Paddy rice market in Malawi

Earlier Report Observations

Malawi's paddy rice market volume grew consistently from 112 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 155 thousand tonnes in 2021. This expansion was primarily driven by favorable weather conditions and improved uptake of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and seeds, which supported higher production yields.

The market entered a decline from 2022, with volume dropping to 136 thousand tonnes in 2022 and further to 124 thousand tonnes in 2023. This downturn was triggered by severe droughts associated with El Niño and cyclones like Freddy, which damaged crops and reduced output. Operational challenges in government procurement and distribution of affordable inputs hindered small-scale agriculture, while a 44% devaluation of the Malawi Kwacha in late 2023 increased food inflation pressures on rice prices.

Production paddy rice in Malawi

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of paddy rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of paddy rice, 2017-2020

Malawi's paddy rice production has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 145.4 K t of paddy rice, marking a 9.6% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 20.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 112.3 K t. That year also saw the largest decline of 7.2%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2019 with an 18.2% jump.

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

Exports paddy rice from Malawi

Exports in kind, kg

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports varied significantly, dropping from a high in 2017 to a low in 2018, with a 52-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Malawi exported 29 122 kg of paddy rice, representing a dramatic increase of 1 166.2% compared to 2019. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 550 kg, which also saw the largest decline of 98.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Malawi in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia were the main buyers of paddy rice from Malawi. South Africa accounted for 45.8% of exports in kind, Zimbabwe for 27.0%, and Zambia for 24.9%. Together, these three countries comprised 97.7% of Malawi's total paddy rice exports by volume.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports reached their highest value in 2017 and their lowest in 2019, with a 53-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Malawi exported paddy rice worth 6 267 US dollars, equivalent to a steep increase of 355.9% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 375 US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 89.4%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia remained the leading destinations for Malawi's paddy rice exports in value terms. South Africa accounted for 52.7% of export value, Zimbabwe for 26.7%, and Zambia for 19.2%. Combined, these three countries represented 98.6% of total export flows by value.

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

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

Imports paddy rice to Malawi

Imports in kind, kg

Malawi imported 14 582 kg of paddy rice in 2020, equivalent to a substantial decline of 23.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 27.1%, translating to an annualized rate of 10.0%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 23.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 24.5% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Malawi in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Pakistan, India, and the United States were the principal sources for Malawi's paddy rice imports by volume. Pakistan accounted for 36.6% of imports in kind, India for 36.5%, and the United States for 13.6%. Together, these three countries made up 86.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

Malawi's paddy rice import value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 32 412 US dollars, reflecting a 13.3% year-on-year drop. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 2.9%, with an average annual decline of 1.0%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 42 640 US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 27.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India and Pakistan were the dominant sources for Malawi's paddy rice imports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 87.7% of total import flows, with the remaining share going to other markets.

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

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