Rice market in Algeria

Earlier Report Observations

The rice market in Algeria experienced significant volatility from 2018 to 2023, driven almost entirely by changes in import volumes as domestic production remained negligible at 0.3 thousand tonnes annually. A sharp contraction in 2019 saw market volume drop to 89.7 thousand tonnes, influenced by adjustments in global rice prices and fluctuations in the Algerian dinar's exchange rate against the euro, which increased the cost of imports. However, the market rebounded strongly in 2020, reaching 139.4 thousand tonnes, as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global agricultural supply chains, prompting heightened import activity likely due to food security concerns and precautionary buying.

Following a slight dip to 135.9 thousand tonnes in 2021 amid global price volatility and national policies aimed at reducing cereal import dependency, the market entered a phase of rapid expansion. In 2022, India's suspension of non-basmati white rice exports destabilized the global market, compelling Algeria to secure supplies from alternative sources and contributing to a market volume of 178.0 thousand tonnes. This upward trajectory continued into 2023, with the market reaching 225.3 thousand tonnes, sustained by ongoing global supply chain tensions and strong import demand.

Production rice in Algeria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of rice, 2017-2020

Algeria's rice production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 311 tonnes of rice, marking a slight increase of 0.9% compared to the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 301 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 4.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant growth with a 2.3% increase.

Annual dynamics of production in Algeria in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports rice from Algeria

Exports in kind, K t

Rice exports from Algeria have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 0.9 thousand tonnes, reflecting a sharp increase of 148.3% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 3 706%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 236.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Ghana and Gambia were the dominant partners in Algeria's rice exports by volume, while other countries accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of rice exports from Algeria has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 221 thousand US dollars, showing an uptick of 77.1% compared to the year before. From 2017 to 2020, export values increased by 618.9%, with an annualized rate of 93.0%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, three key markets—Libya, Ghana, and Gambia—collectively absorbed 95.3% of Algeria's total rice export value.

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

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

Imports rice to Algeria

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Algeria's rice imports amounted to 140.0 thousand tonnes, representing a significant increase of 55.9% over the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports grew by 7.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 89.8 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 144.6 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 37.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India (54.9% of import volume), Thailand (24.9%), and Vietnam (9.8%) consistently served as the main sources for Algeria's rice imports, together accounting for 89.6% of total volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Algeria's rice imports in value terms have rebounded. In 2020, imports reached 62 104 thousand US dollars, marking a dramatic rise of 48.1% compared to 2019. However, between 2017 and 2020, import values decreased by 22.3%, with an annualized decline of 8.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 41 940 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 39.8%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, India (54.3% of import value), Thailand (24.8%), and Vietnam (9.3%) formed the core group of markets for Algeria's rice imports by value, collectively representing 88.4% of total flows.

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

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