Paddy rice market in Niger

Earlier Report Observations

Paddy rice production in Niger increased from 101.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 121.8 thousand tons in 2019, then declined slightly to 115.0 thousand tons in 2020. Market volume followed a similar pattern, reaching 122.0 thousand tons in 2019 before dropping to 115.2 thousand tons in 2020.

A significant expansion occurred from 2021 to 2022, with production rising to 134.0 thousand tons and then to 144.4 thousand tons. This growth aligned with the implementation of a national rice self-sufficiency strategy for 2021‑2025, which included support for structuring value‑chain actors and establishing an inter‑professional rice organization to boost local output.

Output stabilized at 142.6 thousand tons in 2023. In 2024, the ECOWAS embargo on Niger triggered a surge in prices of imported rice, prompting the government to set a fixed price for imported rice and to ban exports of paddy rice and other cereals to safeguard domestic supply and food security.

Production paddy rice in Niger

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of paddy rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of paddy rice, 2017-2020

In Niger, paddy rice production reached 115.0 K t in 2020, marking a gradual decline of 5.6% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production increased by 2.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 0.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 101.6 K t, while the highest was in 2019 at 121.8 K t. The most significant decrease occurred in 2018 with a drop of 9.8%, whereas the largest increase was observed in 2019 with a rise of 19.8%.

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

Exports paddy rice from Niger

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports of paddy rice from Niger experienced substantial swings, with the volume peaking in 2018 and hitting its lowest point in 2020—a difference of 31 times between these years. In 2020, exports amounted to 110 t, representing a sharp decrease of 53.3% compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Togo and Nigeria were the two primary destinations for Niger's paddy rice exports in kind. Togo accounted for 78.2% of total flows, while Nigeria made up 21.8%, together comprising 100.0% of all exports during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the observed timeframe. The highest export value was recorded in 2020, whereas the lowest occurred in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 38 times. In 2020, Niger exported paddy rice worth 43 K $ US, showing a steep decline of 75.1% year-over-year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Togo and Nigeria together absorbed 100.0% of Niger's total paddy rice exports in value terms, indicating a high degree of market concentration.

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

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

Imports paddy rice to Niger

Imports in kind, t

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Imports of paddy rice into Niger reached their highest level in 2018 and their lowest in 2017, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 28 times. In 2020, foreign supplies amounted to 265 t, equivalent to a decline of 5.0% year-over-year. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 322 t. The largest decrease occurred in 2019 with a drop of 88.0%, while the most significant increase was in 2018 with a rise of 2 677.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports of paddy rice to Niger were heavily concentrated, with Japan accounting for 78.4% of total flows. Other countries together formed the remaining share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports reached their peak in 2018 and fell to their lowest point in 2017, with a difference of 130 times between these years. In 2020, Niger's paddy rice import volume reached 164 K $ US, which is 30.8% smaller year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 370 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a decrease of 82.7%, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a rise of 12 936.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Japan remained the main source for Niger's paddy rice imports in value terms, taking 81.3% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed across various smaller markets.

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

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