SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR – Earlier this week, USA Rice participated in the Central American Rice Federation (
FECARROZ) Executive Board meeting, where key industry leaders from across Central America gathered to discuss pressing issues affecting the regional rice market.
USA Rice merchant member Jason Wheeler, a merchandising specialist with White Commercial who is also past chair of the USA Rice Futures Contract Working group, delivered an in-depth presentation on the futures market, highlighting the role of hedging as a strategic tool for managing price risk and securing favorable sourcing opportunities. USA Rice’s Asiha Grigsby, senior director of international promotion for the Western Hemisphere, also contributed insights on the growing presence of Thai-origin rice in the Central American market and outlined proactive steps being taken to address this competitive challenge.
Additionally, USA Rice engaged with FECARROZ leaders on future promotions and training initiatives that will be prioritized in the coming year, ensuring continued collaboration to strengthen the region’s rice sector.
“This meeting reinforced the importance of market education and strategic planning,” said Grigsby. “By working together on promotions, training, and risk management strategies, we can help ensure a strong and stable rice market for both U.S. exporters and Central American importers. We’ll be planning trade missions and additional meetings this year to follow-up on items discussed during this week.”
FECARROZ represents rice millers and industry stakeholders from Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, playing a key role in trade policy and market development. Collectively, these countries were the second largest importer of U.S. rice in 2024, bringing in more than 600,000 MT valued at $250 million.