Rice market in Nicaragua

Earlier Report Observations

Starting in 2018, the Nicaraguan rice sector focused on increasing irrigated rice production with a target of at least 7.5% growth, supported by the release of the virus-resistant ANAR 2018 FL variety. This contributed to rising domestic output, which continued into 2021 when the government launched a National Strategy for Rice Development to intensify national production and ensure food security. Despite variable weather conditions, including El Niño impacts, production volumes maintained an upward trajectory.

The growth momentum was further reinforced by new cooperation agreements with South Korea in 2022 aimed at boosting productivity, alongside the introduction of an interactive cultivation map by INTA to improve planning. That same year, a 99% tariff on rice imports above 23 300 tonnes was implemented to protect domestic producers, coinciding with a temporary dip in import volumes. By 2023, sustained increases in irrigated rice output, reaching over 6 million quintals, reduced reliance on imports to about 20% of national consumption, supported by technological adoption and workforce expansion.

In 2024, the continued expansion of irrigated rice production underscored ongoing progress toward food self-sufficiency. Overall, market size expanded from 558.7 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 649.6 thousand tonnes in 2023, driven by consistent production gains and periodic import fluctuations.

Production rice in Nicaragua

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of rice, 2017-2020

Rice production in Nicaragua has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 477.0 K t of rice, up 1.9% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 12.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Nicaragua's rice production has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 174.8 M $ US, representing a 13.9% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 34.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.3%.

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

Exports rice from Nicaragua

Exports in kind, K t

Cross-border shipments of rice from Nicaragua declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 4.9 K t of rice, marking a slight decline of 2.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 36.9%, with an annualized rate of 14.2%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 27.2%, reaching a peak of 9.9 K t that year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 48.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Nicaragua's export structure in kind was heavily focused on El Salvador, which accounted for 88.6% of total flows, while other partners made up the remaining volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Nicaragua exported 1 794 K $ US of rice in 2020, which is 8.8% higher than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 25%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.1%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 28.8%, reaching a maximum value of 3 078 K $ US that year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 46.4%, bringing the value to a minimum of 1 649 K $ US.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Nicaragua's export dependence on El Salvador was pronounced, with this market accounting for 92.8% of total rice exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports rice to Nicaragua

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, Nicaragua's rice import volume increased. In 2020, imports reached 136.9 K t, marking a gain of 6.3% versus the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 5.7%, with the minimum value occurring in 2019 at 128.7 K t.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Nicaragua's import structure in kind was strongly concentrated on the United States and Brazil, which together accounted for 85.0% of total flows, with other partners forming a residual share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Nicaragua's rice import volume has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports registered 58 027 K $ US, reflecting a notable increase of 13.0% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 16.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.2%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 4.8%, with the minimum value that year at 47 381 K $ US.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, two countries—the United States and Brazil—concentrated most of Nicaragua's rice imports in value terms, while other markets were less significant individually.

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

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