Milled rice and broken rice market in South-eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for milled and broken rice in South-eastern Asia fluctuated between 2018 and 2023, declining from 112.2 million metric tons to 103.4 million metric tons. A significant drop in 2020 was primarily caused by the Fusarium Wilt pandemic, which damaged rice cultivation areas and reduced yields. The recovery in 2021 was supported by public stabilization policies implemented to secure supply and limit price volatility.

Structural changes included the development of new rice-based products like puffed rice and noodles, which diversified consumption. By 2023, the expansion of industrial facilities using broken rice for bioethanol production created a new demand stream for this segment. Increasing labor costs in major producing countries such as Thailand and Vietnam also affected production expenses and market competitiveness throughout the period.

Consumer preferences shifted towards higher-quality and certified organic rice, influencing production strategies. Export restrictions on non-basmati rice from India between 2022 and 2024 altered regional trade flows, while global rice price fluctuations linked to geopolitical tensions and trade policies continued to impact the market environment.

Production milled rice and broken rice in South-eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, M t

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

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

South-eastern Asia's production of milled rice and broken rice has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 111.8 million tonnes, which represents a 3.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 6.1%, averaging an annual decline of 2.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 121.9 million tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 2.4% occurring that same year. The most significant drop happened in 2019, when production decreased by 5.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, M t

Exports milled rice and broken rice from South-eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

After two consecutive years of decline, exports of milled rice and broken rice from South-eastern Asia rebounded in 2020. That year, exports reached 11 420 thousand tonnes, marking a substantial 11.7% increase compared to 2019. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 32.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 12.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 10 224 thousand tonnes, with the largest year-on-year drop of 26.2% occurring in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, South-eastern Asia exported milled rice and broken rice to a wide range of markets. Even the top three destinations—China, Benin, and South Africa—collectively accounted for just 27.2% of total export volumes, highlighting the region's diversified export structure.

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

World map of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of milled rice and broken rice exports from South-eastern Asia amounted to 7 278 million US dollars, reflecting a 6.4% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, however, export values decreased by 12.6%, averaging an annual decline of 4.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 6 839 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 8 710 million US dollars. The most significant year-on-year decrease of 21.5% took place in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export market in value terms remained highly diversified. The top three countries—China (15.0% of export value), Benin (6.3%), and the United States (5.4%)—together accounted for only 26.7% of total export flows. The remaining 73.3% was distributed among numerous smaller markets, forming a long tail of diverse trading partners.

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

World map of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020

Imports milled rice and broken rice to South-eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes of milled rice and broken rice in South-eastern Asia showed considerable volatility during the observed period. The lowest point was in 2019 at 1 502 thousand tonnes, while imports peaked in 2020 at 2 983 thousand tonnes—nearly double the previous year's level, representing a 98.6% increase. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 43.4%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the three largest suppliers—India, Pakistan, and China—dominated imports in volume terms, collectively accounting for 17.5% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Import values for milled rice and broken rice in South-eastern Asia displayed an unstable trend from 2017 to 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 2 497 million US dollars—2.2 times higher than the 2017 level. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 068 million US dollars, down 1.2% from the previous year. The largest year-on-year decline of 16.2% took place in 2019, while the most significant increase of 120.0% was recorded in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India (9.2% of import value), Pakistan (7.1%), and China (0.9%) remained the key suppliers of milled rice and broken rice to South-eastern Asia. Together, these three countries accounted for 17.2% of total import value during this period.

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

World map of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020