Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Eastern Asia declined from 136.2 million tons in 2018 to 125.1 million tons in 2021. This contraction coincided with a multi-year reduction in offline sales channels by the major grain products company Wugu Mofang, which began closing hundreds of its direct retail counters in 2019. The closure of these outlets reduced the physical availability of grain-based products, including rice, contributing to the overall market shrink.

After 2021, the market volume stabilized at approximately 125.5 million tons in both 2022 and 2023. During this period, Wugu Mofang shifted its strategy, ceasing to disclose specific counter data and focusing instead on improving the operational efficiency of its remaining direct sales channels while developing new business avenues. This strategic pivot likely supported the end of the market's downward trend.

In 2024, extreme heat damaged the yield and quality of mid- and late-season indica rice in southern production areas, tightening domestic supply. Concurrently, the implementation of minimum purchase price policies in key production regions aimed to protect farmer incomes. Consumer demand continued to evolve, with a growing preference for fresh rice and convenient ready-to-eat products, which spurred activity in these niche segments.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, M 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

After a two-year decline, Eastern Asia's production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice increased. In 2020, the region produced 130.3 million tonnes, showing minimal change from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 129.8 million tonnes, which also saw the largest annual decline of 3.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, M t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Eastern Asia's production value of semi-milled or wholly milled rice declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 46 014 million US dollars, down 4.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 23.4%, representing an 8.5% compound annual decline rate.

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

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Eastern Asia exported 2 129 thousand tonnes of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, which was 18.1% lower than the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 598 thousand tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 86.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, exports in kind were dispersed across many countries. Côte d'Ivoire accounted for 14.9% of exports, Egypt for 11.1%, and Turkey for 6.4%. Together, these three countries represented just 32.5% of total export flows, with the remaining 67.5% distributed among numerous other destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Eastern Asia's export value of semi-milled or wholly milled rice declined. In 2020, exports totaled 752 million US dollars, down 21.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 60.8%, equivalent to a 17.2% annualized growth rate. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 963 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 67.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, export value was distributed across many markets. Côte d'Ivoire accounted for 11.9% of exports, Egypt for 8.7%, and Turkey for 5.5%. Combined, these three countries represented only 26.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Eastern Asia's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 2 981 thousand tonnes, marking a 2.7% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import volume decreased by 27.2%, equivalent to a 10.1% annualized decline rate.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Vietnam, Thailand, and the United States were the leading suppliers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Eastern Asia. Vietnam accounted for 32.3% of imports, Thailand for 27.0%, and the United States for 10.3%. Together, these three countries represented 69.7% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Eastern Asia's import value of semi-milled or wholly milled rice declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 901 million US dollars, remaining relatively stable compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 10.1%, equivalent to a 3.5% annualized decline rate. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 179 million US dollars. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 12.5%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 3.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States were the main sources of import value. Thailand accounted for 30.6% of imports, Vietnam for 27.5%, and the United States for 14.7%. Together, these three countries represented 72.8% of total import flows.

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

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