Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Northern Africa expanded from 2.5 million tons to 3.6 million tons. This growth was driven by substantial investments in irrigation projects and the adoption of modern agricultural technologies, which increased domestic production capacity. A heightened policy focus on achieving food security through greater local output further supported this upward trend.

Market volume contracted in 2021 but stabilized around 3.2 million tons in 2022. During this period, the entry of new companies into the African rice sector, such as Capwell Industries launching fortified rice in Kenya, introduced new products and competition. The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) also facilitated regional trade, influencing import flows and market structure.

A sharp rebound to 4.1 million tons occurred in 2023. India's restrictions on rice exports caused global prices to rise, prompting North African countries to boost local production. Concurrently, continued investment in irrigation infrastructure, like the African Development Bank's projects in Gambia, expanded the cultivated area and yield potential, driving the market to a new high.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Northern Africa

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

Semi-milled or wholly milled rice production in Northern Africa increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 3 166 K t, representing a 10.9% gain compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 13%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2 213 K t, which marked the largest decline of 39.2%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with production rising by 29.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Northern Africa's semi-milled or wholly milled rice production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 2 192 M $ US, showing little change from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 19.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 2 158 M $ US, which saw the largest decline of 21.0%. The largest increase was in 2019, with a rise of 1.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Exports bottomed in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a 34-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Northern Africa exported 0.1 K t of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, representing a steep drop of 97.0% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 4.9 K t. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with exports rising by 254.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Benin, and Niger were the main destinations for semi-milled or wholly milled rice exports from Northern Africa. Turkey accounted for 45.6% of exports in kind, Benin for 6.5%, and Niger for 5.1%, together absorbing 57.1% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. Export volumes reached their minimum in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 37 times. In 2020, foreign supplies of semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Northern Africa amounted to 0.1 M $ US, representing a steep decrease of 97.3% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 3.7 M $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 360.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Benin, and Niger headed the ranking of buyers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Northern Africa in value terms. Turkey accounted for 57.2% of exports, Benin for 3.1%, and Niger for 2.8%, with their combined share reaching 63.1% of total exports.

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

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

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, K t

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. Imports bottomed in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Northern Africa's semi-milled or wholly milled rice import volume totalled 426.2 K t, representing a 35.5% drop compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 314.3 K t, while the maximum was in 2019 at 660.6 K t. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with imports rising by 110.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, China, and Thailand accounted for the largest share of imports in kind of semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Northern Africa. India represented 43.2% of imports, China 20.7%, and Thailand 15.8%, together comprising 79.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports bottomed in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Northern Africa's semi-milled or wholly milled rice imports amounted to 216.8 M $ US, marking a decline of 51.4% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 195.8 M $ US, while the maximum was in 2019 at 446.4 M $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with imports rising by 128.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, China, and Thailand were the main destinations in the geographical breakdown of imports in value terms of semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Northern Africa. India accounted for 42.6% of imports, China for 23.4%, and Thailand for 14.3%, with a combined share of 80.4% of total flows.

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

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