Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in CIS was shaped by government policy and agricultural conditions. In 2018, authorities approved a development plan for rice farming until 2030 aimed at increasing domestic production and introduced temporary export restrictions on rice and rice groats to regulate foreign sales. The following year, an expansion of sown areas by over 12 thousand hectares led to a 5.8% increase in harvests, contributing to market volume growth to 1 386 thousand tons. However, in 2020, a 3.5% reduction in sown area combined with the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on trade flows resulted in the market contracting to 1 308 thousand tons.

The period from 2021 to 2022 saw continued pressure on production areas but offsetting technological gains. Despite a further 7.2% decrease in sown area in 2021, profitability in rice production rose to 58.2% due to improved technologies and new seed varieties, which helped support output and led to a slight market recovery to 1 329 thousand tons. The following year, sown area remained at a reduced level of 176.6 thousand hectares, and lower world rice prices contributed to a decline in production, pulling the market size down to 1 231 thousand tons.

A sharp market rebound occurred in 2023, driven by significantly higher profitability and sustained export controls. Production profitability reached 83.5% as a result of enhanced agricultural technologies and process management, boosting output. Concurrently, export restrictions, which had been in place since 2018 and were extended, sharply reduced overseas shipments to under 25 thousand tons by 2024, amplifying domestic supply. This combination pushed the market volume to 1 448 thousand tons in 2023. In 2024, a record rice harvest was achieved, and the government extended the export limitation measure through the end of the year, continuing to influence market dynamics.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in CIS

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 2018, semi-milled or wholly milled rice production in the CIS reached its lowest point at 1 020 K t, marking a 3.9% decline. The following year saw a significant rebound, with output peaking at 1 090 K t in 2019, representing a 6.9% increase. By 2020, production had slightly decreased to 1 068 K t, reflecting a modest 2.0% drop compared to 2019.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Semi-milled or wholly milled rice production in the CIS experienced a decline after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its highest value at 1 124 M $ US, showing a substantial 29.0% increase. However, by 2020, production had fallen to 956 M $ US, down 14.9% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production increased by 21.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in CIS in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from CIS

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice from the CIS have been declining for three consecutive years. In 2020, the volume stood at 62.2 K t, down 1.0% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 31.4%, averaging an annual decline of 11.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export structure for semi-milled or wholly milled rice in kind remained highly fragmented. Turkey accounted for 9.7% of exports, Mongolia for 9.0%, and Ukraine for 6.8%, with these three countries together making up only 25.5% of total flows. No single country held a dominant share during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the CIS exported 55.7 M $ US worth of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, marking a significant decrease of 14.0% from the year before. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, exports declined by 17.2%, with an average annual drop of 6.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, though it was minimal at 0.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export landscape in value terms was diverse, with Turkey representing 11.5% of exports, Mongolia 10.4%, and Ukraine 8.0%. Together, these three countries accounted for just 29.9% of total flows, while the remaining 70.1% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to CIS

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice into the CIS declined. In 2019, imports peaked at 359.3 K t, showing a notable 24.1% increase. By 2020, volumes had dropped to approximately 302.4 K t, a significant decrease of 15.8% year-over-year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 9%, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India, Thailand, and Pakistan were the primary sources for semi-milled or wholly milled rice imports into the CIS in kind. India led with 33.6% of imports, followed by Thailand at 13.9% and Pakistan at 12.8%. Together, these three countries accounted for 60.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice into the CIS fell after two years of increase. In 2019, imports reached their highest value at 202.0 M $ US, reflecting a 22.3% rise. By 2020, this had decreased to 175.9 M $ US, down 12.9% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, overall imports grew by 16%, with an average annual increase of 5.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, India, Thailand, and Pakistan formed the core group for imports in value terms. India accounted for 37.4% of imports, Thailand for 13.8%, and Pakistan for 11.1%. Collectively, these three markets represented 62.3% of total import flows.

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

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