Milled rice and broken rice market in Uzbekistan

Earlier Report Observations

Production of milled rice in Uzbekistan increased from 127.1 thousand tons in 2018 to 193.6 thousand tons in 2021. This growth was supported by state-led initiatives, including the adoption of a rice farming development program for 2021‑2022 with World Bank funding, which aimed to modernize sorting and packaging facilities to improve yield and quality. Additionally, the 2021 announcement of a joint project with Turkey to launch a milling plant signaled the entry of a new player and expanded local processing capacity.

Import volumes experienced significant swings. Following the 2018 customs‑tariff regulations that adjusted import duties, imports temporarily rose to 48.6 thousand tons in 2019 but then fell to 6.3 thousand tons by 2021 as internal policies prioritized domestic production. In 2023, imports surged to 104.3 thousand tons, driving the market size to 296.8 thousand tons despite stable production around 193 thousand tons.

The overall rice market in Uzbekistan showed a steady upward trend from 146.9 thousand tons in 2018 to 296.8 thousand tons in 2023, with some fluctuations such as a dip to 180.0 thousand tons in 2020. The 2021 increase was underpinned by production investments, while the 2023 spike was linked to a sharp rise in imports.

Production milled rice and broken rice in Uzbekistan

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

Uzbekistan's production of milled rice and broken rice increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 169.6 thousand tons, marking a 1.5% gain compared to 2019. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually decreased by 17.4%, which translates to an annualized decline of 6.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 127.1 thousand tons. That year also saw the largest decline of 38.1%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant increase at 31.4%.

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

Exports milled rice and broken rice from Uzbekistan

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Uzbekistan exported 648 tons of milled rice and broken rice, showing little change from 2019. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, exports surged by 919.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 116.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Afghanistan were the primary buyers of milled rice and broken rice from Uzbekistan, together accounting for 100.0% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Uzbekistan's exports of milled rice and broken rice in value terms reached 761 thousand US dollars in 2020, remaining largely stable compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2020, exports grew by 785.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 106.9%.

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

During 2017–2020, the United States and Afghanistan dominated Uzbekistan's exports in value terms, collectively representing 100.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports milled rice and broken rice to Uzbekistan

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed significant volatility during this period. The peak occurred in 2019, while the lowest point was in 2017, with a dramatic 9 158-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 11 041 tons, reflecting a sharp decline of 77.3% year-over-year. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 48 627 tons. The largest increase happened in 2018, soaring by 374 612.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kazakhstan and Pakistan were the main sources for imports in volume terms, jointly making up 87.7% of total flows, with the remaining share distributed among other markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data indicates irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Imports peaked in 2019 and hit their lowest point in 2017, with a 1 611-fold amplitude. In 2020, Uzbekistan imported milled rice and broken rice worth 3 026 thousand US dollars, showing a steep decline of 75.2% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 12 215 thousand US dollars. The most substantial increase occurred in 2018, jumping by 74 317.9%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Kazakhstan (51.1% of imports in value terms), Pakistan (23.9%), and Russia (10.4%) were the key partners for Uzbekistan's imports, together accounting for 85.3% of total flows.

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

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