Paddy rice market in ECOWAS

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the paddy rice market volume in ECOWAS remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 20 159 and 20 479 thousand tons. In 2018, irregular rains in Eastern and Southern Africa pressured continental production, but gains in West Africa helped maintain regional supply.

Starting in 2021, the market entered a phase of steady expansion, reaching 21 547 thousand tons that year and growing to 23 674 thousand tons by 2023. This growth coincided with Côte d'Ivoire emerging as Africa's largest rice importer in 2022, which stimulated regional trade flows. Furthermore, in 2023, Côte d'Ivoire's focus on increasing local paddy rice production and processing to address a domestic supply shortfall contributed to the overall market volume increase in the region.

Production paddy rice in ECOWAS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of paddy rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of paddy rice, 2017-2020

ECOWAS's paddy rice production declined after two consecutive years of growth. In 2020, the region produced 20 150 thousand tons of paddy rice, representing a 1.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 7.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.4%. The highest production level was achieved in 2019 at 20 477 thousand tons, while the strongest annual growth occurred in 2018 with an 8.2% increase.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of expansion, ECOWAS's paddy rice production value experienced a slight decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 17 610 million US dollars, showing minimal change from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, the production value increased by 20%, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 6.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 17 649 million US dollars, with the most significant annual increase occurring in 2018 at 18.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in ECOWAS in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports paddy rice from ECOWAS

Exports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market environment. Export volumes varied significantly, reaching their lowest point in 2019 at 1 050 tons and their highest in 2017, with a 3.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, ECOWAS exported 2 680 tons of paddy rice, representing a substantial 155.3% increase compared to 2019. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, when exports fell by 45.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Congo, Madagascar, and Turkey were the primary buyers of paddy rice from ECOWAS in volume terms. Congo accounted for 3.0% of exports, while Madagascar and Turkey each represented 0.7%. Together, these three markets constituted 4.4% of total export volumes during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Noticeable fluctuations characterized market performance during this period. Export values reached their peak in 2017 and their lowest point in 2019 at 905 thousand US dollars, showing a threefold swing between these years. In 2020, ECOWAS exported paddy rice worth 2 342 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 158.8% increase compared to 2019. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, when export values fell by 44.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Congo and Madagascar led as the main markets for ECOWAS's paddy rice exports in value terms. Together, these two countries accounted for 6.3% of total export flows during this period.

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

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

Imports paddy rice to ECOWAS

Imports in kind, t

Volatility characterized market behavior during these years. Import volumes peaked in 2018 at 16 953 tons and dropped to their lowest point in 2019 at 3 329 tons, representing a 5.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, ECOWAS imported 12 304 tons of paddy rice, marking a substantial 269.6% increase compared to 2019. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when imports fell by 80.4%.

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

The partner structure for imports in volume terms remained fragmented between 2017 and 2020. India accounted for 18.8% of imports, Brazil for 15.5%, and the United States for 10.6%. Together, these three countries represented 44.9% of total import flows, with no single country achieving a dominant share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Import values reached their lowest point in 2019 at 2 427 thousand US dollars and peaked in 2020, showing a 6.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, ECOWAS imported paddy rice worth 14 783 thousand US dollars, representing a dramatic 509.1% increase compared to the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when import values fell by 82.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India, Brazil, and the United States remained the leading sources for ECOWAS's paddy rice imports in value terms. India accounted for 29.7% of imports, Brazil for 18.9%, and the United States for 9.3%. Together, these three countries constituted 57.9% of total import flows during this period.

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

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