Paddy rice market in Azerbaijan

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the paddy rice market in Azerbaijan reached 19.9 thousand metric tons, supported by state-owned agricultural enterprises modernizing irrigation systems and introducing new rice varieties adapted to local conditions. However, the market contracted to 14.5 thousand metric tons in 2019 after the implementation of stricter quality control and sanitary regulations, which reduced rice imports. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further disrupted supply chains, pushing the market size down to 9.6 thousand metric tons.

From 2021 onward, the market recovered, reaching 10.1 thousand metric tons that year, as continued state subsidies and concessional loans boosted domestic production. The emergence of new product segments like organic rice reflected shifting consumer preferences. In 2022, policy incentives for agricultural innovation helped production grow, and by 2023 the market had expanded to 14 thousand metric tons.

Production paddy rice in Azerbaijan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of paddy rice, 2018-2021

World map of production of paddy rice, 2018-2021

After two years of decline, Azerbaijan's paddy rice production rebounded in 2021. The country produced 10 062 tonnes of paddy rice that year, marking a 7.1% increase compared to 2020. Looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 16%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 9 397 tonnes, with the sharpest year-on-year drop of 15.1% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of production in Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports paddy rice from Azerbaijan

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during the observed period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at just 1 tonne, while the highest was in 2020 at 29 tonnes—a 22-fold difference between these two years. In 2021, Azerbaijan's paddy rice exports totaled 12 tonnes, representing a substantial 59.2% decrease from the previous year. The most dramatic decline occurred in 2019 with a 78.6% drop, whereas 2020 saw an extraordinary increase of 2 129.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Latvia were the primary destinations for Azerbaijan's paddy rice exports in volume terms. Russia accounted for 41.3% of exports, Kazakhstan for 26.7%, and Latvia for 18.6%. Together, these three countries represented 86.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market demonstrated considerable volatility over the period. Export values reached their lowest point in 2019 at 1 000 US dollars, while peaking in 2020 at 35 000 US dollars—a 32-fold difference. In 2021, paddy rice exports from Azerbaijan amounted to 16 000 US dollars, reflecting a sharp 54.5% reduction compared to the previous year. The most significant decline was in 2019 with an 86.4% drop, whereas 2020 experienced a remarkable increase of 3 134.4%.

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

During 2018–2021, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Latvia formed the core group of trading partners for Azerbaijan's paddy rice exports in value terms. Russia contributed 36.7% of export value, Kazakhstan 29.5%, and Latvia 18.8%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 85.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports paddy rice to Azerbaijan

Imports in kind, t

Azerbaijan's paddy rice imports declined for the third consecutive year in 2021, totaling 27 tonnes—a dramatic 90.3% decrease from 2020. Over the four-year period from 2018 to 2021, imports plummeted by 99.7%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 84.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Azerbaijan's paddy rice imports in volume terms were highly concentrated, with India accounting for 98.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign paddy rice supplies to Azerbaijan fell for the third year in a row in 2021, with imports valued at 28 000 US dollars—a sharp 89.3% decrease year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, import values dropped by 99.5%, averaging an annual decline of 83.3%.

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

In the period 2018–2021, India was the nearly exclusive supplier of paddy rice to Azerbaijan in value terms, representing 97.8% of total imports.

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

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