Rice market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The Moroccan rice market volume expanded from 13 219 thousand tons in 2018 to 17 417 thousand tons in 2019. This growth was propelled by the suspension of customs duties and value-added tax on rice imports in December 2017, which made imported rice more affordable and stimulated shipments. At the same time, rising domestic demand, fueled by an increasing number of consumers including the Chinese community, pushed local companies to import larger quantities to meet market needs.

After reaching a high in 2019, the market volume contracted to 16 764 thousand tons in 2020 and further to 13 579 thousand tons in 2021, before recovering to 15 886 thousand tons in 2022.

In 2023, the market volume increased again to 16 795 thousand tons. Early in the year, a 66% rise in rice imports was reported due to drought that reduced domestic grain production, though full-year rice output actually grew. Into 2024, persistent drought conditions led the government to plan additional imports of up to 55 thousand tons, while rising food awareness and sustained consumer appetite for rice continued to support demand.

Production rice in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of rice, 2017-2020

Rice production in the MENA region grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 9 896 K t of rice, showing little change from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 16.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 6 312 K t, marking the largest decline of 25.7% that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase, with production jumping by 56.3%.

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

Exports rice from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

The market experienced significant fluctuations during this period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 42 K t, while the peak occurred in 2017, resulting in a 10.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, MENA's rice exports reached 114 K t, representing a sharp increase of 173.7% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was observed in 2018, with exports dropping by 87.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, MENA exported rice to numerous countries, with no single destination dominating the market. Even the top three importers—Somalia, the United States, and India—collectively accounted for only 7.1% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of rice exports from the MENA region declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 91 M $ US, down by 16.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 71.8%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of -34.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the value of rice exports from MENA was not heavily concentrated in a few markets. The United States (2.6% of export value), Somalia (2.3%), and India (1.8%) together made up just 6.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports rice to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, rice imports into the MENA region declined. In 2020, import volume stood at 6 982 K t, reflecting a moderate decrease of 8.0% year-over-year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 7 592 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 9.1% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India (63.0% of import volume), Pakistan (8.7%), and Thailand (7.1%) were the key sources for rice imports into MENA, collectively accounting for 78.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After increasing for two years, the value of rice imports into MENA fell. In 2020, imports amounted to 5 608 M $ US, a significant drop of 13.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value rose by 2.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 0.8%. The peak was in 2019 at 6 469 M $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 12.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, India (68.0% of import value), Pakistan (9.1%), and the United States (4.8%) were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of rice imports into MENA by value, together representing 81.9% of total import flows.

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

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