Paddy rice market in Mali

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018 and 2019, Mali's paddy rice production remained stable, supported by the launch of major agricultural infrastructure projects. The World Bank-funded Project to Support Livestock Development in Mali (PADEL-M) began implementation, and the National Proximity Irrigation Program (PNIP) aimed to develop over 80 000 hectares of land. The construction of a new rice mill added processing capacity. In 2019, the Integrated Development Program for the Senegal River Basin (PDI-BS) promised an additional 52 000 tonnes of annual paddy output through expanded irrigated and double-cropped areas, aligning with a slight production increase to 3 196 thousand tonnes.

Production volumes declined to 3 010 thousand tonnes in 2020 and fell sharply to 2 420 thousand tonnes in 2021. During this period, government initiatives focused on maintaining irrigation systems at the Office du Niger and distributing improved seeds and equipment to bolster productivity, yet these measures did not offset the drop in overall output.

The market rebounded from 2022, reaching 2 865 thousand tonnes, driven significantly by private sector investment. New entrants like the Société Malienne des Filières Alimentaires (SMFA) and AgriZED invested in the rice value chain, coupled with a push for greater agricultural mechanization across regions. In 2023, production grew further to 3 024 thousand tonnes, supported by rising cereal prices that incentivized output and substantial budgetary funding for the rice sector under the 2024 fiscal policy.

Production paddy rice in Mali

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Mali ranked 24th globally in paddy rice production.

Top producers of paddy rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of paddy rice, 2017-2020

After two consecutive years of growth, Mali's paddy rice production experienced a decline. In 2020, the country produced 3 010 thousand tons of paddy rice, marking a 5.8% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production overall increased by 11.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 3 196 thousand tons, while the largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2018 at 17.0%.

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

Exports paddy rice from Mali

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 at 7.1 tons, then peaked in 2018 at 84.7 tons, creating a 11.9-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, paddy rice exports from Mali amounted to 44.1 tons, representing a substantial 521.1% increase compared to the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 91.6%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Senegal dominated Mali's export partner structure for paddy rice in kind, accounting for 78.9% of total flows. Other markets maintained comparatively modest shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior during these years was characterized by volatility. Export values hit their lowest point in 2019 at 17.4 thousand US dollars, then reached their peak in 2018 at 277.6 thousand US dollars, creating a 16-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, Mali's paddy rice exports totaled 61.0 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp 250.0% increase compared to 2019. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 at 93.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 1,027.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of Mali's paddy rice exports in value terms was primarily shaped by Guinea and Senegal, which together accounted for 95.9% of total flows. Other markets formed what could be described as a long tail with smaller individual contributions.

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

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

Imports paddy rice to Mali

Imports in kind, t

Market behavior during these years showed considerable volatility. Import volumes reached their maximum in 2018 at 244.7 tons, then dropped to their minimum in 2020 at 29.9 tons, representing an 8.2-fold decrease. In 2020, Mali's paddy rice imports totaled 29.9 tons, corresponding to a steep 78.6% decline compared to the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 62.5%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Burkina Faso and India concentrated 92.7% of Mali's total paddy rice imports in kind. The remaining share was distributed among other destinations with smaller individual contributions.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import values varied significantly, with a 12.2-fold difference between the high in 2017 and the low in 2020. In 2020, Mali's paddy rice imports totaled 28.6 thousand US dollars, representing an 86.4% contraction compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 127.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of Mali's paddy rice imports in value terms was primarily shaped by India and Burkina Faso, which together accounted for 83.4% of total flows. Other markets formed what could be described as a long tail with smaller individual contributions.

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

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