Colombia | Sowing the Future: Rice Sector

Summary

Globally, rice production is concentrated in Asia. In Colombia, the rice value chain accounts for 0.3% of value added, generates 1.1% of agricultural employment, and includes around 13,000 producers. High inventory accumulation represents a challenge for the sector. In 2026, lower planted areas and production are expected.

Key points

• Key points:
• Globally, the rice market is dominated by Asian countries. India and China account for about half of global production. International rice trade is relatively limited (around 11% of global output), as most rice is consumed domestically. In terms of production, Colombia ranks 25th worldwide and 44th in yields.
• Rice supply and demand in Colombia are primarily domestic. Annual consumption of milled rice in the consumption channel is around 2.2 million tons and remains relatively stable throughout the year. Production has increased in recent years, driven by an expansion in planted area, which has led to surpluses and rising inventories.
• The national average yield of green paddy rice is 5.6 tons per hectare, with better results in irrigated systems compared to rainfed production. Production costs for green paddy rice vary by region, production system, and land tenure, ranging between 0.9 and 1.6 million pesos per ton. Green Paddy rice prices peaked in 2024 (close to 1.7 million pesos per ton) and have shown a downward trend since then.
• In 2026, lower planted areas—likely in response to declining prices—are expected to lead to a reduction in production and potentially in rice inventories. However, external pressures such as a stronger peso, relatively lower international prices, and reported smuggling may limit this adjustment.

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