Rice market in Niger

Earlier Report Observations

The rice market in Niger grew from 627 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 190 thousand tons in 2022, driven by rising imports and increased domestic production. Local output expanded from 102 to 144 thousand tons, supported by the government's National Rice Development Strategy (SNDR) adopted in 2021, which provided fertilizer subsidies and institutional backing for rice farmers.

In 2023, market volume fell to 726 thousand tons as imports dropped sharply from 1 045 to 583 thousand tons, a contraction linked to the ECOWAS embargo that later led to official price controls on imported rice in 2024. Domestic production remained steady at 143 thousand tons, while imports continued to decline to 468 thousand tons in 2024 under sustained trade restrictions.

Production rice in Niger

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of rice, 2017-2020

In 2019, Niger's rice production reached its highest level at 121.8 thousand tons. However, by 2020, production had declined to 115.0 thousand tons, marking a 5.6% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, overall production increased by 2.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.7%. The lowest production was recorded in 2018 at 101.6 thousand tons. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 with a 9.8% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019 with a 19.8% rise.

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

Exports rice from Niger

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed considerable instability throughout the period. In 2018, rice exports from Niger hit their lowest point at 0.0 thousand tons. The following year, 2019, saw exports surge to their peak of 7.2 thousand tons, representing an extraordinary increase of 50,417.8% and creating a peak-to-trough ratio of 505 times. By 2020, exports had plummeted to just 0.1 thousand tons, a dramatic 98.1% reduction compared to 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Niger's rice exports were highly concentrated, with Nigeria accounting for 97.7% of all export flows, making the partner base extremely narrow.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Market performance exhibited significant fluctuations during this period. In 2018, export values bottomed out at 0.0 million US dollars. The following year, 2019, saw exports peak at 4.9 million US dollars, representing a massive 188,525.9% increase and creating a 1,886-fold difference between the high and low points. By 2020, export values had dropped sharply to 0.1 million US dollars, reflecting a 98.8% year-over-year decrease.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Nigeria effectively dominated Niger's rice exports in value terms, capturing 98.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports rice to Niger

Imports in kind, K t

Foreign rice supplies to Niger increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 715.8 thousand tons, which represents a 19.3% increase compared to 2019. Over the broader 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 49.4%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 14.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Niger's rice imports in kind were primarily sourced from Thailand and China, which together accounted for 84.0% of total import flows, with other countries playing a secondary role.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, foreign rice supplies to Niger reached 392.7 million US dollars, showing a strong 24.4% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import values increased by 78.5%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 21.3%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 2.1% decrease, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 with a 46.7% rise.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Thailand and China remained the primary suppliers of rice to Niger in value terms, together accounting for 80.8% of total imports, with other countries making up the remainder.

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

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