Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in the MENA region expanded significantly in 2019, with volume reaching 11 068 thousand tons. This growth was facilitated by the reinforced role of Dubai's ports as a central hub for rice imports, improving distribution across the region. Market volume then stabilized at around 10 927 thousand tons in 2020, supported by underlying growth in consumer demand driven by population increase and a shift in dietary habits towards rice as a staple food.

A contraction to 9 762 thousand tons occurred in 2021. This decline was linked to stabilized rice production in the Asia-Pacific region, a key source of imports for MENA, which constrained supply availability. The market rebounded sharply in 2022, with volume climbing to 11 557 thousand tons, even as regional production faced challenges.

By 2023, the market volume reached 11 684 thousand tons, continuing its upward trajectory. This growth was partly sustained by a noticeable rise in consumer demand for sustainable products within the region, influencing purchasing patterns for rice.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in MENA

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

MENA's production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 4 315 K t, marking a modest 9.0% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 5.5%, with an average annual decline of 1.9%. The lowest output was in 2018 at 2 966 K t, which saw the largest drop of 35.0%. In contrast, 2019 recorded the biggest gain with a 33.4% rise.

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

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

The export market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 38 K t, after peaking in 2017, with an 11.1-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, MENA's cross-border shipments of semi-milled or wholly milled rice reached 100 K t, a sharp 165.0% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 88.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, MENA exported semi-milled or wholly milled rice to a diverse range of markets. Somalia accounted for 3.0% of exports in kind, the United States for 2.3%, and India for 1.8%, together making up just 7.1% of the total. The remaining 92.9% was spread across numerous smaller destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Exports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice from MENA declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, they totaled 83 M $ US, a solid decrease of 19.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 73.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 35.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the value of MENA's semi-milled or wholly milled rice exports was widely distributed among partner countries. The United States contributed 2.6% of exports in value terms, Somalia 2.3%, and India 1.7%, together representing only 6.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, MENA imported 6 712 K t of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, a 6.1% decrease from the previous year. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 6 566 K t, while the highest was in 2019 at 7 148 K t. The largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 8.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Pakistan, and Thailand were the main sources of semi-milled or wholly milled rice imports to MENA. India accounted for 63.9% of imports in kind, Pakistan for 8.5%, and Thailand for 6.6%, together making up 79.1% of the total.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After increasing for two years, MENA's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice declined. In 2020, imports totaled 5 450 M $ US, a drop of 12.7% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 2.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 6 240 M $ US, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 11.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—India, Pakistan, and the United States—together accounted for 82.1% of the total value of semi-milled or wholly milled rice imports to MENA.

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

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