Paddy rice market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, Greek paddy rice production rose from 222.7 thousand tonnes to 287.4 thousand tonnes. This growth was supported by the European Union's imposition of tariffs on imported rice, which aimed to shield domestic producers, and the establishment of coupled support payments under the Common Agricultural Policy.

After the 2020 peak, production entered a sustained decline, falling to 190.4 thousand tonnes by 2023. A key driver was a significant reduction in cultivated area, with farmers shifting to alternative crops like cotton due to economic pressures. This was compounded by rising production costs, particularly for fertilizers, and challenges from international trade agreements that increased competitive pressure on the local industry.

The domestic market size followed a similar downward trend, contracting from 224.3 thousand tonnes in 2020 to 169.6 thousand tonnes in 2023. Despite Greece remaining a top-three European producer, the sector faced a constrained global supply environment and strict quality standards. The new CAP strategic plan for 2023-2027 continued coupled subsidies, aiming to stabilize the sector and encourage crop diversification.

Production paddy rice in Greece

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of paddy rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of paddy rice, 2017-2020

After two years of decline, paddy rice production in Greece rebounded. In 2020, Greece produced 287.4 thousand tons of paddy rice, marking a significant 30.1% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 12.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 4.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 220.9 thousand tons, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 12.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of paddy rice output in Greece reached 117.5 million US dollars, showing a year-over-year gain of 29.5%. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 28.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 8.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 90.7 million US dollars, with the largest decline also occurring that year at 10.9%.

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

Exports paddy rice from Greece

Exports in kind, t

Greece's volume of paddy rice exports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 63 662 tons, representing a dramatic 78.3% improvement compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 166.4%, which corresponds to an annualized growth rate of 38.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Italy were the main destinations for paddy rice exports from Greece, accounting for 92.5% of total exports in kind. Turkey led with 52.7% of exports, followed by Bulgaria at 24.8%, and Italy at 14.9%.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Paddy rice shipments from Greece increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 26 025 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 77.5% increase year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 204.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 45.0%.

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

Over the period 2017–2020, Turkey, Italy, and Bulgaria were the primary markets for Greek paddy rice exports in value terms, together absorbing 93.3% of total exports. Turkey accounted for 47.8% of export value, Italy for 24.1%, and Bulgaria for 21.4%.

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

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

Imports paddy rice to Greece

Imports in kind, t

Greece's volume of paddy rice imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports registered 564 tons, showing no significant change compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 92%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -56.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Turkey, and Italy formed the main group of sources for paddy rice imports to Greece, together accounting for 76.5% of total imports in kind. Russia contributed 26.5%, Turkey 26.4%, and Italy 23.7%.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Greece's paddy rice imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 398 thousand US dollars, which is 7.0% lower compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 71.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -34.3%.

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

In 2017–2020, three main markets — Italy, Turkey, and Spain — together absorbed 77.0% of total imports in value terms of paddy rice to Greece.

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

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