Analysts at Fitch Solutions predict a global rice shortage of 8.7 million tons in the upcoming agricultural year, the largest deficit in two decades. This shortage is attributed to adverse weather conditions in rice-producing countries, particularly China and Pakistan, and a surge in demand due to the conflict in Ukraine. The world's rice consumers, estimated to be over 3.5 billion people, predominantly in the Asia-Pacific region, may face rising prices until 2024. However, the global rice market is expected to achieve a surplus by the 2024/2025 agricultural year, with prices potentially falling by approximately 10%.