Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Central Asia expanded significantly in 2019, reaching 580 thousand tonnes, a growth largely attributed to the expansion of rice sown areas and increased production in Russia, which boosted import volumes into the region. This upward trend was interrupted in 2020 when the market volume contracted to 491 thousand tonnes.

Market volume recovered to 546 thousand tonnes in 2021, supported by rising production profitability, which reached 58.2% and encouraged investments in technology and efficiency. A slight dip to 517 thousand tonnes followed in 2022, coinciding with reported reductions in rice sown areas in key producing regions. By 2023, the market grew to a peak of 635 thousand tonnes, as production profitability surged to 83.5% driven by technological advancements and improved farm management.

In 2024, rice production in Russia hit a record level, with the Krasnodar region contributing 65.9% of the total output. The Russian government extended temporary export restrictions to ensure stable domestic supply, while long-term development plans for the sector were approved through 2030. These measures, alongside shifting price dynamics and geopolitical factors, continued to influence the regional market structure.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2017-2020

In 2020, Central Asia produced 464.9 thousand tonnes of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, marking a 9.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 11.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 458.2 thousand tonnes. The sharpest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 12.9%, while the largest increase was seen in 2019, rising by 11.9%.

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

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Central Asia

Exports in kind, t

Central Asia's exports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region exported 8 262 tonnes, representing a significant 62.3% drop compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 58%, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.1%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 30 273 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 53.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Central Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Central Asia exported semi-milled or wholly milled rice to a diverse range of markets. The top three destinations—Azerbaijan (6.8% of exports in kind), Russia (5.3%), and Ukraine (3.5%)—collectively accounted for only 15.6% of total exports. The remaining 84.4% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Central Asia's exports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in value terms reached 16 786 thousand US dollars, a slight increase of 3.9% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 43.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 17 965 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 53.2%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, falling by 10.1%.

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

The partner structure for exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented. Azerbaijan (9.6% of exports in value terms), Russia (7.2%), and Mongolia (5.3%) together made up only 22.1% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Central Asia

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 5.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Central Asia imported 34 778 tonnes of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, a decrease of 60.9% compared to 2019. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 88 983 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 179.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Central Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest sources for imports in kind were Russia, Pakistan, and India, which together accounted for 41.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Noticeable fluctuations characterized the market performance during this period. The minimum value was recorded in 2017, and the maximum in 2019, with a 3.7-fold variation between them. In 2020, Central Asia's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in value terms totaled 21 759 thousand US dollars, down 47.2% from the previous year. The peak value was in 2019 at 41 214 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 111.5%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of imports in value terms was scattered. Russia (35.4% of imports in value terms), Pakistan (6.2%), and India (5.4%) together accounted for just 47.0% of total flows, with no partner emerging as clearly dominant.

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

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