Milled rice and broken rice market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The market for milled and broken rice in the MENA region expanded from 9.7 million tons in 2018 to 11.3 million tons in 2019, driven by increased production and imports. Growth slowed sharply in 2020, with volume reaching 11.4 million tons, as COVID-19 containment measures disrupted supply chains and altered consumer purchasing patterns. A significant contraction followed in 2021, pulling the market size down to 9.9 million tons.

A strong recovery occurred in 2022, with consumption rebounding to 11.9 million tons. By 2023, the market stabilized at just over 12 million tons. This plateau coincided with global rice price surges and supply shortages stemming from export restrictions in India, the war in Ukraine, and climate-related production shortfalls, which tightened availability and likely capped volume growth.

Production milled rice and broken rice in MENA

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

MENA's production of milled rice and broken rice has grown for the second year in a row. In 2018, output hit its lowest point at 3,055 thousand tonnes, but then surged by 33.3% in 2019. The following year, 2020, saw production reach 4,691 thousand tonnes, marking a strong 15.2% increase from 2019. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, when production fell by 34.7%.

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

Exports milled rice and broken rice from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

The market experienced notable volatility during this period. Exports hit their lowest level in 2019 at 39 thousand tonnes, but peaked in 2017, with the difference between these years being 10.8 times. In 2020, MENA exported 102 thousand tonnes of milled rice and broken rice, representing a sharp rise of 164.8% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, when exports dropped by 88.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Somalia, the United States, and India were key buyers of milled rice and broken rice from MENA, accounting for 3.0%, 2.3%, and 1.8% of exports in kind, respectively. However, their combined share was just 7.1% of total exports, with the remaining 92.9% spread across numerous other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

MENA's exports of milled rice and broken rice in value terms have declined for three consecutive years. In 2020, exports amounted to 85 million US dollars, showing a solid reduction of 18.7% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 73.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -35.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner portfolio for MENA's milled rice and broken rice exports in value terms was quite diverse. The United States, Somalia, and India accounted for 2.6%, 2.3%, and 1.7% of exports, respectively, but together they represented only 6.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports milled rice and broken rice to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

MENA's imports of milled rice and broken rice in volume terms showed a moderate reduction of 6.0% year-over-year in 2020, reaching approximately 6,850 thousand tonnes. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 2.2%, with a CAGR of 0.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 6,681 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 7,288 thousand tonnes, marking the largest increase of 9.1% that year.

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

During 2017-2020, India, Pakistan, and Thailand were the main sources for MENA's imports of milled rice and broken rice in kind. India led with 64.0% of imports, followed by Pakistan at 8.8% and Thailand at 6.5%. Together, these three countries accounted for 79.3% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, MENA's imports of milled rice and broken rice in value terms declined in 2020. Imports stood at 5,495 million US dollars, showing a solid contraction of 12.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 2.3%, with a CAGR of 0.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 6,286 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 11.1% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Pakistan, and the United States remained the primary markets for MENA's imports of milled rice and broken rice in value terms. India dominated with 68.5% of imports, while Pakistan accounted for 9.2% and the United States for 4.5%. Collectively, these three partners took 82.2% of total import flows.

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

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