Rice market in Brazil

Earlier Report Observations

The Brazilian rice market volume declined from 11.0 million t in 2018 to 10.1 million t in 2019, as farmers reduced planted area in favor of more profitable soybeans. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 boosted export demand for Brazilian rice, helping market volume recover to 10.7 million t despite continued acreage contraction and supported by increased imports reaching 975 thousand t.

Market volume rose to 11.6 million t in 2021, driven by firm domestic and international demand, even as water scarcity from the La Niña phenomenon reduced yields and high production costs pressured farmers. A large harvest from Rio Grande do Sul in 2022 flooded the market, contributing to a drop in volume to 9.9 million t alongside substantial import volumes. In 2023, volume stabilized near 9.9 million t while domestic prices hit record nominal levels due to tight supply and strong demand, with climatic conditions such as El Niño influencing planting decisions.

Production rice in Brazil

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Globally, Brazil ranked as the 10th largest producer of rice during the period from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of rice, 2018-2021

World map of production of rice, 2018-2021

Brazil's rice production grew for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 11 661 thousand tonnes of rice, marking a 5.1% year-on-year increase. The lowest production level was in 2019, at 10 369 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 12.2%. In contrast, the biggest rise occurred in 2020, with a 7.0% increase.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Rice production in Brazil continued to expand for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 4 901 million US dollars, up by 22.9% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 29.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 9.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019, at 3 595 million US dollars, which experienced the largest drop of 4.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports rice from Brazil

Exports in kind, K t

Brazil exported 854 thousand tonnes of rice in 2021, representing a sharp decline of 39.0% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 41.4%, equivalent to an annualized decrease of 16.3%. The largest increase was in 2020, at 31.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Venezuela, Senegal, and Peru were the top buyers of Brazilian rice, accounting for 27.8%, 11.2%, and 8.2% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they made up 47.2% of total exports, indicating a diversified market structure with many other countries contributing the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, Brazil's rice exports in value terms amounted to 359.1 million US dollars, down by 28.7% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 23.1%, averaging an annual decline of 8.4%. The peak value was in 2020, at 503.6 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 36.7%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the export structure in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Venezuela, Peru, and Senegal accounted for 25.0%, 12.3%, and 9.9% of exports, respectively, totaling 47.1% of the flows. The remaining 52.9% came from numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports rice to Brazil

Imports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, Brazil's rice imports declined. In 2021, imports totaled 745 thousand tonnes, showing a strong decrease of 23.5% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 21.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.7%. The highest level was in 2020, at 975 thousand tonnes, which recorded the largest rise of 29.7%.

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

During 2018-2021, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina were the leading sources for Brazil's rice imports in kind, with shares of 62.8%, 16.0%, and 11.8%, respectively. Combined, they represented 90.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of gains, Brazil's rice imports in value terms fell. In 2021, imports were recorded at 332.7 million US dollars, indicating a significant contraction of 16.4% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 43.6%, averaging an annual increase of 12.8%. The maximum value was in 2020, at 397.8 million US dollars, which saw the largest jump of 53.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of Brazil's rice imports in value terms, accounting for 56.0%, 18.7%, and 13.7%, respectively. Together, they made up 88.4% of total import flows.

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

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