U.S. rice exports by value in 2008 are 46 percent more than for the same period last year. Exports topped $1 billion in the January-June period compared to $726 million one year ago, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture FAS/BICO reports.

Top world markets for U.S. rice, in terms of value, in the first half of 2008 include:

Mexico ($204,408,379 — up 76 percent)

Japan ($148,331,091 — up 11 percent)

Canada ($79,255,366 — up 31 percent)

Haiti ($74,084,505 — up 23 percent)

Turkey ($62,226,855 — up from near zero in 2007).