Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

Hungarian semi-milled or wholly milled rice production has historical roots with state support, but by 2018 no major state-owned enterprises or large facilities were reported. The market volume grew from 41 164 t in 2018 to 43 981 t in 2020. The increase in 2020 coincided with the global pandemic, which introduced uncertainty into rice supply chains and may have boosted demand for staple foods.

Market volume dropped to 34 703 t in 2021 before surging to a peak of 47 495 t in 2022. This growth was driven by Hungary's high per-capita rice consumption of 6.8 kg, among the highest in Central Europe, alongside shifting consumer preferences toward healthier options like brown rice and diverse varieties. Retail chains and the government extended price monitoring systems to respond to market conditions.

In 2023, the market receded to 42 535 t. Rising production costs, including European energy and labor expenses, together with the broader economic situation, pushed up prices and constrained import volumes. Meanwhile, strengthened consumer interest in local rice products provided some support but could not fully offset the import decline.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Hungary

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2018-2021

World map of production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2018-2021

In 2021, Hungary produced 6 K t of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, marking a 17.8% year-on-year decline. Production peaked in 2020 at 7 K t, with the largest annual increase of 5.6% occurring that year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 16.1%, translating to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Hungary exported 4 551 t of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, a 4.0% increase from the previous year. Exports reached their highest level in 2019 at 4 557 t, with the largest annual growth of 20.5% recorded that year. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 3.9%. Overall, from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 20.3%, with a CAGR of 6.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Slovakia, Romania, and Germany were the primary buyers of Hungary's semi-milled or wholly milled rice exports, accounting for 93.2% of total export volumes. Slovakia led with 40.2%, followed by Romania at 26.7% and Germany at 26.3%.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Hungary's semi-milled or wholly milled rice exports increased for the third consecutive year in 2021, reaching 5 412 K $ US, a strong 13.4% rise from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value grew by 50.7%, with a CAGR of 14.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Slovakia, Germany, and Romania were the main markets for Hungary's semi-milled or wholly milled rice exports by value, collectively representing 91.8% of total export flows. Slovakia accounted for 37.8%, Germany for 28.4%, and Romania for 25.6%.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Hungary's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice declined in 2021, totaling 33 508 t, a 19.0% drop year-on-year. Imports peaked in 2020 at 41 369 t, with the largest annual increase of 6.4% in 2019. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 12%, with a CAGR of -4.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Italy, Slovakia, and Myanmar were the largest sources of Hungary's semi-milled or wholly milled rice imports by volume, together comprising 68.5% of total import flows. Italy accounted for 39.9%, Slovakia for 19.6%, and Myanmar for 9.0%.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of growth, Hungary's semi-milled or wholly milled rice imports declined in 2021, totaling 27 727 K $ US, a 5.4% decrease from the previous year. The highest import value was recorded in 2020 at 29 311 K $ US, with the largest annual increase of 7.1% in 2019. Between 2018 and 2021, import value increased by 7.4%, equating to a CAGR of 2.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over the 2018-2021 period, Italy, Slovakia, and Germany were the main suppliers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Hungary by value, together accounting for 64.8% of total import value. Italy led with 37.3%, followed by Slovakia at 16.9% and Germany at 10.6%.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021