Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Ecuador

Earlier Report Observations

Production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Ecuador dropped from 860 thousand tons in 2018 to 681 thousand tons in 2019, before recovering to 873 thousand tons by 2023. Market volume followed a similar trajectory, declining to 653 thousand tons in 2019 and then expanding to 939 thousand tons in 2023, a year marked by a sharp rise in imports.

The 2019 contraction in output coincided with a substantial reduction of the minimum support price (PMS) for paddy rice, which fell below historical averages and squeezed producer incomes. Market volume rebounded strongly in 2023, supported by a surge in imports to about 75 thousand tons and the implementation of inter‑institutional price controls by the Ministry of Agriculture to correct distortions caused by irregular grain inflows across the southern border.

Milling continued to generate 55% of the sector’s added value, underlining the segment's importance. The industry’s reliance on official data from the Ministry of Agriculture and the national statistics institute remained high, while credit for milling activities contracted by 44% in 2022 and again in 2023, tightening financing for processors.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Ecuador

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Ecuador ranked as the 25th largest global producer of semi-milled or wholly milled rice.

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, Ecuador produced 837.9 K t of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, marking a significant 23.0% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 7.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 681.2 K t, while the highest was in 2018 at 860.0 K t. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 20.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, semi-milled or wholly milled rice production in Ecuador rebounded. In 2020, the output was valued at 626.5 M $ US, a 46.7% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 2.9%, with a CAGR of 0.9%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 427.0 M $ US, and the largest decline was in 2018, falling by 17.3%.

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

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Ecuador

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Export volumes varied significantly, with a 99-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2020. In 2020, Ecuador exported 44 057 t of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, a 51.8% increase from 2019. The largest decline was in 2019 at 8.0%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, surging by 6 965.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ecuador's semi-milled or wholly milled rice exports were almost exclusively directed to Colombia, which accounted for 99.1% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Export values peaked in 2020 and hit a low in 2017, with a 94-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, Ecuador's semi-milled or wholly milled rice deliveries were valued at 32 939 K $ US, an 81.1% increase from the previous year. The largest decline was in 2019 at 1.6%, and the largest increase was in 2018, jumping by 5 179.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Colombia dominated as the primary buyer of semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Ecuador, representing 98.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Ecuador

Imports in kind, t

Imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice into Ecuador increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 332 t, a 45.0% year-over-year rise. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 123.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 30.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the leading source for imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice into Ecuador, holding a 73.4% share of total import volumes, with the remainder distributed among other partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imported volumes of semi-milled or wholly milled rice into Ecuador rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 443 K $ US, a sharp 43.3% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 136.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 33.2%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States and Italy were the key partner countries for imports in value terms, together accounting for 95.8% of total import flows, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

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