Uruguay: Rice Market 2025

Rice Market Size in Uruguay

In 2021, the Uruguayan rice market was finally on the rise to reach $X after two years of decline. Over the period under review, consumption saw buoyant growth. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Rice Production in Uruguay

In value terms, rice production dropped to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production posted a remarkable increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the production volume increased by 15%. Rice production peaked at $X in 2020, and then shrank in the following year.

In 2021, the average rice yield in Uruguay expanded significantly to X tons per ha, surging by 9% against the previous year's figure. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, the yield reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, approx. X ha of rice were harvested in Uruguay; remaining stable against the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area saw a perceptible decline. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the harvested area increased by 2%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to rice production reached the maximum at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Rice Exports

Exports from Uruguay

After two years of growth, shipments abroad of rice decreased by -26.5% to X tons in 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a pronounced shrinkage. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when exports increased by 69% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, rice exports shrank remarkably to $X in 2021. Overall, exports recorded a pronounced curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 70%. The exports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Iraq (X tons), Peru (X tons) and Brazil (X tons) were the main destinations of rice exports from Uruguay, with a combined 44% share of total exports. Mexico, Venezuela, Turkey, Belgium, the UK, Chile, the Netherlands, Portugal and Costa Rica lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 38%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +38.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for rice exported from Uruguay were Iraq ($X), Peru ($X) and Brazil ($X), with a combined 49% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Mexico, Venezuela, Turkey, Belgium, the UK, Chile, Costa Rica, the Netherlands and Portugal, which together accounted for a further 35%.

The Netherlands, with a CAGR of +33.6%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average rice export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 12% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 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 Turkey ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Venezuela ($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 Iran (+3.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Rice Imports

Imports into Uruguay

After five years of growth, purchases abroad of rice decreased by -66.2% to X tons in 2021. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a deep setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 143% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, rice imports reduced notably to $X in 2021. Overall, imports continue to indicate a pronounced shrinkage. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when imports increased by 320%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Brazil (X tons), the United States (X tons) and Argentina (X tons) were the main suppliers of rice imports to Uruguay, with a combined 87% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for the United States (with a CAGR of +58.6%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($X) constituted the largest supplier of rice to Uruguay, comprising 63% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Brazil ($X), with an 18% share of total imports. It was followed by Argentina, with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from the United States amounted to +74.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Brazil (-3.9% per year) and Argentina (-21.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average rice import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 16% against the previous year. In general, the import price showed a perceptible expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the average import price increased by 96% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+10.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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