Paddy rice market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese paddy rice market volume grew from 175 thousand tons in 2018 to 197 thousand tons in 2023, experiencing notable fluctuations. The increase in 2019 coincided with the launch of new product varieties, such as black and whole-grain rice, and the development of the first national varieties Ceres and Maçarico, which diversified supply. Market volume contracted in 2020 but recovered strongly in 2021, supported by the promotion of Carolino rice as a national product and the fact that approximately 75% of the sown area was dedicated to this variety.

In 2022, the market declined by 9% due to a 7% reduction in sown area and a sharp 92% price increase for Carolino rice, driven by energy inflation and higher production costs. However, volume rebounded to 197 thousand tons in 2023, aided by shifting consumer preferences towards premium segments like sushi and basmati rice, alongside continued promotion of the new Portuguese variety Caravela.

The sector's ongoing development included preparations for the commercial launch of Carolino Caravela rice, the first fully Portuguese variety in 30 years, and concerted efforts to boost domestic rice consumption through promotional campaigns and collaboration among growers, industry, and retailers.

Production paddy rice in Portugal

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of paddy rice, 2018-2021

World map of production of paddy rice, 2018-2021

In 2021, Portugal produced 175.9 thousand tonnes of paddy rice, marking a significant increase of 32.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 9.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 132.8 thousand tonnes, which represented the largest decline of 17.8% during this period.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Following two consecutive years of decline, Portugal's paddy rice production value rebounded in 2021. The output was valued at 68,089 thousand US dollars, showing a substantial gain of 22.6% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production value increased by 14.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 55,548 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 6.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports paddy rice from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

The export market for paddy rice demonstrated volatility during the observed period. In 2019, exports reached their lowest point at 3,012 tonnes, representing the largest decline of 48.7%. However, exports surged by 80.9% in 2020, followed by another significant increase of 74.5% in 2021, reaching 9,507 tonnes. The difference between the peak in 2021 and the trough in 2019 was 3.2 times.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Portugal's paddy rice exports in volume terms were highly concentrated, with Spain accounting for 99.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values for paddy rice showed considerable fluctuations over the period. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at 1,105 thousand US dollars, marking the largest decline of 49.0%. This was followed by a dramatic increase of 106.2% in 2020, and another substantial gain of 61.5% in 2021, bringing exports to 3,680 thousand US dollars. The peak in 2021 was 3.3 times higher than the trough in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018–2021, Portugal's paddy rice exports in value terms were overwhelmingly concentrated on Spain, which accounted for 99.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports paddy rice to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Portugal's paddy rice import volumes declined in 2021. Imports stood at 36,438 tonnes, showing a steep drop of 28.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 80.8%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 21.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 50,766 tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 68.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the main suppliers of paddy rice to Portugal in volume terms were Spain (57.6% of imports), Guyana (22.3%), and Italy (9.8%). Together, these three countries accounted for 89.7% of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of gains, Portugal's paddy rice import value declined in 2021. Total imports amounted to 18,523 thousand US dollars, which is 15.5% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, import value increased by 73%, with an average annual growth rate of 20.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 21,910 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 47.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018–2021, the primary sources for Portugal's paddy rice imports in value terms were Spain (54.7% of imports), Italy (20.2%), and Guyana (15.5%). Collectively, these three markets accounted for 90.4% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021