Rice market in Tanzania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, Tanzania's rice market volume expanded from 3 406 thousand tons to 4 178 thousand tons. This growth was primarily driven by the launch of three major government projects aimed at improving irrigation, seeds, and farming practices, which laid the foundation for increased production. In 2020, the introduction of improved rice varieties such as TARI RIC1, RIC2, and RIC3, along with continued import restrictions, helped boost domestic output, leading to a significant rise in market volume.

From 2021 to 2023, market volume experienced fluctuations. In 2021, volume dropped to 3 423 thousand tons, partly due to a sharp increase in exports to 622 thousand tons, which reduced domestic availability despite legislative amendments designed to enhance the business environment. The market recovered to 3 773 thousand tons in 2022 as exports declined and training programs for farmers on Sustainable Rice Platform standards began to positively influence agricultural practices. However, in 2023, volume fell again to 3 512 thousand tons as production decreased, even though research by TARI Ifakara continued to support the industry.

Throughout the period, Tanzania maintained moderate rice self-sufficiency, with production consistently exceeding domestic demand. The growth in exports contributed to a regional trade surplus, while investments in infrastructure and capacity development, such as through FAO-supported training, strengthened the rice value chain.

Production rice in Tanzania

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania ranked as the 22nd largest rice producer in the world.

Top producers of rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of rice, 2017-2020

Rice production in Tanzania increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Tanzania produced 4 528 thousand tonnes of rice, marking a 30.3% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 84.7%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 22.7%.

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

Exports rice from Tanzania

Exports in kind, K t

Cross-border shipments of rice from Tanzania rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, Tanzania exported 349.9 thousand tonnes of rice, up by 207.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 94 868.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 882.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Uganda and Rwanda were the dominant destinations for Tanzania's rice exports in kind, jointly accounting for 80.3% of total flows, while the remaining volume was distributed among smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Tanzania's rice export value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 143.9 million US dollars, corresponding to a gain of 209.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 145 102.9%, which represents an annualized rate of 1 032.4%.

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

Over the period 2017–2020, Uganda and Rwanda were the primary destinations for Tanzania's rice exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 80.6% of total flows, with the remainder split among smaller markets.

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

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

Imports rice to Tanzania

Imports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 0.1 thousand tonnes and peaked in 2018 at 1.6 thousand tonnes, with a 13.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Tanzania's rice import volume amounted to 0.4 thousand tonnes, reflecting a sharp rise of 203.4% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 92.5%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States (60.4% of imports in kind), Canada (18.4% of imports in kind), and Pakistan (14.6% of imports in kind) formed the key group of partners for rice imports to Tanzania, jointly representing 93.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes fell to a trough in 2019 and peaked in 2018, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 28 times. In 2020, Tanzania imported a total of 0.0 million US dollars of rice, showing a steep increase of 317.6% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.0 million US dollars, while the maximum value was in 2018 at 1.1 million US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019, with a drop of 96.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (63.8% of imports in value terms), Canada (15.4% of imports in value terms), and Pakistan (9.8% of imports in value terms) stood out as the main markets for Tanzania's rice imports in value terms, together accounting for 89.0% of total flows.

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

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