Rice market in Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The rice market in the Democratic Republic of the Congo expanded steadily from 1.4 million tonnes in 2018 to over 2.0 million tonnes by 2023. This growth was primarily driven by consistent increases in domestic production, which rose from 1.3 million tonnes to 1.8 million tonnes over the period. Government support through favorable agricultural policies and economic incentives encouraged investment in the rice sector, while efforts to promote cross-sector cooperation aimed at optimizing the value chain.

From 2022 onward, currency depreciation increased the cost of imported rice, contributing to higher consumer prices in urban markets like Kinshasa. However, domestic production continued to expand, offsetting the decline in imports and supporting overall market growth. The launch of the local brand "Muchele ya Lualaba" in 2024 highlighted ongoing efforts to develop the domestic rice industry and reduce import dependency.

Production rice in Democratic Republic of the Congo

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of rice, 2017-2020

Rice production in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 1 476 thousand tons of rice, which represents a 7.1% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 21.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports rice from Democratic Republic of the Congo

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for rice from the Democratic Republic of the Congo showed significant volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 52-fold difference between these years. In 2020, rice exports from the country amounted to 0.2 thousand tons, marking a sharp decline of 84.0% from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1.2 thousand tons, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, with a growth of 969.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, rice exports from the Democratic Republic of the Congo were almost entirely concentrated in Uganda, which accounted for 97.0% of the total volume.

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

World map of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in the market performance during this period. Export values fell to their lowest point in 2017 and reached their maximum in 2019, with a 20-fold swing between these years. In 2020, the value of rice exports from the Democratic Republic of the Congo stood at 42 thousand US dollars, representing an intense contraction of 80.3% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 215 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a growth of 722.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the country structure of rice exports in value terms was primarily shaped by Uganda and Pakistan, which together accounted for 99.7% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020

Imports rice to Democratic Republic of the Congo

Imports in kind, K t

Rice imports into the Democratic Republic of the Congo have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 202.3 thousand tons, indicating a measured gain of 5.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 123.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 30.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of rice imports in kind was strongly concentrated on Thailand and China, which together accounted for 80.9% of total import flows, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

World map of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, the value of rice imports into the Democratic Republic of the Congo declined. In 2020, the import volume amounted to 45 084 thousand US dollars, marking a moderate decrease of 9.7% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 22.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 49 927 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a growth of 19.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand, China, and Pakistan remained the leading sources in the country structure of rice imports in value terms. Thailand accounted for 59.5% of imports, China for 15.3%, and Pakistan for 11.0%, with their combined share reaching 85.9% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020