Milled rice and broken rice market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the European milled and broken rice market volume rose from 3 575 thousand tonnes to 4 387 thousand tonnes in 2019, then held nearly flat at 4 353 thousand tonnes in 2020. The initial growth was aided by the strengthening role of hypermarkets and supermarkets as the primary distribution channel for rice, which expanded consumer access. At the same time, a sustained decline in French rice cultivation area constrained local supply, increasing reliance on imports. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 raised household demand for shelf-stable staples like rice, but tight supply conditions kept the overall market volume stable.

In 2021, volume jumped to 5 614 thousand tonnes as post-pandemic demand remained strong, while consumer prices for rice rose by over 12% between September 2021 and September 2022, reflecting inflationary pressures. Major processors like Ebro Foods faced margin squeezes, with a reported 21.4% drop in net profit early in the year. The market then plateaued at 5 615 thousand tonnes in 2022. That September, the EU increased import duties on cargo rice from €30/t to €65/t, raising import costs, and the French Rice Millers' Union warned of supply disruptions due to poor harvests and high energy costs. Industry consolidation continued with Avril's acquisition of Soufflet's cereal activities, strengthening milling capacity.

Volume fell sharply to 4 490 thousand tonnes in 2023. India's export restrictions were decisive: from September 2022, it banned 100% broken rice shipments and imposed a 20% duty on other grades, severely reducing broken rice availability in Europe. Concurrently, a shortage of about 250 000 tonnes of Basmati rice in India and Pakistan, caused by low rainfall, drove up prices and further constrained import supply.

Production milled rice and broken rice in Europe

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

Europe's production of milled rice and broken rice has grown for the second year in a row. In 2019, output reached its lowest point at 3 138 thousand tonnes, marking a 7.7% decline. However, by 2020, production rebounded strongly to 3 779 thousand tonnes, representing a significant 15.8% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production rose by 11.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.6%.

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

Exports milled rice and broken rice from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Europe's exports of milled rice and broken rice have shown remarkable growth. In 2019, exports hit their lowest level at 1 429 thousand tonnes, experiencing a sharp 23.7% drop. The following year, in 2020, exports surged to 2 262 thousand tonnes, a dramatic 58.3% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports expanded by 55%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 15.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Europe's exports of milled rice and broken rice were widely distributed across multiple countries. Turkey accounted for 4.4% of exports, Switzerland for 1.3%, and Jordan for 1.2%. Together, these three partners represented just 6.9% of total export volumes, with no single country emerging as a dominant market.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Europe's exports of milled rice and broken rice in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 1 800 million US dollars, reflecting a robust 11.6% year-on-year growth. Over the 2017-2020 period, the value of exports rose by 21.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Europe's exports of milled rice and broken rice in value terms were not heavily concentrated in a few key markets. Turkey represented 3.3% of export value, the United States 1.7%, and Switzerland 1.6%. Combined, these three countries accounted for only 6.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports milled rice and broken rice to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Europe's imports of milled rice and broken rice have grown for the second year in a row. In 2018, imports reached their lowest point at 2 310 thousand tonnes, declining by 4.9%. By 2020, imports had increased to a total of {value_last_year} thousand tonnes, which is 11.1% higher than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 16.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Europe's imports of milled rice and broken rice in volume terms were spread across a broad range of markets. Myanmar accounted for 14.1% of imports, Thailand for 10.2%, and India for 8.2%. Together, these three countries represented 32.5% of total import flows, indicating a diversified sourcing pattern.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Europe's imports of milled rice and broken rice in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 2 741 million US dollars, marking a 16.1% gain compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, the value of imports grew by 33.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.2%.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 show that Europe's imports of milled rice and broken rice in value terms were not concentrated on a few key destinations. Thailand accounted for 12.1% of import value, India for 9.0%, and Cambodia for 7.5%. Together, these three countries represented 28.6% of total import flows.

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

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