Brown rice market in Egypt

Earlier Report Observations

Egyptian brown rice production grew from 76 100 tons in 2018 to 114 300 tons in 2020, driven by a consistent expansion of cultivated rice area backed by government support policies for farmers. The market saw further reinforcement in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic prompted efforts to secure domestic strategic reserves amid global supply chain uncertainties.

A sharp drop to 66 100 tons occurred in 2021, a year which also saw new companies enter the market and packaging requirements updated to improve product quality. Production rebounded to 100 900 tons in 2022 and reached 127 400 tons in 2023, supported by continued farmer subsidies and the successful introduction of new, high-yield rice varieties that featured faster growth cycles and improved water efficiency, boosting overall output.

By 2023, the market size reached 127 400 tons, with minimal import and export activity. Government measures, including updated export regulations managed through the 'Mostaqbal Misr' apparatus, helped maintain a balance between domestic supply and demand during this period of recovery and growth.

Production brown rice in Egypt

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt ranked 18th globally in brown rice production.

Top producers of brown rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of brown rice, 2017-2020

Egypt's brown rice production grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 114.3 thousand tons of brown rice, marking a 13.3% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production overall declined by 12.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 76.1 thousand tons. The sharpest drop occurred in 2018, with a 41.9% decrease, while the largest gain was in 2019, with a 32.6% rise.

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

Exports brown rice from Egypt

According to market analysis, Egypt did not export any brown rice between 2017 and 2020.

Imports brown rice to Egypt

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market. Imports varied significantly, dropping from a high in 2017 to a low in 2020, with a 9.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Egypt's brown rice imports from abroad totaled 75.7 tons, representing a sharp 67.8% decrease compared to the year before. The most substantial decline was in 2018 at 78.8%, while the biggest increase was in 2019 at 51.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Pakistan, and Thailand were the top sources for Egypt's brown rice imports by volume. India accounted for 51.8% of imports, Pakistan for 24.5%, and Thailand for 13.2%, together making up 89.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was marked by volatility during these years. Import values peaked in 2017 and hit their lowest point in 2020, with a 10-fold gap between these periods. In 2020, the value of brown rice imports into Egypt was recorded at 64.1 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 68.5% drop from the previous year. The largest decrease occurred in 2018 at 76.8%, while the highest increase was in 2019 at 37.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India, Pakistan, and Thailand were the primary sources for Egypt's brown rice imports by value. India contributed 51.9% of import value, Pakistan 24.2%, and Thailand 13.5%, collectively representing 89.6% of total import flows.

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

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