Milled rice and broken rice market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

The market for milled rice and broken rice in Belgium experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. After reaching 196.5 thousand tons in 2018, supported by specialized processors like BOOST NUTRITION entering the market, volume dropped sharply to 143.9 thousand tons in 2019. It rebounded to 197.4 thousand tons in 2020 and remained stable near 196.8 thousand tons in 2021.

A period of growth followed in 2022, with market size expanding to 227.4 thousand tons, driven by rapid global market growth for rice and broken rice that emphasized innovation and customer engagement. In 2023, volume eased to 220.5 thousand tons after India suspended exports of non-basmati white rice in July, destabilizing global supply. In 2024, Belgium reinforced its logistic facilities for rice cleaning and polishing, while new royal decrees on food hygiene and water quality for food production came into effect, alongside a notable doubling of retail rice prices linked to global tensions.

Production milled rice and broken rice in Belgium

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

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

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

Belgium's production of milled rice and broken rice has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 188 K t, marking a significant 27.5% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 37%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 11.1%.

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

Exports milled rice and broken rice from Belgium

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Belgium exported 345.1 K t of milled rice and broken rice, representing a substantial 65.5% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 74.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.5%. The most notable drop occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 26.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and the Netherlands were the leading destinations for Belgium's exports in kind. France accounted for 28.8% of these exports, Germany for 23.7%, and the Netherlands for 16.2%. Together, these three countries made up 68.7% of Belgium's total export flows in this category.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of milled rice and broken rice exported from Belgium reached 300.6 M $ US, up 32.2% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, export values increased by 47.3%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 13.8%. The largest decrease was seen in 2019, with a decline of 13.1%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom were the primary buyers of Belgium's milled rice and broken rice in value terms. France represented 31.9% of export value, Germany 24.8%, and the United Kingdom 11.2%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 68.0% of Belgium's total export value.

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

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

Imports milled rice and broken rice to Belgium

Imports in kind, K t

The import data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. In 2019, imports hit their lowest point at 205.3 K t, with the largest decline that year at 39.7%. By 2020, imports surged to 354.7 K t, a 72.8% increase from 2019 and the highest volume recorded. This created a 1.7-fold gap between the low in 2019 and the peak in 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Myanmar, Thailand, and Italy were the top contributors to Belgium's imports in kind. Myanmar supplied 49.1% of imports, Thailand 9.0%, and Italy 7.6%. Together, these three countries accounted for 65.7% of Belgium's total import flows in this category.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Belgium's imports of milled rice and broken rice in value terms amounted to 205.4 M $ US, a 65.3% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import values grew by 59.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 124.3 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 28.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Myanmar, Thailand, and Italy formed the core of Belgium's imports in value terms. Myanmar accounted for 29.7% of import value, Thailand for 13.8%, and Italy for 10.6%. Combined, these three sources made up 54.1% of Belgium's total import flows in value.

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

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