Milled rice and broken rice market in Northern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The milled rice and broken rice market in Northern Europe saw substantial growth in volume from 652 thousand tons in 2018 to 829 thousand tons in 2020. This expansion was facilitated by increased global rice production, as government subsidies and minimum support prices for farmers in major Asian producing countries, combined with the adoption of modern agricultural techniques and genetically edited varieties, enhanced yields and supply availability for import-dependent regions.

After a contraction to 762 thousand tons in 2021, market volume recovered to 853 thousand tons by 2023. In value terms, the market stabilized in 2021 at 1 078 million dollars before rising to 1 395 million dollars in 2023. The dip in volume coincided with broader adjustments in global trade flows, while the subsequent recovery reflected renewed import demand and stable consumption patterns.

Global trade policies significantly influenced market conditions; India's suspension of non-basmati rice exports in 2023 tightened international supply, contributing to higher prices and increased market value. Additionally, the entry of new players through mergers, such as the Olam Agri and Louis Dreyfus Company consolidation, aimed at optimizing logistics, and consumer shifts toward premium varieties like basmati and jasmine rice, supported by rising urban incomes, have reshaped competitive dynamics.

Production milled rice and broken rice in Northern 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

Northern Europe's production of milled rice and broken rice has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 308.9 K t, representing a significant 28.0% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 13.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.3%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 200.5 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 26.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of milled rice and broken rice production in Northern Europe has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 309.0 M $ US, up 7.6% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value grew by 5.1%, translating to an annualized rate of 1.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 223.5 M $ US, with the largest decline that year of 24.0%. In contrast, 2019 saw the biggest increase at 28.5%.

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

Exports milled rice and broken rice from Northern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Northern Europe exported 103.2 K t of milled rice and broken rice, a sharp rise of 41.9% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 42.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 4.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export market for milled rice and broken rice in kind was highly diverse. France accounted for 14.8% of exports, the Netherlands for 9.4%, and Germany for 7.4%, together making up just 31.6% of total flows. The remaining 68.4% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of milled rice and broken rice from Northern Europe have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 103.2 M $ US, a notable 19.3% improvement over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 31.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of exports in value terms was scattered. France contributed 15.7% of export value, the Netherlands 10.8%, and Germany 9.0%, together accounting for only 35.5% of total flows. No single partner emerged as clearly dominant.

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

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

Imports milled rice and broken rice to Northern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Northern Europe's imports of milled rice and broken rice in kind have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 622.9 K t, a slight uptick of 3.0% compared to the prior year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 6.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 527.2 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 10.1%. The biggest increase occurred in 2019, at 14.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the country structure of imports in kind was highly diversified. Italy accounted for 18.2% of imports, Spain for 11.3%, and Myanmar for 9.9%, together making up only 39.4% of total flows. A long tail of smaller markets comprised the remaining 60.6%.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Deliveries of milled rice and broken rice to Northern Europe have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 593.0 M $ US, showing a moderate gain of 9.4% versus the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 27.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms of milled rice and broken rice to Northern Europe were spread across many countries. Italy accounted for 18.4% of import value, Thailand for 12.0%, and India for 10.2%, together representing only 40.6% of total flows.

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

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