Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Chile

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the market volume for semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Chile fluctuated, peaking at 287 thousand tons in 2020 before declining to 226 thousand tons in 2022 and recovering to 246 thousand tons in 2023. A central trend was the sharp decline in local production, which fell from 124 thousand tons to 69 thousand tons, largely due to a contraction in planted area from a high of 29.5 thousand hectares in the 2017/2018 season to below 20 thousand hectares by 2022. This increased the market's dependence on imports, which supplied over 70% of consumption by the end of the period.

Price movements and global events significantly influenced market dynamics. In 2020, a stronger U.S. dollar raised prices paid to domestic producers, offering some support. However, subsequent years saw international rice prices rise by 20% in 2022, compounded by broader factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and climate change, which increased import costs and contributed to demand volatility.

In response to these challenges, the Chilean government expanded the 'Siembra por Chile' program in 2024, committing substantial investment to bolster the agricultural sector, including rice. Concurrently, local producers have been adopting innovative techniques like the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) to improve irrigation efficiency and sustainability, aiming to stabilize long-term production.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Chile

In kind, 2018-2021, K 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

Chile's production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice has declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 93.0 K t, which represents a 14.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 25%, translating to an average annual decline of 9.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Chile in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Chile

Exports in kind, K t

Chile's exports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice have also decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports stood at 0.1 K t, marking a 35.3% drop year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports plummeted by 98.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -74.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the export pattern was heavily dominated by Venezuela, which accounted for 84.6% of total flows. Other trading partners held relatively minor shares during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Chile's semi-milled or wholly milled rice exports has declined for the third year running. In 2021, exports were recorded at 80 K $ US, showing a significant 15.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value dropped by 98.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -76.7%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Chile's semi-milled or wholly milled rice exports were almost exclusively directed to Venezuela, which absorbed 91.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Chile

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, Chile's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice reached 147.1 K t, which is 17.4% lower than in 2020. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 140.1 K t, while the peak occurred in 2020 at 178.1 K t. The largest year-over-year increase was seen in 2020, with a rise of 27.1%.

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

During the 2018-2021 period, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay formed the core group of suppliers for Chile's imports in kind. Argentina accounted for 55.7% of imports, Paraguay for 23.0%, and Uruguay for 8.0%, together representing 86.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, the value of Chile's semi-milled or wholly milled rice imports totaled 88 949 K $ US, reflecting a 7.5% decline from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, import value increased by 17%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 5.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 68 776 K $ US, while the highest was in 2020 at 96 173 K $ US. The largest year-over-year decrease occurred in 2019 at 9.5%, and the largest increase was in 2020 at 39.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay were the main suppliers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Chile in value terms. Argentina contributed 52.0% of import value, Paraguay 22.2%, and Uruguay 9.8%, together comprising 83.9% of total imports.

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

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