Rice market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian rice market volume expanded from 929 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 1 035 thousand tonnes in 2019, largely driven by increased household consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a contraction to 954 thousand tonnes in 2020, the market gradually recovered, reaching 1 007 thousand tonnes by 2023.

The recovery was supported by growing consumer demand for organic and premium rice varieties, with the organic segment expanding 18% in 2023. Cultivation areas for traditional risotto types like Arborio and Carnaroli increased, boosting domestic production. New product segments such as ready-to-eat rice and the introduction of blockchain traceability also contributed to market dynamics.

Regulatory measures included a European Commission proposal to reinstate import duties on non-EU rice to protect domestic producers. However, adverse weather conditions, including prolonged drought, posed challenges to yields, while structural factors like tax burden and bureaucracy continued to affect sector profitability.

Production rice in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of rice, 2017-2020

Italy's rice production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 1 507 thousand tons of rice, which represents a 1.0% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production declined by 5.7%, translating to an average annual decrease of 1.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 470 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 8.0%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase of 1.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's rice production value has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 418 million US dollars, marking a steady 4.2% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value grew by 10.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 1 269 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 1.0%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a 7.3% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports rice from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, Italy's rice exports have rebounded. In 2020, export volume reached 768.7 thousand tons, showing a solid 13.3% increase compared to the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 2.4%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 0.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 678.7 thousand tons, which also experienced the largest decline of 5.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy's export structure in volume terms was fairly balanced rather than concentrated. France accounted for 19.8% of exports, Germany for 16.8%, and the United Kingdom for 9.9%, together representing 46.5% of total flows. The remaining 53.5% was distributed among many other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Italy exported rice worth 723.1 million US dollars, reflecting a strong 16.8% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value rose by 20.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 0.5% drop.

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

The structure of Italy's exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 indicates a diversified set of trading partners. France contributed 21.6% of export value, Germany 18.3%, and the United Kingdom 9.1%, together accounting for 48.9% of total flows. The remaining 51.1% was spread across numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports rice to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Italy imported 215.3 thousand tons of rice, showing a 2.8% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import volume fell by 3.6%, with an average annual decline of 1.2%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 180.0 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 19.4%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase of 23.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Pakistan, Guyana, and India remained the main suppliers of rice to Italy in volume terms. Pakistan accounted for 26.4% of imports, Guyana for 15.5%, and India for 13.7%, together making up 55.5% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Italy's rice import value has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 187.1 million US dollars, marking a modest 9.3% gain compared to the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 12.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 155.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 6.1%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a 9.8% rise.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Pakistan, India, and Thailand formed the core of Italy's rice imports in value terms. Pakistan accounted for 30.0% of import value, India for 16.7%, and Thailand for 12.6%, together taking 59.4% of total flows.

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

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