Milled rice and broken rice market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for milled and broken rice in Portugal grew from 147 thousand tons to 164 thousand tons. This expansion was supported by the launch of new varieties and an expanded product range, including black, whole grain, and parboiled carolino rice, which diversified supply. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic increased global rice demand, also boosting domestic consumption in Portugal.

Market volume reached 174 thousand tons in 2021, aided by a peak in rice cultivation area and rising demand for ready-to-eat and quick-cooking rice products, particularly among younger consumers. However, in 2022, increased production costs and the risk of irrigation water shortages led to a sharp price rise for carolino rice and a reduction in its output. Overall market volume continued to grow to 185 thousand tons, supported by higher imports.

In 2023, rice production fell to 204 thousand tons, causing a slight market contraction to 181 thousand tons. By 2024, production rebounded to 249 thousand tons, and market volume jumped to 210 thousand tons. This recovery was partly driven by PAC policy adjustments promoting sustainability and innovation in rice cultivation, including research support and biodiversity conservation in wetlands.

Production milled rice and broken rice in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Portugal's milled rice and broken rice production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 208.3 million US dollars, showing a robust 17.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 41.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of milled rice and broken rice, 2018-2021

World map of production of milled rice and broken rice, 2018-2021

Portugal's milled rice and broken rice production volume has risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 237.4 thousand tonnes, marking a 13.5% increase from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production increased by 26%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports milled rice and broken rice from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Portugal's exports of milled rice and broken rice increased in 2021. Exports reached 85 187 tonnes, a modest gain of 7.1% over the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 79 546 tonnes, with the largest decline of 4.4% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Portugal's exports of milled rice and broken rice were not heavily concentrated on a few key destinations. Jordan accounted for 19.3% of exports, Spain for 16.9%, and the United Kingdom for 12.1%, together making up 48.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Portugal's foreign supplies of milled rice and broken rice have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 67 891 thousand US dollars, which is 19.0% higher than the prior year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 18.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 54 982 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 3.9% occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Portugal's exports of milled rice and broken rice in value terms were not highly concentrated. Jordan represented 22.7% of exports, Spain 12.8%, and the United Kingdom 11.8%, together accounting for 47.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports milled rice and broken rice to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Portugal imported 21 524 tonnes of milled rice and broken rice in 2021, a sharp decrease of 37.2% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 49.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.5%. The largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 11.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Myanmar, and Cambodia were the leading sources for Portugal's imports of milled rice and broken rice. Spain accounted for 33.4% of imports, Myanmar for 23.3%, and Cambodia for 16.4%, together comprising 73.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Portugal imported a total of milled rice and broken rice valued at the previous year's amount in 2021, down by 6.1% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 17.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 17.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 at 6.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over the 2018-2021 period, Spain, Cambodia, and Myanmar were the main suppliers of milled rice and broken rice to Portugal in value terms. Spain accounted for 31.5% of imports, Cambodia for 18.8%, and Myanmar for 14.5%, together making up 64.8% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021