Milled rice and broken rice market in Tanzania

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for milled rice and broken rice in Tanzania experienced notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. After a significant contraction to 1.5 million t in 2020, the market recovered strongly, reaching 2.2 million t by 2022 before a slight moderation to 2.1 million t in 2023. The sharp drop in 2020 was influenced by persistent challenges in irrigation infrastructure, outdated farming practices, and high post-harvest losses, which limited production efficiency.

The recovery and subsequent growth from 2021 onwards were driven by concerted government efforts under the National Rice Development Strategy phase II (NRDS-II), which aimed to double domestic production. Substantial budget increases for irrigation, from 46 billion TSh to 403 billion TSh, enhanced water access for rice growing areas. Additionally, large-scale investments, such as the US$40 million rice milling facility commissioned in Kahama district in 2022, expanded processing capacity and supported export-oriented production, boosting overall market volume.

Consumer preferences shifted towards premium rice varieties due to urbanization, influencing production strategies. By 2024, Tanzania launched a new national rice strategy targeting over 10 million t of paddy production by 2030, while regional trade improved through reduced non-tariff barriers and better customs efficiency, further integrating Tanzania into neighboring markets.

Production milled rice and broken rice in Tanzania

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania maintained the 20th position globally in terms of production volume for milled rice and broken rice.

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

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

After two years of growth, Tanzania's production of milled rice and broken rice declined. In 2020, the country produced 1 862 K t, which represents a 12.8% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 23.3%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 7.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 2 135 K t, with the largest year-on-year increase occurring in 2018 at 38.6%.

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

Exports milled rice and broken rice from Tanzania

Exports in kind, K t

Tanzania's exports of milled rice and broken rice have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 325.8 K t, marking a substantial year-on-year rise of 210.6%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 92 145.3%, which corresponds to an annualized growth rate of 873.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Uganda and Rwanda together accounted for 80.4% of Tanzania's total exports of milled rice and broken rice in volume terms, with the remaining share distributed among smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Tanzania's exports of milled rice and broken rice in value terms have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 136.2 M $ US, reflecting a 207.0% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 155 335%, equating to an annualized rate of 1 058.4%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Uganda and Rwanda were the primary destinations for Tanzania's exports in value terms, jointly capturing 81.4% of total flows, while other partners held significantly smaller shares.

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

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

Imports milled rice and broken rice to Tanzania

Imports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 0.1 K t and peaked in 2018 at 1.6 K t, with a 14.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Tanzania's imports of milled rice and broken rice stood at 0.4 K t, which is 233.1% higher than in the prior year. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 93.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (61.2% of imports in volume), Canada (18.6%), and Pakistan (14.8%) formed the main group of sources for Tanzania's imports of milled rice and broken rice, collectively representing 94.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import values fluctuated significantly, with a 31-fold difference between the high in 2018 at 1.1 M $ US and the low in 2019 at 0.0 M $ US. In 2020, Tanzania's imports of milled rice and broken rice reached 0.2 M $ US, reflecting a sharp increase of 358.3% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 96.7%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States and Canada were the dominant sources for Tanzania's imports in value terms, together accounting for 81.3% of total flows, with other markets contributing smaller shares.

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

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