As of 2009 world food consumption of rice was 531.6 million metric tons of paddy equivalent (354,603 of milled equivalent), while the far largest consumers were China consuming 156.3 million metric tons of paddy equivalent (29.4% of the world consumption) and India consuming 123.5 million metric tons of paddy equivalent (23.3% of the world consumption).[102] Between 1961 and 2002, per capita consumption of rice increased by 40%.
Rice is the most important crop in Asia. In Cambodia, for example, 90% of the total agricultural area is used for rice production.[103]
U.S. rice consumption has risen sharply over the past 25 years, fueled in part by commercial applications such as beer production.[104] Almost one in five adult Americans now report eating at least half a serving of white or brown rice per day.[105]