Broken rice market in Australia and New Zealand

Earlier Report Observations

The market for broken rice in Australia and New Zealand expanded significantly from 84.6 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 120.6 thousand tons in 2019, before experiencing moderate fluctuations between 113.5 and 118.0 thousand tons through 2023.

The initial surge in 2019 was driven by increased domestic production in Australia, supported by favorable agricultural policies and enhanced water allocations in New South Wales, which allowed for area expansion. Imports also doubled that year, reflecting strong demand. Subsequent dips in 2020 and 2021 coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic's indirect disruptions and extreme weather events, including floods, which temporarily constrained output. Production recovered in 2022 and 2023 amid improved growing conditions and ongoing investments in research and development, such as the AgriFutures Rice program.

Regulatory developments shaped the market landscape, notably the Australian government's announcement to phase out the Rice Marketing Board by 2026, marking a significant deregulation move. Additionally, India's export ban on non-basmati rice in July 2022 tightened global supply, contributing to import price volatility. Consumer preferences in New Zealand continued to shift toward healthier, organic, and diversified rice varieties, influencing import patterns.

Production broken rice in Australia and New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of broken rice, 2018-2021

World map of production of broken rice, 2018-2021

Broken rice production in Australia and New Zealand declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, output reached 96.5 K t, down 2.5% from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 25.4%, which translates to an average annual increase of 7.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 105.5 K t. That year also saw the largest annual increase of 37.0%. In contrast, 2020 experienced the biggest decline, with production falling by 6.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports broken rice from Australia and New Zealand

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed significant volatility during the observed period. Exports peaked in 2020 and hit their lowest point in 2021, with an 82-fold difference between these two years. In 2021, broken rice exports from Australia and New Zealand stood at 0.0 t, representing a sharp drop of 98.8% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the country structure of exports in kind was dominated by Fiji and Tonga, which together accounted for 92.4% of total flows. Other markets made up the remainder, forming a long tail.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports varied significantly, with a 21-fold difference between the high in 2020 and the low in 2021. In 2021, broken rice exports from Australia and New Zealand amounted to 0.3 K $ US, marking a decline of 95.2% from the prior year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Tonga, Fiji, and Solomon Islands remained the primary buyers of broken rice from Australia and New Zealand in value terms. Tonga accounted for 43.7% of exports, Fiji for 34.8%, and Solomon Islands for 9.6%. Together, these three countries represented 88.0% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021

Imports broken rice to Australia and New Zealand

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over the period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.2-fold difference between these years. In 2021, broken rice deliveries to Australia and New Zealand totaled 17 001 t, remaining relatively stable compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 17 013 t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2019, at 98.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

Throughout 2018–2021, India, Thailand, and Vietnam were the key partners for imports in kind of broken rice to Australia and New Zealand. India contributed 41.6% of imports, Thailand 31.0%, and Vietnam 13.5%. Collectively, these three countries represented 86.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, imported broken rice volumes in Australia and New Zealand declined. In 2021, imports were recorded at 9 597 K $ US, reflecting a substantial decrease of 17.8% from the year before. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 31%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 11 675 K $ US, and the largest annual increase occurred in 2019, at 46.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Thailand, India, and Vietnam consistently held leading positions in the country structure of imports in value terms. Thailand accounted for 45.8% of imports, India for 26.5%, and Vietnam for 12.0%. Together, these three countries made up 84.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021