French, including core labeling requirements as described in the Industry Labeling Tool. There are several exceptions and exemptions to the bilingual labeling requirements. Under the following circumstances, importers can import rice to Canada with certain information provided in only one official language: Identity and principal place of business; Common name of certain rice (e.g. Jasmine, Basmati,…).
Phytosanitary certificate
To import rice to Canada, the buyer must request import approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) as well as a phytosanitary certificate from the exporter’s nation to ensure that the rice has been evaluated for quality prior to import rice to Canada.
Phytosanitary Certificate Sample
Importer requirements
These are key importer requirements to import rice to Canada:
- Have a license to import rice to Canada
- Create, implement and maintain a PCP (preventive control plan)
- Develop recall and complaints procedures
Step 3: Select an appropriate foreign supplier to import rice to Canada
You can find more information about selecting an appropriate rice supplier to import rice to Canada under “How to choose reliable rice suppliers to import rice to Canada” in this article.
Step 4: Create a preventive control plan and implement it
In order to import rice to Canada, your preventative control plan must provide proof that there are effective control mechanisms in place to control all dangers while importing rice to Canada. In most circumstances, the foreign supplier controls the dangers associated with imported rice to Canada at the time the rice is manufactured, processed, stored, packed, or labeled in the foreign business.
Step 5: Develop a complaints and recall procedure
You must design your complaints and recall method before applying for a license to import rice to Canada.
Procedure for filing complaints: Written processes demonstrating how you receive, investigate, and respond to complaints will assist you in handling them in a timely and consistent manner.
Recall procedure: If a customer complaint or other discovery (for example, corporate testing) leads to a recall, you must be ready to remove any impacted items from the market as soon as possible.
Step 6: Apply to the CFIA for your license to import rice to Canada
To apply for a license to import rice to Canada, you must first register with My CFIA. By registering with My CFIA, you may build one or more business profiles based on an enrollment model that is appropriate for your company. You can apply for your license online or learn more about the licensing and requirements to import rice to Canada by logging into your My CFIA account.
Once steps 1 to 6 are complete, you are ready to start importing rice to Canada.
How do choose reliable rice suppliers to import rice to Canada?
Finding reputable wholesale companies for rice is not easy for Canadian importers. Below are five steps to finding your ideal rice suppliers to import rice to Canada.
Step 1: Conduct desk research to make a list of potential rice suppliers
Use Google: popular websites like Europages, Yellow Pages, or Exportgenius can give you a list of potential rice suppliers.
Linkedin: You can join some groups namely Rice Traders, Agriculture Trade Import & Export, etc to find rice suppliers who have the capacity to import rice to Canada.
Facebook: You can join groups namely Rice Traders, Pakistan Rice, WORLD RICE, and Import Rice to Canada to find rice suppliers who are the potential to import rice to Canada.
Step 2: Verify the information of potential rice suppliers to minimize the risk of scam
Look at their websites: Are their material and resources organized professionally?
Check the accuracy of the following contact information: Email address, phone number, business address, or certificate.
Step 3: Make direct contact with your shortlist
Before entering into a contract with rice suppliers to import rice to Canada, it is necessary to contact the rice suppliers to learn more about their business operations, customer service, and ability to import rice to Canada.
There are various ways to reach them. The most prevalent routes of communication are via website contact forms, WhatsApp, or email. Buyers should question rice suppliers for important information about import rice to Canada throughout the dialogue, such as product specifications, discounts, payment terms, delivery conditions, and other specific demands.
Step 4: Select the best potential rice suppliers
Choose 4-5 potential rice suppliers who have a strong ability to import rice to Canada so that the negotiation can continue following the discussion with them.
Step 5: Deeper negotiation
In order to import rice to Canada with a great deal, You should discuss pricing, trade discounts, packing arrangements, payment terms, delivery terms, and any special requirements to import rice to Canada with your supplier.
Top 5 leading rice suppliers to import rice to Canada
If you are seeking reliable rice suppliers to import rice to Canada, we recommend the below list:
American Commodity Company (ACC) – one of the biggest rice suppliers in the USA
American Commodity Company has evolved from a rough rice marketing pool to a fully integrated rice company since its foundation in 2000. They had worked with many Canadian buyers to import rice to Canada.
American Commodity Company (ACC)
They own and operate a number of drying and storage facilities strategically positioned throughout the rice-growing region of California. They specialize in brown rice and short-grain rice, both of which are suitable to import rice to Canada. The average price for their rice products ranges from $600 to $762.50 per ton, depending on the variety.
One of the main advantages of sourcing from ACC is their established reputation for quality and consistency, bolstered by their strategically located drying and storage facilities across California’s rice-growing regions. However, potential drawbacks include price fluctuations due to market conditions and limited variety compared to international competitors. Additionally, while their brown rice is favored by health-conscious consumers, it may not appeal to all segments of the market, which could limit broader consumer acceptance in Canada. Overall, ACC’s strong supply chain and product quality make them a reliable choice for Canadian buyers looking for premium rice options.
For more information: https://www.accrice.com/
K-Agriculture – one of the biggest rice suppliers in Vietnam
K-Agriculture is also worth considering when choosing a supplier to import rice to Canada. K-Agriculture is a well-developed company for rice export in Vietnam. They sell a variety of fragrant rice from Vietnam, such as ST24, ST25, Jasmine, and DT08, which are suitable to import rice to Canada. They have exported rice to over 100 countries. K-Agriculture, which is funded by the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade, has been a steady supplier to import rice to Canada. The average price for their Jasmine rice is around $669 per metric ton, while ST25 rice, known for its exceptional quality and flavor, can reach prices upwards of $1,360 per metric ton due to its premium status.
The advantages of sourcing from K-Agriculture include competitive pricing compared to other suppliers like Thailand and India, along with a reputation for high quality that meets international standards. However, potential drawbacks may include variability in supply due to seasonal production cycles and logistical challenges associated with shipping from Vietnam to Canada. Overall, K-Agriculture presents a strong option for Canadian importers looking for quality Vietnamese rice at reasonable prices while navigating the complexities of international trade.
If you want to import rice from Vietnam, feel free to contact us via:
- WhatsApp: +84855555837
- Email: info@k-agriculture.com
- Website: https://k-agriculture.com/
THAI HUA (2511) CO., LTD. – one of the biggest rice exporters in Thailand
Thai Hua (2511) Company Limited has been a prominent and well-known Thai rice exporter for over 50 years. Thai Hua, which has supplied numerous rice buyers to import rice to Canada, constantly prioritizes rice quality.
Thai Hua (2511) Co., Ltd
The most popular rice of Thai Hua is Thai white long-grain rice and Hom Mali rice, parboiled rice, and glutinous rice, which are well consumed in Canada, so they are worth importing rice to Canada. The average price for Thai white rice is around $555 per ton, while Hom Mali rice can fetch higher prices due to its premium quality and aromatic characteristics.
One of the main advantages of sourcing from Thai Hua is their strong commitment to quality control, ensuring that the rice meets stringent Canadian import standards. However, challenges include higher pricing compared to competitors like Indian and Vietnamese rice, which may offer similar quality at lower costs. Additionally, fluctuations in currency exchange rates can impact pricing and competitiveness. Despite these challenges, the established reputation of Thai Hua and the consistent quality of their products make them a reliable supplier for Canadian importers looking for high-quality rice options.
For more information: https://www.thaihua.co.th/
LAL QILLA Basmati – one of the biggest rice suppliers in India
LAL QILLA Basmati is a renowned manufacturer of high-quality basmati rice in India. The company has ISO 22,000 certification. This organization is well-known for providing the finest and purest basmati rice to customers all around the world,. They had worked with a number of importers to bring rice into Canada and had received positive feedback. LAL QILLA offers competitive pricing, typically ranging from $679 to $1,120 per ton, making it an attractive option for Canadian importers looking for quality at a reasonable cost.
LAL QILLA Basmati
The advantages of sourcing from LAL QILLA include access to pure and authentic basmati rice that meets stringent quality standards, along with positive feedback from various Canadian importers regarding their reliability and product quality. However, potential drawbacks may include longer shipping times and the variability in international shipping costs, which can affect overall pricing. Importers must also consider the need for compliance with Canadian food safety regulations and labeling requirements when sourcing from this supplier. Overall, LAL QILLA Basmati stands out as a top choice for Canadian importers seeking high-quality basmati rice with a strong reputation in the global market.
For more information: https://lalqilla-rice.com/
HASRice Pakistan – one of the biggest rice suppliers in Pakistan
Canada is one of the more than 50 nations to which HASRice exports Pakistani rice. Their product range includes long-grain white rice, parboiled rice, broken rice, basmati rice, and super basmati rice. The average export prices for these varieties vary: long-grain white rice is priced around $675 per ton, while basmati rice can go up to $1,130 per ton for premium grades.
HASRice Pakistan
Thanks to modern rice processing facilities, HAS Rice Pakistan has a 150 MT/day capability. Before loading, all HAS Rice’s products are inspected by SGS, and the company uses an all-encompassing, internationally acclaimed quality assurance system. Therefore, their products will meet all rules and requirements to import rice to Canada. However, potential drawbacks may include higher prices compared to competitors like Indian or Vietnamese rice due to production costs and export taxes. Additionally, fluctuations in global market prices can impact competitiveness, especially as Indian exporters have begun to lower their prices in response to market dynamics.
For more information: https://www.hasrice.com/
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Very good article. I’m also interested in importing rice business.
Thanks for your response and your concern to our blog. It is very meaningful to us!
If you need any new information, you can contact me. My email is camila@k-agriculture.com and I’m consultant from K-Agriculture.
Wish you a good day!
Dear Mr. Dien.
Good blessed day.
Please share your interest and contact information by E-mail:xevier909@yahho.co.in
Thank you.
Kind Regards.
Hello, I really want to appreciate the writer for this informative article. I am studying agriculture and food production in saskatchewan Polytechnic and I plan to get into commodity import very soon. And one of the interest is rice I hope to get more information from this website as I continue to find data for my future business. Please I would also like to ask if you have any information on how to import cocoa beans to Canada.
Thank you kindly for putting out a useful information like this out there.
Dear Francis,
Thanks for your response! It’s very meaningful to receive your response.
Import and Export is an interesting industry. We are also trying our best everyday to bring the best quality rice grains from Vietnam to the world. We are so proud of our Vietnam long-grain rice and we are very happy to see our customers also feel satisfied with our rice quality. And not only rice, we are also proud of our coffee beans, pepper, cinnamon, star anise and cashew. We hope to bring more and more delicious agricultural products to everywhere in the world.
That is why we have this website. We would like to bring some useful information to our readers and customers. We are happy to see you find something useful and interesting from our website.
You can also contact me if you need any information. My Whatsapp is +84 84 4444 867. My name is Camila and I’m sales specialist from K-Agriculture.
Wish you a good day!