Paddy rice market in South-eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Paddy rice production in South-eastern Asia began the period at a high level of over 200 million metric tons in 2018, supported by the introduction of new rice varieties like Malusog Rice and ongoing technological advancements in farming. However, severe climate-induced droughts across the region disrupted planting cycles and significantly reduced yields, leading to a drop in output to 191.7 million metric tons in 2019.

After a slight further decline in 2020, production rebounded to 196.1 million metric tons in 2021. This recovery was driven by continued government support policies, including minimum price guarantees and production incentives, which stabilized farmer incomes. Additionally, increased rice purchases by China boosted regional demand, encouraging higher output.

From 2022 to 2023, paddy rice production stabilized around 196 million metric tons. The piloting of climate-smart rice farming techniques across tens of thousands of hectares in countries like Vietnam helped improve yield stability amidst persistent water stress and drought conditions. Concurrently, the market saw consolidation with major players like Adani Wilmar expanding their presence, while growing consumer demand for organic and specialty rice varieties influenced product innovation.

Production paddy rice in South-eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, M t

Top producers of paddy rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of paddy rice, 2017-2020

Paddy rice production in South-eastern Asia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 191.0 million tonnes, showing no significant change from 2019. The highest production was recorded in 2018 at 200.6 million tonnes, which represented a 4.5% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 4.5% drop.

Annual dynamics of production in South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, M t

Exports paddy rice from South-eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. In 2019, paddy rice exports from South-eastern Asia reached their lowest point at 5.7 thousand tonnes, marking a 78.9% decline. The highest level was recorded in 2018 at 27.0 thousand tonnes, representing a 110.0% increase. In 2020, exports amounted to 6.0 thousand tonnes, showing a 4.9% rise compared to 2019. The peak-to-trough ratio between 2018 and 2019 was 4.7 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, paddy rice exports from South-eastern Asia relied on a wide range of partner countries. China accounted for 19.2% of exports, Belgium for 6.5%, and France for 3.2%. Together, these three countries represented just 28.9% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. In 2019, paddy rice exports from South-eastern Asia reached their lowest value at 4.0 million US dollars, marking an 85.5% decline. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 27.8 million US dollars, representing a 195.2% increase. In 2020, exports amounted to 6.7 million US dollars, showing a dramatic 67.1% advance compared to the prior year. The peak-to-trough ratio between 2018 and 2019 was 6.9 times.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Data from 2017 to 2020 indicate that paddy rice exports from South-eastern Asia in value terms were not concentrated on a few key destinations. China accounted for 41.9% of exports, Belgium for 3.3%, and France for 2.9%. Together, these three countries represented only 48.0% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020

Imports paddy rice to South-eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. In 2018, paddy rice imports into South-eastern Asia reached their lowest point at 41.7 thousand tonnes, marking a 23.0% decline. The highest level was recorded in 2020 at 141.8 thousand tonnes, representing a 183.2% increase compared to 2019. The variation between the maximum in 2020 and minimum in 2018 was 3.4-fold.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, China and India formed the main group of markets for paddy rice imports into South-eastern Asia, together accounting for 59.2% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. In 2019, paddy rice imports into South-eastern Asia reached their lowest value at 57.4 million US dollars. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 183.5 million US dollars, marking an abrupt 219.5% rise from a year earlier. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 20.6% drop. The variation between the peak in 2020 and trough in 2019 was 3.2 times.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, China and India remained the key partner countries for paddy rice imports into South-eastern Asia in value terms, jointly accounting for 68.2% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020