Myanmar: Rice Market 2025

Rice Market Size in Myanmar

In 2021, the Myanmar's rice market increased by 0.1% to $X, rising for the second year in a row after three years of decline. In general, consumption, however, recorded a perceptible shrinkage. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Rice Production in Myanmar

In value terms, rice production contracted to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production recorded a noticeable slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 56% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2021, the average rice yield in Myanmar was estimated at X tons per ha, almost unchanged from the previous year's figure. In general, the yield continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the yield increased by 1.4%. The rice yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the yield remained at a lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The rice harvested area in Myanmar shrank modestly to X ha in 2021, with a decrease of -4.3% against 2020. In general, the harvested area saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the harvested area increased by 3.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to rice production attained the maximum at X ha in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Rice Exports

Exports from Myanmar

In 2021, shipments abroad of rice decreased by -41.8% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. Over the period under review, exports, however, posted a strong increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 77%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, rice exports declined rapidly to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, enjoyed a temperate increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 37% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at $X in 2020, and then declined sharply in the following year.

Exports by Country

China (X tons) was the main destination for rice exports from Myanmar, with a 31% share of total exports. Moreover, rice exports to China exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Belgium (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by the Philippines (X tons), with a 7.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to China stood at +11.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Belgium (+79.3% per year) and the Philippines (+14.4% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) remains the key foreign market for rice exports from Myanmar, comprising 27% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Belgium ($X), with a 13% share of total exports. It was followed by the Philippines, with a 9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to China totaled +2.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Belgium (+69.3% per year) and the Philippines (+14.7% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average rice export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, falling by -5.6% against the previous year. Overall, the export price saw a noticeable descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the average export price increased by 19%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2015 to 2021, the average export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Russia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Burkina Faso ($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 Spain (+2.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Rice Imports

Imports into Myanmar

In 2021, purchases abroad of rice decreased by -59.4% to X tons, falling for the fourth consecutive year after four years of growth. In general, imports saw a abrupt decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 412%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, rice imports fell markedly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports showed a deep setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 409%. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Thailand (X tons), Singapore (X tons) and Malaysia (X tons) were the main suppliers of rice imports to Myanmar, with a combined 77% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Singapore (with a CAGR of +69.7%), while imports for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the largest rice suppliers to Myanmar were Thailand ($X), Singapore ($X) and Malaysia ($X), with a combined 72% share of total imports.

Singapore, with a CAGR of +42.2%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average rice import price amounted to $X per ton, which is down by -46.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price showed a pronounced curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when the average import price increased by 27% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2020, and then dropped rapidly in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the price for China ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany (+29.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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