On September 14th, USA Rice, in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in Amman, hosted a seminar in Amman for Jordanian rice traders. Representatives of the Jordanian Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply, the American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan and the Jordan Chamber of Commerce participated in the event.

USA Rice is the global advocate for U.S. rice farmers, millers, merchants, and allied businesses, including those exporting rice to Jordan. U.S.-origin rice has been present in the Jordanian market for over 40 years. It makes up approximately 40% of the total rice imports in the country and has become the most popular rice variety in Jordan. It is imported by numerous local companies and used daily in Jordanian households, trusted for its high quality and great taste.

“The U.S. rice industry is proud to help supply one of Jordan’s most important staple foods to Jordanian consumers and we value the long-term relationships our industry has within the Jordanian marketplace,” said Betsy Ward, USA Rice President & CEO.

Secretary General of Ministry of Industry, trade, and Supply Eng. Hassan Al-Omari stated Jordan’s food imports from the U.S. market contribute to enhancing the Kingdom’s strategic stockpile of food and basic commodities, especially wheat, rice, poultry and corn. The Jordanian imports of rice from the U.S. in 2020 amounted to $74 million. Al-Omari emphasized the keenness of working effectively together to advance the economic relationship between Jordan and the United States.

U.S. Senior Agricultural Attaché Elizabeth Mello stated‚ “This event illustrates our commitment to the prosperity of Jordan by providing the Jordanian traders with the most practical and up to date market information.” Mello added that U.S. rice sales to Jordan demonstrate the importance of the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement for both countries, developing a robust trade relationship that supported a steady flow of U.S. rice to Jordan. “U.S. rice has played a role in Jordan’s overall food security by its affordability, availability, and accessibility. You can count on the U.S. to provide you with quality and affordable rice.”

During the seminar, a senior agricultural economist from the United States Department of Agriculture, as well as rice researchers from California and Arkansas, gave presentations on the world rice supply situation and the current U.S. rice crop. A question-and-answer session followed, among the panelists and all participants.

“We hope to be helpful to Jordanian businesses in navigating the ongoing worldwide shipping and food supply situation for the benefit of our Jordanian business partners and the Jordanian consumers,” said Mark Holt, Chairman of the USA Rice Europe, Middle East and Africa Subcommittee.

USA Rice is committed to continue its work in the Jordanian market to grow the presence of U.S. rice and to share information about the high quality and availability of U.S. rice in the market. For more information on U.S. rice, follow usarice.jo on Facebook or Instagram.