Paddy rice market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

The paddy rice market volume in Latin America and the Caribbean stood at 28 833 thousand tons in 2018, then declined to 26 795 thousand tons in 2019. A recovery to 28 674 thousand tons followed in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic altered consumer behavior and supply chains, increasing demand for rice as a staple food.

Market volume rose to 30 023 thousand tons in 2021, supported by continued adaptation to pandemic conditions and the adoption of technological innovations for sustainable production. A contraction to 27 198 thousand tons occurred in 2022, amid growing consumer interest in healthy eating that spurred new brown rice product launches. By 2023, the market stabilized at 27 787 thousand tons, with Brazil solidifying its position as the region's foremost producer and exporter, and SAMAN becoming a key export player with a daily processing capacity of 2 080 tons.

In 2024, industry innovation was fostered through events like the XIV International Rice Conference in Panama, which promoted knowledge sharing on sustainable practices and climate adaptation. The United States and Brazil remained pivotal trade partners for the region.

Production paddy rice in Latin America and the Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of paddy rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of paddy rice, 2017-2020

After two consecutive years of decline, paddy rice production in Latin America and the Caribbean rebounded in 2020. The region produced 27,717 thousand tonnes that year, marking a 6.5% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the broader 2017-2020 period, production actually decreased by 2.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 0.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 26,020 thousand tonnes, which also saw the steepest decline of 7.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of paddy rice production in Latin America and the Caribbean stood at 19,434 million US dollars, representing a significant 23.5% decrease from the previous year. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, production value declined by 18.2%, equivalent to an average annual decrease of 6.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 25,404 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 10.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports paddy rice from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, K t

Export volumes showed considerable fluctuations during this period. The lowest exports were recorded in 2017, while 2020 saw the highest level, creating a four-fold difference between these years. In 2020, paddy rice exports from Latin America and the Caribbean totaled 450 thousand tonnes, representing a substantial 168.7% increase from 2019. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 at 51.0%, while 2018 saw the largest increase of 201.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, paddy rice exports from Latin America and the Caribbean were distributed across multiple markets without a single dominant destination. Italy accounted for 2.2% of export volume, Portugal for 1.1%, and Turkey for 1.0%. Together, these three countries represented just 4.3% of total exports, with numerous smaller partners each holding modest individual shares.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Export values displayed an unstable pattern throughout the period. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while 2020 reached the highest level, showing a 3.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, paddy rice exports from Latin America and the Caribbean were valued at 315.2 million US dollars, representing a 93.0% increase from the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 at 41.7%, while 2018 saw the largest increase of 197.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, paddy rice export values from Latin America and the Caribbean were widely distributed across trading partners. Italy accounted for 2.5% of export value, Portugal for 1.2%, and Turkey for 0.9%. Collectively, these three countries represented only 4.5% of total export value, indicating a highly diversified market structure.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports paddy rice to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, paddy rice imports to Latin America and the Caribbean reached 1,407 thousand tonnes, showing a sharp 49.2% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 21.7%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 6.8%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 943 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 20.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States dominated paddy rice imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in volume terms, accounting for 58.5% of total imports.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Import values showed irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest value was recorded in 2019, while 2020 reached the highest level, showing a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, paddy rice imports to Latin America and the Caribbean were valued at 838.9 million US dollars, representing a 101.5% increase from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 416.4 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 43.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States played a central role in paddy rice imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value terms, accounting for 65.3% of total import value.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020