Paddy rice market in China

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, China's paddy rice production gradually declined from 212.1 million tonnes to 206.6 million tonnes. This was initially driven by a significant reduction in the minimum purchase price in 2018, which encouraged market-based pricing and contributed to a decrease in sowing area. In the following years, persistent oversupply and continuous inventory accumulation kept production volumes under pressure.

Despite the drop in physical output, the market's value rose consistently from 725.3 billion to 819.6 billion US dollars over the same period. This growth was supported by the steady upward adjustment of the minimum purchase price from 2022 and, most notably, a sharp increase in international rice prices in 2023, which lifted domestic price levels.

Production paddy rice in China

In kind, 2017-2020, M t

From 2017 to 2020, China maintained its position as the world's leading producer of paddy rice.

Top producers of paddy rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of paddy rice, 2017-2020

Following a two-year decline, paddy rice production in China rebounded. In 2020, China produced 211.9 million tonnes of paddy rice, marking a modest increase of 1.1% compared to the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 209.6 million tonnes, which represented the largest decline of 1.2% during this period.

Annual dynamics of production in China in kind, 2017-2020, M t

In value, 2017-2020, B $ US

China's paddy rice production value has grown for three consecutive years. In 2020, the output was valued at 764.7 billion US dollars, reflecting a 1.3% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value rose by 6.6%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 2.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in value, 2017-2020, B $ US

Exports paddy rice from China

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, China exported 22 910 tonnes of paddy rice, representing a significant increase of 30.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 40.4%, with an annualized rate of 12.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 14.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Vietnam consistently dominated China's paddy rice exports in volume terms. Pakistan accounted for 44.5% of exports, the Philippines for 26.3%, and Vietnam for 20.2%. Together, these three countries represented 91.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, China exported paddy rice worth 82 694 thousand US dollars, showing a notable advance of 31.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 50.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 9.4%.

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

During 2017–2020, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Vietnam were the top destinations for China's paddy rice exports in value terms. Pakistan held a 44.5% share, the Philippines 25.3%, and Vietnam 20.2%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 90.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports paddy rice to China

Imports in kind, t

China's paddy rice import volume has increased for three consecutive years. In 2020, imports reached 27 311 tonnes, indicating a robust growth of 18.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, import volume rose by 50.6%, with a CAGR of 14.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Myanmar was the dominant source for China's paddy rice imports in volume terms, absorbing 89.1% of total imports. The remaining imports were distributed among a variety of smaller trading partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

China's paddy rice import value has grown for two consecutive years. In 2020, imports were valued at 11 022 thousand US dollars, reflecting a substantial increase of 30.8% year-over-year. Over the 2017–2020 period, import value surged by 82%, with a CAGR of 22.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 6 009 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 0.8%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 40.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China's paddy rice import value was highly concentrated, with Myanmar alone accounting for 91.1% of total import flows.

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

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