Mexico: Rice Market 2025

Rice Market Size in Mexico

In 2021, the Mexican rice market increased by 0.9% to $X, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. Overall, the total consumption indicated modest growth 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 increased by +166.8% against 2019 indices. Rice consumption peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Rice Production in Mexico

In value terms, rice production fell to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated tangible growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.9% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +45.6% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the production volume increased by 43%. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2020, and then declined in the following year.

In 2021, the average rice yield in Mexico amounted to X tons per ha, with an increase of 2.7% on the previous year. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 5.6%. The rice yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2017; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, the total area harvested in terms of rice production in Mexico plummeted to X ha, which is down by -15.3% compared with 2020. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 23% against the previous year. As a result, the harvested area reached the peak level of X ha, and then dropped notably in the following year.

Rice Exports

Exports from Mexico

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in shipments abroad of rice, when their volume decreased by -65.1% to X tons. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate measured growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when exports increased by 116% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at X tons in 2020, and then fell significantly in the following year.

In value terms, rice exports fell dramatically to $X in 2021. In general, exports recorded a slight descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 239%. The exports peaked at $X in 2020, and then dropped rapidly in the following year.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons) was the main destination for rice exports from Mexico, with a 81% share of total exports. Moreover, rice exports to the United States exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, El Salvador (X tons), fivefold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the United States amounted to +3.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: El Salvador (+19.1% per year) and Guatemala (-65.6% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) remains the key foreign market for rice exports from Mexico, comprising 81% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by El Salvador ($X), with a 17% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the United States totaled -1.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: El Salvador (+25.1% per year) and Guatemala (-52.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average rice export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, dropping by -27.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a perceptible decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 an increase of 57%. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Guatemala ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to El Salvador ($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 Guatemala (+38.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Rice Imports

Imports into Mexico

In 2021, approx. X tons of rice were imported into Mexico; flattening at 2020 figures. Overall, imports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 918%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, rice imports expanded remarkably to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 510%. Imports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the United States (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of rice to Mexico, accounting for a 79% share of total imports. Moreover, rice imports from the United States exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Paraguay (X tons), eightfold. Uruguay (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 6.1% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from the United States stood at -1.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Paraguay (+13.3% per year) and Uruguay (+3.1% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) constituted the largest supplier of rice to Mexico, comprising 79% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Uruguay ($X), with an 8.6% share of total imports. It was followed by Paraguay, with a 7.7% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from the United States amounted to -1.2%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Uruguay (+2.9% per year) and Paraguay (+10.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average rice import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 7.3% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when the average import price increased by 71% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2020 to 2021, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Argentina ($X per ton), while the price for Brazil ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Argentina (+2.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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