Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Tanzania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, Tanzania's semi-milled rice production held steady around 2.1 million tons, with market volume just above 2 million tons. This stability was underpinned by the completion of the first National Rice Development Strategy, which had doubled output by 2018 through expanded irrigation, the promotion of the System of Rice Intensification among smallholders, and new commercial farming projects. Rising urban consumer demand further supported domestic consumption.

A drop in production to 1.8 million tons and market volume to 1.5 million tons occurred in 2020, coinciding with reported supply constraints and a spike in transport costs that elevated rice prices. The market rebounded strongly over the next two years; production surged to 2.5 million tons by 2022, and market volume recovered to 2.1 million tons. This growth was propelled by the launch of the strategy's second phase, a substantial increase in government funding for irrigation infrastructure, and the expansion of large-scale commercial production by operators like Kilombero Plantations Limited.

Production moderated to 2.1 million tons in 2023 with market volume at 2.1 million tons, as the sector navigated export fluctuations and ongoing transport cost pressures. Throughout the period, government workshops monitored strategic progress, and private investment intensified, highlighted by KOM Food Products Limited's $40 million investment to commission a new rice mill in 2024, aiming to boost processing capacity for regional export markets.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Tanzania

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania ranked 19th globally in the production 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

After two years of growth, Tanzania's production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice declined. In 2020, the country produced 1 820 K t, marking a significant decrease of 12.9% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production overall increased by 23.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%. The peak was in 2019 at 2 091 K t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 39.2%.

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

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Tanzania

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Tanzania rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 299.7 K t, a sharp increase of 330.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 123 366.6%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 972.8%.

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

During 2017-2020, Uganda and Rwanda were the primary destinations for Tanzania's exports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, with other markets playing individually smaller roles.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of semi-milled or wholly milled rice exports from Tanzania grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 129.8 M $ US, reflecting a substantial rise of 297.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 172 679.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1 100.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Uganda and Rwanda remained the key export markets in value terms, jointly accounting for 81.4% of total flows, while other partners were individually less significant.

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

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

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Tanzania

Imports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market. Imports peaked in 2018 at 1.6 K t and fell to their lowest in 2019 at 0.1 K t, a 19-fold difference. In 2020, Tanzania imported approximately 0.3 K t, up by 319.2% from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 94.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States and Canada were the main sources for Tanzania's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, together making up 82.4% of total volume, with other countries contributing individually smaller shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Market behavior was marked by volatility during these years. Import value reached its highest in 2018 at 1.1 M $ US and dropped to its lowest in 2019 at 0.0 M $ US, a 58-fold shift. In 2020, imports amounted to 0.2 M $ US, representing a 751.9% increase from the previous year. The steepest decline was in 2019 at 98.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Canada dominated Tanzania's imports in value terms, accounting for 84.2% of the total, while the remainder was spread across various other countries.

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

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