Broken rice market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

The broken rice market in Central America experienced substantial growth from 2018 to 2022, with volume expanding from 212 thousand tons to over 502 thousand tons. This surge was primarily supported by a steady increase in domestic production, which more than doubled from 184 thousand tons to 445 thousand tons over the period. Import volumes showed considerable variability, peaking at 60 thousand tons in 2022, reflecting shifts in regional supply dynamics.

After reaching a peak in 2022, the market volume contracted to 415 thousand tons in 2023. This decline coincided with a period of elevated international rice prices during 2022 and 2023, which affected import costs and local consumption patterns. Domestic production also eased slightly from its 2022 high, contributing to the reduced market size.

In 2024, import and export flows showed further adjustments, with imports declining to 26 thousand tons and exports increasing to 21.5 thousand tons. The broader market environment continued to be shaped by international price movements and evolving demand for broken rice in animal feed and industrial applications.

Production broken rice in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of broken rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of broken rice, 2017-2020

Broken rice production in Central America has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Central America produced 359.2 K t of broken rice, marking a sharp increase of 62.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 107.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 27.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Central America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports broken rice from Central America

Exports in kind, t

After two years of contraction, broken rice exports from Central America have increased. In 2020, exports reached 20 509 t, showing a significant advance of 67.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 16.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 12 267 t, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 25.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Central America in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, the United States, and Venezuela consistently held leading positions in the country structure of broken rice exports from Central America. The Netherlands accounted for 4.2% of exports in kind, the United States for 3.6%, and Venezuela for 0.5%. Together, these three countries represented 8.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Central America in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decrease, broken rice exports from Central America have increased in value. In 2020, export volume totaled 10 002 K $ US, indicating a steep gain of 40.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 25.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 7 130 K $ US, with the largest decline also occurring in 2019 at 8.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Central America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over the 2017-2020 period, the Netherlands, the United States, and Venezuela consistently occupied leading positions in the country structure of broken rice exports in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 5.0% of exports in value, the United States for 4.4%, and Venezuela for 0.6%. Collectively, these three countries represented 10.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Central America in value, 2017-2020

Imports broken rice to Central America

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Broken rice imports to Central America amounted to 43 096 t in 2020, marking a steep uptick of 108.7% compared to the previous year. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 20 649 t, with the largest decline also occurring in 2019 at 49.5%. The span from 2019 to 2020 showed a peak-to-trough amplitude of 2.1 times.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Central America in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, imports of broken rice to Central America relied on a wide range of partner countries. The United States accounted for 30.7% of imports in kind, Brazil for 7.0%, and Paraguay for 2.3%. Together, these three countries took just 40.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Central America in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. In 2020, Central America imported broken rice valued at 9 150 K $ US, reflecting a sharp uptick of 109.9% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 9 150 K $ US, with the largest decline also occurring in 2019 at 50.2%. The gap between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2019 was 2.1-fold.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Central America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The partner structure of broken rice imports in value terms remained fragmented from 2017 to 2020. The United States accounted for 35.1% of imports in value, Brazil for 7.4%, and Paraguay for 2.1%. Together, these three countries represented only 44.6% of total flows, with no single country exceeding a dominant share.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Central America in value, 2017-2020