Rice market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The French rice market volume fluctuated between 2018 and 2023, rising from 585 000 tonnes in 2018 to a peak of 669 000 tonnes in 2022 before declining to 635 000 tonnes in 2023. These movements were primarily driven by changes in international rice prices and trade policies, which affected import flows into the country.

A slight firming of global rice prices in early 2021 contributed to reduced imports and a market contraction that year. In contrast, 2022 saw market growth despite higher world prices, partly because export restrictions on basmati rice from India and unfavorable weather in Pakistan shifted demand toward other rice types. By 2023, sustained high prices and continued export limits led to another decrease in market volume.

Domestically, French rice production remained steady at around 70 000 tonnes annually, with growers emphasizing traceability, sustainability, and organic segments. The market also experienced consolidation, such as the Avril group's acquisition of Soufflet's rice activities in 2022, strengthening the position of major local processors.

Production rice in France

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of rice, 2017-2020

In 2020, France produced 75 460 tonnes of rice, marking an 8.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Production reached its lowest point in 2018 at 71 430 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 22.8%. However, there was a significant rebound in 2019 with a 15.6% increase. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 18.5%, averaging an annual decline of 6.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

France's rice production value rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, it reached 79 677 thousand US dollars, showing a modest 8.6% increase from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 57 313 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest drop of 36.3%. In contrast, 2019 saw the biggest gain of 28.0%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 11.4%, with an average annual decline of 4.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in France in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports rice from France

Exports in kind, K t

France's rice export volume declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 48.3 thousand tonnes, reflecting a sharp 12.0% drop compared to 2019. The highest export volume was in 2018 at 62.2 thousand tonnes, which also recorded the largest increase of 11.2%. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 13.6%, averaging a 4.8% annual decline.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Germany, and Belgium were the top markets for France's rice exports in volume terms. Italy accounted for 19.8% of exports, Germany for 16.7%, and Belgium for 16.1%. Together, these three countries represented 52.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, France's rice export value increased in 2020, reaching 51.0 million US dollars, up 4.5% from the previous year. The lowest value was in 2019 at 48.8 million US dollars, while 2018 saw the largest decline of 8.2%. From 2017 to 2020, export value fell by 6.1%, with an average annual decrease of 2.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Belgium were the leading buyers of French rice in value terms. Germany made up 19.2% of exports, Italy 16.2%, and Belgium 16.1%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 51.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports rice to France

Imports in kind, K t

France's rice import volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 627.5 thousand tonnes, up 5.4% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 9.4%, averaging an annual increase of 3.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France's rice imports in volume terms were not heavily concentrated on a few key suppliers. Italy contributed 23.2% of imports, Cambodia 13.4%, and Thailand 11.9%. Together, these three countries accounted for 48.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

France's rice import value rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 628.4 million US dollars, showing a strong 16.2% year-on-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, import value surged by 32.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Thailand, and Cambodia were the main sources of rice imports to France in value terms. Italy accounted for 24.8% of imports, Thailand for 13.2%, and Cambodia for 12.3%. Collectively, these three countries absorbed 50.4% of total import value.

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

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