Brown rice market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The brown rice market in SADC contracted from 2 435 thousand tons in 2018 to 2 299 thousand tons in 2020. This decline was primarily influenced by adverse climatic conditions that reduced rice yields and constrained production across the region. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further disrupted supply chains, although rising consumer interest in healthy foods like brown rice during this period helped stabilize market volume.

Market growth resumed strongly from 2021, with volume reaching 2 840 thousand tons by 2023. Regulatory shifts promoting healthy eating policies in several countries boosted demand for brown rice. Simultaneously, the expansion of modern distribution channels, including supermarkets and e-commerce platforms, significantly improved product accessibility for consumers.

This expansion was supported by key industry developments, including the launch of new organic and ready-to-cook brown rice variants by major companies like KRBL Limited. The entry of new players and continuous product innovation, catering to health-conscious and time-poor consumers, further stimulated market growth during these years.

Production brown rice in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of brown rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of brown rice, 2017-2020

SADC's brown rice production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, production stood at 2 221 thousand tonnes, remaining relatively stable compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10.1%, which translates to an average annual increase of 3.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2 251 thousand tonnes. The largest year-on-year decline occurred in 2019 at 0.8%, while the biggest increase was seen in 2018 with an 11.6% rise.

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

Exports brown rice from SADC

Exports in kind, K t

SADC's brown rice exports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 3.2 thousand tonnes, marking a 29.0% year-on-year growth. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 272.9%, averaging an impressive 55.1% annual increase over this period.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from SADC in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, SADC's brown rice exports were distributed across numerous markets. The top three destinations—Burundi (17.8% of exports), Kenya (8.9%), and South Sudan (4.7%)—collectively accounted for just 31.4% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 4.4-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, the value of brown rice exports from SADC amounted to 3.3 million US dollars, representing a sharp 96.1% increase compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 20.8%, while the biggest increase was recorded in 2018 with a substantial 185.8% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from SADC in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure in value terms was relatively balanced rather than concentrated. The top three partners—Burundi (20.7% of export value), Kenya (16.1%), and the United Arab Emirates (1.7%)—together represented 38.6% of total flows, with many other countries accounting for the remaining 61.4%.

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

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

Imports brown rice to SADC

Imports in kind, K t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 6.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, SADC imported approximately 80.9 thousand tonnes of brown rice, marking a significant 15.0% drop compared to the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 185.7 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 48.7%, while the biggest increase was seen in 2018 with a remarkable 543.6% surge.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Thailand was the dominant source for brown rice imports to SADC, accounting for 70.9% of total import volumes, while other countries played a much smaller role.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout this timeframe. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, showing a 6.4-fold difference. In 2020, SADC imported approximately 55.6 million US dollars worth of brown rice, representing a 4.3% increase compared to the previous year. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 119.4 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 55.3%, while the biggest increase was seen in 2018 with a substantial 541.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand accounted for 80.9% of the total value of brown rice imports to SADC, with the remainder spread across a wide range of smaller markets.

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

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