Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, the Spanish market for semi-milled or wholly milled rice experienced strong expansion, with its total value nearly doubling from 452.8 million US dollars to 895.7 million. This growth was driven by a significant increase in domestic production, which rose from 504.5 million to 952.6 million, alongside a steady climb in imports from 62.0 million to 103.4 million. Export values also grew overall, reaching 160.3 million by 2022.

In 2023, the sector contended with rising production costs and drought conditions, which placed pressure on cultivation and likely affected domestic supply availability. This contributed to a further increase in imports, which reached 115.1 million. Concurrently, the market saw growth in demand for specific varieties such as basmati and kits rice, indicating shifting consumer preferences and new product segments.

The challenging drought persisted into the 2023/2024 season, particularly impacting key growing regions like the Guadiana and Guadalquivir basins. In response, the Common Agricultural Policy provided direct aid of 28 million euros to support producers. Despite these climatic hurdles, the cultivated area for rice expanded to 81 300 hectares, and demand remained robust for premium short and medium grain varieties like Bomba rice, which enjoys high domestic and international appeal.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 599.5 million US dollars, showing a solid year-over-year increase of 16.8%. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 33.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 10.2%.

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

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

Following two years of growth, Spain's production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice saw a slight decline. In 2020, the country produced 642.4 thousand tonnes, down 0.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 4.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 646.9 thousand tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 5.2% also occurring that year.

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

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Spain exported 148.3 thousand tonnes of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, marking a modest drop of 3.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 11.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 130.8 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 154.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 17.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain's export structure for semi-milled or wholly milled rice was balanced rather than concentrated. The United Kingdom accounted for 24.6% of exports in kind, the Netherlands for 11.6%, and France for 8.8%, together making up 44.9% of total flows. Many other countries contributed the remaining 55.1%.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Spain's exports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 136.4 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate rise of 4.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 33.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, no single market dominated Spain's exports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in value terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 20.6% of exports, France for 11.8%, and the United States for 11.3%, together representing 43.8% of total export value. Many smaller partners each held modest individual shares.

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

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

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Spain's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice declined. In 2020, the country imported 84.1 thousand tonnes, down 6.2% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 10.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 84.1 thousand tonnes, while the largest annual increase of 9.0% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia were the main suppliers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Spain in kind. Thailand accounted for 24.0% of imports, Myanmar for 22.0%, and Cambodia for 12.4%, together making up 58.4% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of increase, Spain's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in value terms saw a small decline. In 2020, imports stood at 62.4 million US dollars, down 0.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 22.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.0%. The peak was in 2019 at 62.8 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 21.9% recorded in 2018.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Thailand, Italy, and Myanmar formed the core group of markets for Spain's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in value terms. Thailand accounted for 23.1% of imports, Italy for 14.7%, and Myanmar for 12.8%, together representing 50.6% of total flows.

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

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