Paddy rice market in MENA, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The MENA paddy rice market saw a dramatic transformation between 2018 and 2023, beginning with a surge in volume from 6.5 million tons to over 10 million tons in 2019. This rapid expansion established a new benchmark for the regional market, which then stabilized near the 10-million-ton level through 2020.

A significant contraction followed in 2021, pulling the market volume down to 7.8 million tons. The subsequent period was marked by a steady recovery, with volume climbing back to 9.8 million tons by 2023, nearly matching the previous peak. Domestic production mirrored this volatile trajectory, while import volumes dwindled to a marginal role in total supply.

Production paddy rice in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of paddy rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of paddy rice, 2017-2020

MENA's paddy rice production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 9 896 K t of paddy rice, showing no significant change from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 16.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 5.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 6 312 K t, marking the largest decline of 25.7% that year. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with production rising by 56.3%.

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

Exports paddy rice from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. From the low in 2019 to the high in 2018, export volumes varied by 3.7 times. In 2020, MENA's paddy rice export volume reached 2.2 K t, which is 142.4% higher than the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.9 K t, while the maximum was in 2018 at 3.4 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 72.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for exports in kind was balanced rather than concentrated. India accounted for 8.9% of exports in kind, Turkey for 5.5%, and the United Kingdom for 3.8%. Together, these three countries represented 18.2% of total flows, with many other countries making up the remaining 81.8%.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed signs of volatility over the observed period. A 3.1-fold variation was recorded between the minimum in 2019 and the maximum in 2018. In 2020, cross-border shipments of paddy rice from MENA amounted to 1 975 K $ US, up by 53.5% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was in 2019 at 1 287 K $ US, while the maximum was in 2018 at 3 925 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 67.2%, and the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 97.7%.

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

The structure of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 can be described as diversified. India accounted for 11.2% of exports in value terms, the United Kingdom for 3.5%, and Turkey for 3.5%. Together, these three countries represented just 18.2% of total flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Imports paddy rice to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. From the trough in 2020 to the peak in 2018, imports showed a 6.2-fold gap. In 2020, MENA imported a total of paddy rice, down by 83.2% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 156.2 K t, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 95.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Thailand, and India stood out as the main markets for imports in kind. The United States accounted for 45.9% of imports in kind, Thailand for 31.0%, and India for 12.4%. Together, these three countries represented 89.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. From the trough in 2020 to the peak in 2019, imports changed by 4.3 times. In 2020, MENA imported a total of paddy rice, which is 76.6% lower compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 68 673 K $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 113.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Thailand, and India remained the leading destinations in the country structure of imports in value terms. The United States accounted for 33.6% of imports in value terms, Thailand for 33.3%, and India for 20.9%. Together, these three countries had a combined share of 87.8% of total flows.

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

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