Iraq: Rice Market 2025

Rice Market Size in Iraq

The Iraqi rice market soared to $X in 2021, jumping by 17% against the previous year. In general, the total consumption indicated a mild increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.0% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -4.9% against 2019 indices. Rice consumption peaked at $X in 2019; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

Rice Production in Iraq

In value terms, rice production rose significantly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production saw a sharp curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 22%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2014 to 2021, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2021, the average rice yield in Iraq fell modestly to X tons per ha, which is down by -3.9% compared with the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, the yield recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 157%. The rice yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the yield stood at a somewhat lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, the harvested area of rice in Iraq shrank to X ha, declining by -5.3% on the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area, however, recorded a temperate increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the harvested area increased by 68% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to rice production reached the maximum at X ha in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Rice Exports

Exports from Iraq

After two years of growth, overseas shipments of rice decreased by -3.2% to X tons in 2021. Overall, exports, however, saw a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 12,505%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, rice exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, recorded significant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 6,253% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

Saudi Arabia (X tons), the UK (X tons) and Sweden (X tons) were the main destinations of rice exports from Iraq, with a combined 63% share of total exports. Germany, Canada, the Netherlands and Jordan lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 14%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Germany (with a CAGR of +58.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for rice exported from Iraq were Sweden ($X), Saudi Arabia ($X) and the UK ($X), with a combined 38% share of total exports. Germany, Canada, the Netherlands and Jordan lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 13%.

Among the main countries of destination, Germany, with a CAGR of +59.6%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average rice export price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 22% against the previous year. Overall, the export price showed a temperate expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 60% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2017 to 2021, the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Sweden ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Saudi Arabia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Sweden (+50.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Rice Imports

Imports into Iraq

In 2021, the amount of rice imported into Iraq surged to X tons, picking up by 47% on 2020 figures. Overall, imports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, rice imports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, India (X tons) constituted the largest rice supplier to Iraq, with a 47% share of total imports. Moreover, rice imports from India exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Thailand (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Uruguay (X tons), with an 8% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from India amounted to +11.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Thailand (-13.2% per year) and Uruguay (-6.0% per year).

In value terms, India ($X) constituted the largest supplier of rice to Iraq, comprising 54% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Thailand ($X), with a 12% share of total imports. It was followed by Uruguay, with a 7.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from India amounted to +10.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Thailand (-13.9% per year) and Uruguay (-5.6% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average rice import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, shrinking by -11.1% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the average import price increased by 28% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the countries with the highest prices were India ($X per ton) and Turkey ($X per ton), while the price for Argentina ($X per ton) and Thailand ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Uruguay (+0.4%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :