Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in South Korea, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for semi‑milled or wholly milled rice in South Korea contracted from 3.7 million tons to 3.3 million tons. This decline was underpinned by structural shifts in agriculture, including an aging rural population—where the aging rate reached 44.7%—and a long‑term decrease in the agricultural workforce. Simultaneously, farming patterns moved away from rice paddies toward fruit and vegetable cultivation, reducing the base for rice production.

After a temporary rebound to 3.7 million tons in 2021, the market volume resumed its downward trend, falling to 3.4 million tons by 2023. In the latter year, the government intensified supply management through harvest‑time stabilization measures, including market isolation and purchase programs to support producer prices. These interventions, along with continued reductions in rice cultivation area and a policy push for high‑quality appropriate production, contributed to the smaller market volume.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in South Korea

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, South Korea ranked as the world's 12th largest producer of semi-milled or wholly milled rice.

Top producers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2017-2020

South Korea's production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 3 339 thousand tonnes, which represents a 6.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 12.8%, translating to an average annual decline of 4.5%.

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

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from South Korea

Exports in kind, t

The export market for semi-milled or wholly milled rice from South Korea showed an unstable trend during this period. Volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 26-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports amounted to 54 902 tonnes, marking a 4.9% increase from 2019. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 63 851 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 18.1%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, surging by 2 534.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Korea in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Yemen, Kenya, and Somalia were the key export partners for South Korea's semi-milled or wholly milled rice in terms of volume. Yemen accounted for 31.7% of exports, Kenya for 24.8%, and Somalia for 18.4%. Together, these three countries represented 74.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market in value terms exhibited volatility over the observed period. Exports bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 9.2-fold difference. In 2020, South Korea exported semi-milled or wholly milled rice worth 26 467 thousand US dollars, up 4.6% from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 42 980 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 41.1%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, rising by 820.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Korea in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017–2020, Yemen, Vietnam, and Kenya were the main markets for South Korea's semi-milled or wholly milled rice exports in value terms. Yemen contributed 20.5% of export value, Vietnam 16.8%, and Kenya 16.4%. Collectively, these three partners accounted for 53.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to South Korea

Imports in kind, t

South Korea imported 41 568 tonnes of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in 2020, down 1.4% from 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports decreased by 5.4%, with an average annual decline of 1.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 40 714 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 7.3%, while the most significant increase was in 2019, rising by 3.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Korea in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated South Korea's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in volume terms, holding an 87.3% share of total flows. Other partners accounted for the remaining volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, South Korea's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in value terms declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 38 373 thousand US dollars, a moderate drop of 3.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports increased by 28.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 39 867 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 22.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Korea in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States effectively monopolised South Korea's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in value terms, capturing 90.3% of total flows.

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

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