Brown rice market in Tajikistan

Earlier Report Observations

The brown rice market in Tajikistan expanded significantly between 2018 and 2023, with volume rising from 7 929 tons to 22 626 tons. This growth was largely propelled by sustained increases in domestic production, as the country actively scaled up rice cultivation using improved sowing techniques and better management of irrigation and fertilizers.

A dip in market volume occurred in 2020, falling to 8 547 tons, due to water scarcity in the Syr Darya river basin that hampered irrigation and reduced yields. The market rebounded in 2021 as local production jumped, partially compensating for shifts in import flows after Kazakhstan—a key supplier—faced its own production declines from water shortages and flooding.

By 2023, production had reached 11 731 tons, while imports also rose substantially to meet growing demand. Consumer preference for domestically grown rice varieties, especially for traditional dishes like plov, helped maintain strong local consumption, supported by a retail landscape where private commerce dominated despite the presence of state and cooperative outlets.

Production brown rice in Tajikistan

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of brown rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of brown rice, 2017-2020

Tajikistan's brown rice production reached its lowest point in 2018 at 6 552 tons. The following year, in 2019, production peaked at 7 711 tons, representing a significant 17.7% increase. In 2020, production declined to 7 172 tons, which was 7.0% lower than the previous year. The most substantial decline occurred in 2018, with a 7.5% drop.

Annual dynamics of production in Tajikistan in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports brown rice from Tajikistan

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020, while peaking in 2017, with a 14.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Tajikistan exported 37 tons of brown rice, which was 88.2% lower than in 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 37.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq and Kazakhstan accounted for the majority of Tajikistan's brown rice exports in volume, while other markets played a less significant role.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports bottomed in 2020 after peaking in 2017, with a 12-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Tajikistan's cross-border shipments of brown rice totaled 7 thousand US dollars, marking an 89.2% decrease from the prior year. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 105.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Iraq and Kazakhstan concentrated most of Tajikistan's brown rice exports in value terms, with other markets being individually less important.

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

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

Imports brown rice to Tajikistan

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 5.4-fold swing between these years. In 2020, Tajikistan imported 1 412 tons of brown rice, which was 57.8% lower than in 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 3 344 tons, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 157.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Pakistan accounted for 82.4% of Tajikistan's total brown rice imports in volume, with the remaining flows distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports fell to their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.9-fold variation. In 2020, brown rice deliveries to Tajikistan amounted to 706 thousand US dollars, marking a dramatic 57.0% decline compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 641 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 102.7%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Pakistan remained the main destination for Tajikistan's brown rice imports in value terms, taking 83.4% of total flows, with the remaining share distributed across various smaller markets.

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

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