Milled rice and broken rice market in Bangladesh

Earlier Report Observations

The market for milled and broken rice in Bangladesh remained relatively stable between 2018 and 2020, with volumes hovering around 32.8–34.5 тыс. т. This period did not see major disruptions or policy shifts that significantly altered total consumption.

A sharp expansion occurred in 2021, when the market volume jumped to nearly 42 тыс. т. This surge was primarily driven by a substantial increase in imports, which rose from 8 тыс. т to over 2.6 тыс. т. The government’s move to authorize rice imports to combat hoarding and stabilize prices directly channeled additional supply into the domestic market. At the same time, India’s export restrictions on white and broken rice—first signaled in 2020—began to tighten global availability, prompting Bangladesh to secure more shipments.

Market volume stabilized at a high level above 41 тыс. т in 2022–2023, even as imports moderated. On the supply side, domestic production continued to grow, reaching 41.4 тыс. т in 2023. Several structural factors supported this plateau: the government reduced the import duty on rice from 50% to 20% in 2022, easing access to foreign rice when needed. Simultaneously, large industrial groups entered the rice business, often accused of hoarding to influence prices, while mill owners and wholesalers were reported to collude on pricing. These elements collectively maintained total available volume but also contributed to price pressures and market volatility.

Production milled rice and broken rice in Bangladesh

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Bangladesh held the fourth position globally in the production of milled and broken rice.

Top producers of milled rice and broken rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of milled rice and broken rice, 2017-2020

In 2020, Bangladesh produced 32 780 thousand tonnes of milled and broken rice, showing little change from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.1%, which translates to an average annual increase of 1.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 33 186 thousand tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 1.3%, while the largest rise was in 2018, with a 5.4% increase.

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

Exports milled rice and broken rice from Bangladesh

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed an unstable pattern throughout the period. The lowest export volume was in 2017, and the highest was in 2018, with a 20-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Bangladesh's exports of milled and broken rice totaled 12 thousand tonnes, marking a sharp increase of 32.7% compared to 2019. The peak export volume was in 2018 at 34 thousand tonnes. The most substantial decline happened in 2019, with a drop of 73.8%, while the largest surge was in 2018, with a 1 863.0% increase.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main buyers of milled and broken rice from Bangladesh were Sri Lanka, accounting for 45.8% of exports in volume, Bhutan with 10.4%, and the United States at 9.3%. Together, these three countries made up 65.5% of total exports in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The data indicates irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. The lowest export value was in 2017, and the highest was in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 8.6 times. In 2020, Bangladesh's exports of milled and broken rice amounted to 13.7 million US dollars, which is 41.2% higher than in 2019. The most significant decrease was recorded in 2019, with a drop of 19.0%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 649.4% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary destinations for Bangladesh's exports in value terms were Sri Lanka, with a 28.4% share, the United States at 17.5%, and Saudi Arabia with 15.2%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 61.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports milled rice and broken rice to Bangladesh

Imports in kind, K t

Bangladesh's imports of milled and broken rice declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 8 thousand tonnes, representing a steep reduction of 82.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 99.6%, with an average annual decrease of 84.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India dominated Bangladesh's imports of milled and broken rice in volume, holding an 85.9% share of total imports. The remaining imports were distributed among various smaller partners.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Bangladesh's imports of milled and broken rice decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 6.4 million US dollars, down by 69.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports dropped by 99.3%, with an average annual decline of 80.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import structure in value terms was heavily concentrated on India, which accounted for 86.1% of total imports. Other partners made up the remainder of the volume.

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

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