Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The European market for semi-milled or wholly milled rice expanded significantly in 2019, with volume rising by over 800 000 t to 3.7 million t. This growth was supported by rising global consumption, driven by population increases in major rice-consuming regions in Asia and Africa. The market then saw a slight contraction to 3.6 million t in 2020.

A sharp rebound followed in 2021, pushing the market volume to a peak of 4.7 million t. In 2022, the European Commission's adjustments to import duties on semi-milled rice influenced trade flows, coinciding with a modest market correction. The market contracted markedly to 3.9 million t in 2023, primarily due to India's suspension of non-basmati white rice exports, which tightened global supply, reduced EU imports, and contributed to a drop in European production, all against a backdrop of record-high world prices.

By 2024, imports reached a record level of over 2.2 million t, sustaining competitive pressure on the European market. The regulatory framework, including duty-free import quotas, continued to shape trade, while adverse climatic conditions in key producing areas like Spain affected domestic output. Industry efforts focused on origin labeling and technological innovation to enhance resilience.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Europe

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

Europe's production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 3 577 thousand tonnes, which represents a 12.0% increase from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 12.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 3 053 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 4.1%.

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

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Europe's exports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice surged in 2020, reaching 1 986 thousand tonnes—a sharp 50.2% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 51.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.9%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 22.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure for semi-milled or wholly milled rice was fairly balanced, with no single country dominating. Turkey accounted for 5.3% of exports, Jordan for 1.5%, and Syria for 1.4%, together making up 8.2% of total flows. The remaining 91.8% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Europe's export value of semi-milled or wholly milled rice has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 1 654 million US dollars, up 9.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, the value rose by 19.7%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 6.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the buyer portfolio for Europe's semi-milled or wholly milled rice exports was diverse. Turkey contributed 3.6% of the export value, the United States 1.8%, and Switzerland 1.6%, together accounting for just 7.1% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but still notable shares.

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

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

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Europe's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 2 041 thousand tonnes, marking a 9.3% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 16.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 1 604 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 8.6%. In contrast, 2019 recorded the highest increase at 16.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice into Europe were not heavily concentrated. Thailand supplied 12.3% of imports, India 10.7%, and Cambodia 9.3%, together representing 32.3% of total flows. The rest came from a variety of other sources.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Europe's import value of semi-milled or wholly milled rice has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 2 352 million US dollars, showing a significant 14.2% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, the value increased by 33.3%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 10.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, the import partner landscape for semi-milled or wholly milled rice in value terms was broad. Thailand accounted for 12.9% of imports, India for 10.2%, and Cambodia for 8.1%, together making up 31.3% of total flows. The remaining 68.7% was sourced from many other countries.

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

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