Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Mexico

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Mexico showed considerable movement between 2018 and 2023. After reaching 814 thousand tons in 2018, it fell to 665 thousand tons in 2019. This decline was primarily linked to the continued effects of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which reduced trade barriers and domestic subsidies, diminishing the competitiveness of local rice production. A strong rebound occurred in 2020, with the market growing to 936 thousand tons. This surge was driven by investments in modernizing rice mill machinery and improving packaging, which enhanced product appeal and stimulated demand. Concurrently, a shift in consumer preferences toward healthier options boosted demand for specialty long-grain rice varieties.

Market volume continued its upward trend, reaching a peak of 995 thousand tons in 2021. This growth was supported by a significant increase in imports, while domestic production held steady, aided by the Mexican Rice Council's promotion of new technologies funded by major millers. Following a modest contraction to 931 thousand tons in 2022, the market expanded again to 985 thousand tons in 2023. The recovery in 2023 was fueled by heightened demand from the rapidly expanding food and beverage industry, including new quick-service restaurant openings. Furthermore, Mexico's participation in the USMCA trade agreement improved import conditions, facilitating greater rice inflows to meet domestic consumption needs.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Mexico

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Globally, Mexico ranked as the 29th largest producer of semi-milled or wholly milled rice from 2018 to 2021.

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, Mexico produced 856.8 thousand tons of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, showing little change from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 21%, which translates to an average annual increase of 6.6%. The lowest production level was in 2019 at 625.8 thousand tons, while the highest was in 2020 at 858.9 thousand tons. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with an 11.6% decrease, and the largest rise was in 2020 with a 37.2% increase.

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

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Mexico

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a dramatic 1 972-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Mexico's exports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice were recorded at 0.1 thousand tons, marking a sharp decline of 97.9% compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was in 2020 at 7.0 thousand tons, and the largest increase was in 2019 with a surge of 169 509.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States and Venezuela dominated Mexico's exports in kind, together accounting for 99.7% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Exports bottomed in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 1 645-fold difference. In 2021, Mexico exported 0.2 million US dollars worth of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, down by 96.5% from the previous year. The maximum value was in 2020 at 5.5 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a jump of 149 723.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Venezuela and the United States were the primary destinations for Mexico's exports in value terms of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, jointly making up 99.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Mexico

Imports in kind, K t

Volatility marked the market behavior over these years. Imports hit their lowest in 2019 and peaked in 2021, with a 3.1-fold difference. In 2021, Mexico imported approximately 138.2 thousand tons of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, representing a significant increase of 64.5% compared to the previous year. The minimum import volume was in 2019 at 45.1 thousand tons. The largest decline was in 2019 with a 57.2% drop, while the biggest rise was in 2020 with an 86.3% increase.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States (56.2% of imports in kind), Uruguay (22.6% of imports in kind), and Argentina (14.0% of imports in kind) led the country structure of Mexico's imports in kind, collectively accounting for 92.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The market showed signs of volatility during the observed period. The lowest value occurred in 2019, while the highest was in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.5 times. In 2021, Mexico's cross-border shipments of semi-milled or wholly milled rice totaled 101.9 million US dollars, up by 19.2% from the previous year. The minimum value was in 2019 at 44.7 million US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019 with a 59.5% decrease, and the largest increase was in 2020 with a 91.4% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States (58.3% of imports in value terms), Uruguay (21.1% of imports in value terms), and Argentina (13.6% of imports in value terms) consistently held leading positions in the country structure of Mexico's imports in value terms, jointly representing 93.0% of total flows.

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

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