Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Belize

Earlier Report Observations

The semi-milled rice market in Belize expanded from 2018 to 2019, with market volume rising from 9 261 t to 9 484 t. This initial growth was supported by the implementation of mechanized farming systems, which improved production efficiency and helped the country move toward self-sufficiency. Domestic output increased accordingly, reaching 9 354 t in 2019.

After a contraction to 8 064 t in 2020, the market recovered steadily over the following three years. By 2023, production had risen to 10 472 t, driving the overall market volume to a peak of 10 712 t. The agricultural sector's structure, historically influenced by state-associated entities like the Belize Estate and Produce Company, provided a foundation for this resilient supply chain throughout the period.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Belize

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2018-2021

World map of production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2018-2021

Belize produced 8,741 tons of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in 2021, marking a moderate increase of 9.8% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production overall decreased by 3.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 9,354 tons, while the lowest was in 2020 at 7,963 tons. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 14.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belize in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Belize

Exports in kind, t

Exports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Belize declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Belize exported just 0.2 tons, representing a dramatic year-over-year decrease of 98.7%. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports fell by 99.6%, with an average annual decline of 83.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belize in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Belize's exports in kind showed a strong reliance on Guatemala, which accounted for 100.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Belize in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Exports peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2021, with a 23-fold difference between these two years. In 2021, the value of semi-milled or wholly milled rice exports from Belize was $0.5 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp decline of 94.5% compared to 2020. The largest increase was recorded in 2020, with a rise of 99.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belize in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, exports in value terms were heavily concentrated on Guatemala, which made up 100.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Belize in value, 2018-2021

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Belize

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Belize's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice increased in 2021. The country imported approximately 138.0 tons that year, showing a robust growth of 19.3% compared to the previous year. However, over the entire 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 47.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 19.5%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 115.7 tons, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 45.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belize in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the United States remained the dominant source for Belize's imports in kind, holding an 82.9% share of total flows, with the remainder fragmented across other markets.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Belize in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decrease, Belize's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice rose in 2021. Import values reached $289.0 thousand US dollars that year, indicating a sharp increase of 30.2% over the past year. Despite this recent uptick, imports over the 2018-2021 period decreased by 32.2%, with an average annual decline of 12.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at $222.0 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 32.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belize in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, the United States accounted for 86.6% of Belize's total import value, while the remaining volume was distributed among many countries with smaller individual shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Belize in value, 2018-2021