Rice market in Azerbaijan

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of the rice market in Azerbaijan showed significant variability from 2018 to 2023, ending the period at 68 517 tonnes after starting at 61 795 tonnes. A sharp market contraction occurred in 2021, pulling volume down to 56 794 tonnes, but this was followed by a strong recovery over the next two years.

Following a slight dip in 2019, the market expanded in 2020 before the pronounced decline in 2021. The subsequent growth was supported by a notable rise in local rice production, which increased by over 30% in 2023 to nearly 14 000 tonnes, while imports continued to supply the bulk of the market.

By 2023, the market reached its peak for the period, combining higher domestic output with substantial import volumes. The overall trajectory points to a volatile but gradually expanding market for rice consumption in Azerbaijan.

Production rice in Azerbaijan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of rice, 2018-2021

World map of production of rice, 2018-2021

After a two-year decline, Azerbaijan's rice production increased in 2021. The country produced 10 062 tonnes of rice, marking a 7.1% rise compared to 2020. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 16%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 5.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 9 397 tonnes, with that year also seeing the steepest decline of 15.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports rice from Azerbaijan

Exports in kind, t

Rice exports from Azerbaijan grew for the third consecutive year in 2021, reaching 34 tonnes. This represents a 16.6% increase over the previous year. Over the four-year span from 2018 to 2021, exports surged by 455.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 77.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Russia, Georgia, and Kazakhstan were the top buyers of Azerbaijani rice, accounting for 81.9% of total exports in volume. Russia led with 43.4% of exports, followed by Georgia at 23.4% and Kazakhstan at 15.1%.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of rice exports from Azerbaijan showed significant volatility between 2018 and 2021. Exports peaked in 2020 at 35 000 US dollars but dropped to a low in 2018, with a 4.4-fold difference between these extremes. In 2021, exports stood at 33 000 US dollars, a modest 6.2% decrease from 2020. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a jump of 170.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Georgia were the primary buyers of Azerbaijani rice in value terms, collectively making up 77.2% of total exports. Russia accounted for 43.9% of the value, Kazakhstan for 19.9%, and Georgia for 13.3%.

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

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

Imports rice to Azerbaijan

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Azerbaijan's rice imports totaled 46 766 tonnes, a 17.8% drop from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 6.1%, with an average annual decline of 2.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 56 884 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 16.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, India, Russia, and Kazakhstan were the main sources of rice imports to Azerbaijan, together representing 86.4% of total imports in volume. India dominated with 59.4%, followed by Russia at 18.0% and Kazakhstan at 9.0%.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Azerbaijan's rice import value declined in 2021, reaching 33 923 000 US dollars. This was a solid 12.9% fall compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 6.9%, with an average annual drop of 2.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2020 at 38 949 000 US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 6.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, India remained the leading source for Azerbaijan's rice imports in value terms, holding a 70.2% share of total flows. The remaining imports were distributed among various other countries.

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

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