Milled rice and broken rice market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Italian milled rice market expanded significantly in value, supported by the reintroduction of EU import duties on non-European rice, which protected domestic producers. Concurrently, a 70% increase in land dedicated to organic rice cultivation and the introduction of new varieties stimulated both supply and consumer interest. The COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 further accelerated growth, with a 10% rise in domestic sales as consumers turned to local staples and online retail channels.

Market growth continued through 2021 and 2022, though at a moderating pace. High prices for premium varieties such as Carnaroli, which surged 120% in 2021, and broader inflationary pressures from rising fertilizer and energy costs began to affect consumption. Despite reaching a peak in Italian production volume in 2022, drought conditions in northern growing regions contributed to price volatility and cautious purchasing behavior, even as industrial buyers increased procurement to balance supply.

A sharp contraction occurred in 2023 when Italian rice production fell by 23%, driving prices higher and slowing consumer purchases. The market recovered in value in 2024 as prices stabilized and demand for organic, whole-grain, and specialty rice strengthened, supported by ongoing innovations in milling and packaging aimed at improving quality and reducing waste.

Production milled rice and broken rice in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's milled rice and broken rice production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 1 259 million US dollars, marking a 29.7% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 20.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 6.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 768 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year reaching 26.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Italy was one of the world's leading producers of milled rice and broken rice from 2017 to 2020, ranking 25th globally by production volume.

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

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

Italy's milled rice and broken rice production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 1 231 thousand tonnes were produced, reflecting a notable rise of 24.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 12.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 949 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 13.5%.

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

Exports milled rice and broken rice from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, Italy's milled rice and broken rice exports have rebounded. In 2020, Italy exported 675.0 thousand tonnes, showing a significant uptick of 11.6% from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 604.9 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 4.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of exports in kind was highly diversified. France (21.2% of exports in kind), Germany (18.0%), and the United Kingdom (10.8%) together accounted for 50.0% of total flows, while the remaining 50.0% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Milled rice and broken rice deliveries from Italy have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume amounted to 636.8 million US dollars, indicating a 16.2% rise relative to the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 20.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France (22.8% of exports in value terms), Germany (19.2%), and the United Kingdom (9.7%) accounted for the largest share of exports in value terms, together comprising 51.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports milled rice and broken rice to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, milled rice and broken rice deliveries to Italy registered 110.4 thousand tonnes, corresponding to a sharp rise of 31.3% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 20.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 84.1 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 9.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the portfolio of suppliers for milled rice and broken rice to Italy was broad. Pakistan (19.2% of imports in kind), Thailand (17.8%), and India (11.4%) together contributed 48.5% of total imports in kind, while many other countries had smaller but non-negligible shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, cross-border shipments of milled rice and broken rice to Italy amounted to 98.3 million US dollars, corresponding to an uptick of 26.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 28%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.6%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 15.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Pakistan (20.0% of imports in value terms), Thailand (18.1%), and India (14.4%) together accounted for 52.5% of total imports in value terms, remaining the main sources for milled rice and broken rice to Italy.

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

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