Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Gabon

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Gabon experienced considerable volatility between 2018 and 2023. It expanded from 74.6 thousand tonnes in 2018 to a peak of 151.4 thousand tonnes in 2020, then contracted sharply to 69.2 thousand tonnes in 2021 before recovering to 102.3 thousand tonnes by 2023.

Regulatory developments marked the period. In 2018, a new Public Procurement Code was adopted, aiming to modernize public finance management and support Gabonese SMEs, which could foster investment in the local rice sector. In 2020, decrees strengthened food quality controls and modified the Gabonese Food Safety Agency (AGASA), tightening oversight over imports and domestic production.

By 2024, the government validated a National Rice Development Strategy targeting a 50% reduction in rice imports by 2033 through increased local yields and sectoral structuring. Concurrently, AGASA was reinforced to boost local output and improve sanitary standards, and temporary duty suspensions on certain goods were enacted alongside a new price scale for essential food items.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Gabon

In kind, 2017-2020, 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 2019, Gabon produced 1,072 tonnes of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, marking the lowest production level in recent years. However, by 2020, production rebounded significantly to 1,411 tonnes, representing a 31.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 28.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 8.8%. The largest decline in production occurred in 2019, with a drop of 4.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Gabon in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Gabon

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Gabon showed considerable instability during the period. From 2017 to 2019, export volumes fluctuated dramatically, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 10.2 times. In 2019, exports reached their highest point at 0.0 thousand tonnes, but by 2020, they plummeted to 0.0 thousand tonnes, reflecting a sharp year-over-year decline of 45.9%. The largest increase in exports was recorded in 2019, with a surge of 272.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Togo and Benin dominated Gabon's exports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in kind, together accounting for 89.5% of total exports. Other countries contributed to the export mix but played a less significant role, forming a diversified yet minor segment.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The export market in value terms also experienced notable instability. Import levels varied significantly, with a 5.5-fold difference between the high in 2019 and the low in 2017. In 2019, exports peaked at 0.0 million US dollars, but by 2020, they dropped to 0.0 million US dollars, indicating a 46.3% decrease compared to the previous year. The largest increase in export value occurred in 2018, with a rise of 150.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Togo and Benin remained the primary destinations for Gabon's exports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in value terms, jointly capturing 83.9% of total export flows. Other trading partners each held substantially smaller shares, contributing to a more fragmented market.

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

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

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Gabon

Imports in kind, K t

Gabon's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in kind increased for the second consecutive year in 2020. That year, imports amounted to 150.0 thousand tonnes, up by 67.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 98.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 73.5 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 2.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam were the main sources for Gabon's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in kind. Thailand accounted for 42.2% of imports, Cambodia for 32.9%, and Vietnam for 22.9%, together making up 98.0% of total import flows. Other countries had minimal shares in this period.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The import market in value terms displayed noticeable fluctuations. The lowest point was in 2018, with imports at 70.0 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2020, reaching 128.7 million US dollars—a 1.8-fold increase. In 2020, imports surged by 70.3% compared to the previous year. The largest decline in import value was recorded in 2018, with a slight drop of 0.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Cambodia and Thailand served as the core markets for Gabon's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in value terms, jointly representing 80.0% of total import flows. Other destinations held comparatively modest shares, indicating a concentrated import structure.

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

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