RICE
In recent years, the country’s average annual rice consumption has reached approximately 25,000 metric tons. To meet this demand, the OCT regularly imports various types of rice, including white rice, parboiled rice, and the aromatic basmati rice.
These imports primarily originate from Asian markets, which dominate global rice production. Key supplier countries include India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The OCT selects its partners based on strict criteria, focusing on product quality, sanitary compliance, and reliability of supply.
Through this centralized role, the OCT helps secure Tunisia’s rice imports despite global market fluctuations, while ensuring affordable prices for local consumers.
The international rice prices during 2022 have known several fluctuations due to a number of conflicting factors.
Rice World Balance
Since the 2020/2021 campaign, global rice production, consumption and stocks have evolved as follows:
| Season | 2020/2021 | 2021/2022 | 2022/2023 | 2023/2024 | 2024/2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In million Tons | |||||
| Global Production | 509,3 | 514,8 | 514,3 | 523,9 | 534 ,1 |
| Global Consumption | 509,7 | 520,4 | 521,1 | 523,4 | 531,7 |
| Surplus/Deficit | -0,4% | -5,6% | -6,8% | 0,5% | 2,4% |
Source: International Grains Council (February 2025)
Origins of Rice Imports
White Rice
| Country of origin | Quantity in tons | Percentage | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 2020 | ||||
| India | 1 066 | 20% | ||
| Pakistan | 4 300 | 80% | ||
| Total | 5 366 | 100% | ||
| Year 2021 | ||||
| Pakistan | 3 550 | 100% | ||
| Total | 3 550 | 100% | ||
| Year 2022 | ||||
| India | 621 | 14% | ||
| Pakistan | 3 930 | 86% | ||
| Total | 4 551 | 100% | ||
| Year 2023 | ||||
| India | 831 | 34% | ||
| Pakistan | 1 600 | 66% | ||
| Total | 2 431 | 100% | ||
Parboiled Rice
| Country of origin | Quantity in tons | Percentage | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 2020 | ||||
| Thailand | 19 075 | 100% | ||
| TOTAL | 19 075 | 100% | ||
| Year 2021 | ||||
| Thailand | 9 900 | 100% | ||
| TOTAL | 9 900 | 100% | ||
| Year 2022 | ||||
| Thailand | 24 854 | 100% | ||
| TOTAL | 24 854 | 100% | ||
| Year 2023 | ||||
| Thailand | 7 631 | 100% | ||
| TOTAL | 7 631 | 100% | ||
| Year 2024 | ||||
| Thailand | 21 081 | 100% | ||
| TOTAL | 21 081 | 100% | ||
Basmati Rice
| Country of origin | Quantity in tons | Percentage | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 2020 | ||||
| India | 300 | 60% | ||
| Pakistan | 200 | 40% | ||
| TOTAL | 500 | 100% | ||
| Year 2021 | ||||
| Pakistan | 1 080 | 100% | ||
| TOTAL | 1 080 | 100% | ||
| Year 2022 | ||||
| Pakistan | 630 | 100% | ||
| TOTAL | 630 | 100% | ||
Retail Selling Price
| Product | OCT's selling price | Wholesale price | Retail price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCT transfer price | Tax NSSF | Price incl. Tax | |||
| Parboiled Thai rice 1 KG | 3 250 | 0 | 3 250 | 3 250 | 3 350 |
| White rice (16Kg) | 1 490 | 0 | 1 490 | 1 526 | 1 600 |
| White rice (50 Kg) | 1 390 | 0 | 1 390 | 1 426 | 1 500 |
| White rice for manufacturers (50Kg) | 1 860 | 0 | 1 860 | - | - |
| Basmati rice 1Kg | 5 896 | 0 | 5 896 | 6 064 | 6 500 |
Unit : TND/Ton