Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Western Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Western Europe expanded substantially from 613 thousand tons in 2018 to 1,095 thousand tons in 2023. This growth occurred despite fluctuations in domestic production, which peaked in 2021 before declining. The increase was primarily supported by a steady inflow of imports and a sharp contraction in exports over the period.

From 2022 onward, climatic challenges such as heatwaves and droughts adversely affected EU rice production, particularly in Italy, leading to lower harvests. This shortfall was offset by increased imports, which were further boosted in 2023 by a weaker US dollar that made overseas rice more affordable for Eurozone buyers. Competitive pressure from Asian suppliers like Thailand, Vietnam, and India also kept import volumes high, contributing to market growth.

In 2024, major industry players adapted through digitalization and partnerships; for instance, Riso Gallo collaborated with xFarm Technologies to enhance supply chain transparency, while Euricom formed a joint venture with Pakistan's Fatima Rice Mills to secure premium Basmati rice. At the same time, trade policy uncertainties, including negotiations on the Generalized Scheme of Preferences and duty-free import quotas, along with industry calls for mandatory origin labeling, continued to shape the competitive landscape for European producers.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Western Europe

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 Western Europe increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 477.1 thousand tonnes, marking an 11.5% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 11.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 3.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 397.1 thousand tonnes, when output declined by 7.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Western Europe's semi-milled or wholly milled rice production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 716 million US dollars, reflecting a 23.6% increase year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 65.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.3%.

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

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Western Europe

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, cross-border shipments of semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Western Europe stood at 623 thousand tonnes, representing a 47.6% increase from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 48.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 31.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the buyer portfolio for semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Western Europe was diverse. Poland accounted for 12.6% of exports in kind, the United Kingdom for 11.0%, and Sweden for 3.1%, together contributing 26.7% of total exports in kind. Many other countries held smaller but notable shares.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Western Europe's semi-milled or wholly milled rice exports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume was recorded at 572 million US dollars, up by 6.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 20%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, there was no single dominant market for semi-milled or wholly milled rice exports in value terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 10.9% of exports, Poland for 5.4%, and Sweden for 3.6%, together representing 19.9% of total exports. 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 Western Europe in value, 2017-2020

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Western Europe

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, the volume of semi-milled or wholly milled rice imports into Western Europe increased. In 2020, Western Europe imported 1 057 thousand tonnes, which is 30.1% higher year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 16.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.3%. The lowest import level was recorded in 2019 at 813 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with an 8.1% drop.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Italy, Cambodia, and Thailand remained the key sources for imports in kind. Italy accounted for 27.6% of imports, Cambodia for 13.3%, and Thailand for 13.1%, together representing 53.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imported semi-milled or wholly milled rice volumes in Western Europe increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Western Europe imported approximately 1 212 million US dollars worth of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, representing an 18.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 40.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner landscape for imports in value terms was broad. Italy accounted for 26.1% of imports, Thailand for 13.3%, and Cambodia for 10.4%, together forming 49.8% of total flows. A substantial 50.2% was supplied by many other countries.

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

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