Egypt Rice Market Analysis
The Egypt Rice Market size is estimated at USD 2.08 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 2.91 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.88% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Rice, a staple cereal grain, is the most widely consumed food for a significant portion of the global population. Cultivated in over 120 countries, Egypt stands out as the Middle East's largest rice producer. Globally, rice ranks as the third most produced agricultural commodity, trailing only maize and sugarcane. A report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts a 5% increase in Egypt's milled rice production and harvested area for the 2023 season (October – September), compared to 2022 estimates. This increase is primarily driven by soaring market prices for both rough and milled rice, incentivizing farmers to expand their cultivation areas.
Egypt plays a pivotal role as North Africa's leading rice market. Utilizing its fertile lands along the Nile, Egypt dominates rice production in the region. The waters of the Nile are essential for irrigating these rice crops. Typically, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI) designates the Delta provinces for summer rice planting. While the 2023 planting decisions are still pending, it's anticipated that the 2022 designated areas will receive similar allotments. In 2022, the government approved rice cultivation over 1,074,200 feddans (~451,164 hectares). Farmers who venture beyond these sanctioned areas often face fines.
Rice farming in the Delta not only produces rice but also curbs seawater intrusion and protects the soil from salinization. Early maturing rice varieties, developed by the Agricultural Research Center (ARC), need only 9,000-10,000 cubic meters of water per hectare over their three-month growth. This is a significant reduction compared to the 14,000-15,000 cubic meters required for traditional varieties. With Egypt's food and restaurant sector expanding, the rice market shows promising growth. Innovations in rice milling machinery and attractive packaging are driving product demand. The rising appetite for specialty rice, particularly long-grain varieties, is fueling trade and market expansion. Additionally, changing consumer lifestyles and a growing fast-food industry indicate strong market growth in the years ahead.
Egypt Rice Market Trends
Rising Rice Production Potential in the Country
Rice is a cornerstone of Egyptian agriculture, featuring prominently in home-cooked meals and restaurant menus. A prime example is Koshari, Egypt's national dish and a cherished street food, where rice is the star ingredient. Another popular dish is Ruzz mu'ammar bi-I-tuyur, or baked rice with milk and pigeon, commonly found in restaurants in major cities like Alexandria.
From May to September, Egypt's high solar radiation, extended daylight, and cool nights provide optimal conditions for rice cultivation. As a result, rice is sown in Egypt from early May to late June, with harvesting taking place between mid-August and mid-October. The country primarily cultivates short and medium round grains, predominantly of the japonica type, with renowned varieties including Sakha "101, 102, 104" and Giza "177, 178".
Rice cultivation, mainly in the northern Delta, requires a specialized irrigation regime. While often sown on lower-quality, saline soils with variable productivity, rice is also cultivated, albeit limitedly, in the middle Delta and Upper Egypt. Farmers frequently exceed government-designated cultivation areas, risking fines of LE 600 per acre. This defiance is driven by rice's significantly higher profitability compared to traditional summer crops like corn and cotton, along with its robust export potential. To conserve water, the government is trying to reduce rice cultivation while simultaneously expanding corn acreage.
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Increasing Imports of Rice Varieties
In 2021, Egypt showcased its prominence in the North African rice market, boasting a per capita supply of 60.9 kg of paddy rice annually. The nation's demand has consistently surpassed its production, necessitating a dependence on rice imports. The Egyptian government procures its rice imports from China, India, Thailand, and Russia. For 2023, Egypt's rice imports are anticipated to hold steady at 450,000 metric tons, aligning with figures from the prior marketing year.
On February 21, 2023, the General Authority for Supply Commodities (GASC) took steps to acquire 50,000 metric tons of rice from India. Despite companies presenting offers amounting to 175,000 metric tons, GASC opted for bids from three Indian rice suppliers and one supplier for 25,000 metric tons of Vietnamese rice. GASC sealed two contracts, the first for 25,000 metric tons of Indian rice at USD 534 per metric ton, with shipments slated between April 17 and May 5; the second mirrored the quantity at a rate of USD 545 per metric ton, scheduled for May 5 to May 20 shipments. During the 2022-2023 period (October to July), traders secured around 384,000 metric tons of milled rice from international markets. In this span, China led as the primary exporter to Egypt, sending over 204,700 metric tons, trailed closely by India at 172,673 metric tons. Experts opine that India's recent export ban on non-basmati white rice will exert minimal influence on Egypt's import patterns. Predominantly, Egypt's rice imports feature long-grain, basmati, and jasmine varieties, with sporadic acquisitions of other types to satisfy niche consumer demands.
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Egypt Rice Market News
- April 2024: The Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation developed modern hybrid rice varieties that significantly reduce water consumption by 20% through innovative and technology-driven agricultural practices.
- October 2023: Egypt’s Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade has purchased 250,000 metric tons of rice to support the strategic rice reserves for six months to reduce the prices of several basic commodities by 15 to 25%.
Egypt Rice Industry Segmentation
Rice is a cereal grain and in its domesticated form is the staple food of over half of the world's population, particularly in Egypt. The Egyptian rice market is segmented by production analysis (volume), consumption analysis (value and volume), export analysis (value and volume), import analysis (value and volume), and price trend analysis. The report offers market estimation and forecast in value (USD) and volume (Metric Tons).
| Egypt | Production Analysis (Volume) |
| Consumption Analysis (Volume and Value) | |
| Import Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | |
| Export Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | |
| Price Trend Analysis |
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Egypt Rice Market Research Faqs
How big is the Egypt Rice Market?
The Egypt Rice Market size is expected to reach USD 2.08 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 6.88% to reach USD 2.91 billion by 2030.
What is the current Egypt Rice Market size?
In 2025, the Egypt Rice Market size is expected to reach USD 2.08 billion.
What years does this Egypt Rice Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Egypt Rice Market size was estimated at USD 1.94 billion. The report covers the Egypt Rice Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Egypt Rice Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Egypt Rice Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Egypt Rice market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Egypt Rice analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
