Milled rice and broken rice market in ECOWAS

Earlier Report Observations

The ECOWAS market for milled and broken rice expanded significantly from 12.3 million tonnes in 2018 to 17.7 million tonnes in 2022, before a slight contraction to 17.4 million tonnes in 2023. This growth was underpinned by a steady increase in domestic production, which more than doubled over the period.

A major development was the entry of a new state-backed player, with the Central Bank of Nigeria launching a $36 million rice processing plant in Kano in 2022. This investment directly boosted local processing capacity, aiming to reduce import reliance. Global market conditions also shaped the region's supply; worldwide rice exports surpassed 50 million tonnes in 2021/2022, ensuring availability for the import-dependent bloc. However, the war in Ukraine in 2022 triggered a sharp rise in international rice prices and caused supply chain disruptions, leading to market speculation and tensions.

Consumer behavior was further influenced by quality scandals, such as the discovery of adulterated basmati rice, which prompted stricter quality controls and adjustments in retail strategies. Despite rising local output, imports remained volatile at high levels, reflecting the region's ongoing dependence on foreign rice supplies.

Production milled rice and broken rice in ECOWAS

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

Milled rice and broken rice production in ECOWAS has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, ECOWAS produced 7 937 K t of milled and broken rice, marking a significant year-on-year rise of 62.6%. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 93.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 24.7%.

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

Exports milled rice and broken rice from ECOWAS

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, milled rice and broken rice exports from ECOWAS declined. In 2020, ECOWAS exported 50 K t of milled and broken rice, which is 55.1% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 29.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.1%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 111 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 42.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mauritania remained the primary buyer of milled rice and broken rice from ECOWAS, accounting for 1.8% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of improvement, milled rice and broken rice exports from ECOWAS declined. In 2020, exports totaled 38 M $ US, showing a sharp decrease of 36.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 6.1%, equating to an annualized rate of -2.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 60 M $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 23.8%.

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

Over the period 2017–2020, Mauritania was the main destination for exports in value terms of milled rice and broken rice from ECOWAS, representing 2.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports milled rice and broken rice to ECOWAS

Imports in kind, K t

Milled rice and broken rice imports into ECOWAS declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 6 967 K t, reflecting a robust decline of 10.4% relative to the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 10.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.5%. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 8 118 K t, and the largest increase also occurred in 2018 at 4.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India (34.7% of imports in kind), Thailand (20.8% of imports in kind), and Vietnam (13.0% of imports in kind) consistently held leading positions in the country structure of imports in kind, jointly accounting for 68.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of milled rice and broken rice into ECOWAS declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 2 838 M $ US, which is 1.9% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 12.9%, equating to an annualized rate of -4.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 534 M $ US, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 18.2% and the largest increase in 2018 at 8.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India (33.5% of imports in value terms), Thailand (22.7% of imports in value terms), and Vietnam (15.6% of imports in value terms) were the largest suppliers of milled rice and broken rice to ECOWAS, together forming 71.8% of total imports in value terms.

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

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