Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Uzbekistan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the market volume for semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Uzbekistan increased sharply from 146.8 thousand tons to 215.7 thousand tons. This growth was primarily driven by state measures to expand rice cultivation areas and support producers to enhance food security. The adoption of resource-saving agrotechnologies and improved rice varieties adapted to local soil and climatic conditions in key regions like Karakalpakstan and Khorezm contributed to higher yields.

After a decline to 180.0 thousand tons in 2020, the market recovered to 199.8 thousand tons in 2021. This recovery was supported by growing consumption linked to population increase and tourism development, while global sanctions and currency fluctuations affected import-export operations and domestic pricing. In 2022, the market stabilized at 199.5 thousand tons amid factors such as announced future export duties from July 2025, tighter export controls, and a 35.2% rise in domestic rice prices.

In 2023, the market volume surged to 296.8 thousand tons, largely due to a significant increase in imports to 104.3 thousand tons, driven by rising consumption and insufficient domestic production. State support through preferential loans for rice growers and the introduction of modern cultivation technologies, including planting machinery from South Korean company Tong Yang Moolsang, aimed to bolster the industry. The planned launch of a rice milling plant in cooperation with Turkey also signaled development in processing capacities.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Uzbekistan

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

Uzbekistan's production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 169.6 thousand tons, marking a 1.5% year-over-year growth. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually declined by 17.4%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 6.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 127.1 thousand tons. That year also saw the largest decline of 38.1%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant increase, with production rising by 31.4%.

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

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Uzbekistan

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Uzbekistan's exports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice amounted to 648 tons, showing little change compared to 2019. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, exports surged by 919.5%, which corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 116.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Afghanistan dominated Uzbekistan's export rankings in terms of volume, together accounting for 100.0% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of Uzbekistan's semi-milled or wholly milled rice exports reached 761 thousand US dollars, remaining broadly stable compared to 2019. Between 2018 and 2020, export value increased by 785.9%, averaging an annual growth rate of 106.9%.

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

During 2017–2020, the United States and Afghanistan were the primary destinations for Uzbekistan's exports in value terms, collectively representing 100.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Uzbekistan

Imports in kind, t

The import market for semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Uzbekistan showed notable fluctuations during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a dramatic 9 158-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Uzbekistan imported 11 041 tons, which was a 77.3% decrease from 2019. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 48 627 tons. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with imports soaring by 372 493.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kazakhstan and Pakistan were the main sources of imports in volume for Uzbekistan, jointly accounting for 87.6% of total imports. The remaining volume was distributed among smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market in value terms was characterized by volatility during these years. Imports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a substantial 1 611-fold swing between these years. In 2020, the import value stood at 3 026 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp drop of 75.2% from the previous year. The maximum import value was recorded in 2019 at 12 215 thousand US dollars. The most significant increase was in 2018, with import value rising by 73 872.9%.

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

In 2017–2020, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Russia formed the core cluster of markets for Uzbekistan's imports in value terms. Kazakhstan accounted for 51.0% of imports, Pakistan for 23.9%, and Russia for 10.4%, together making up 85.3% of total import flows.

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

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