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 2019/2020 campaign, global rice production, consumption and stocks have evolved as follows:
| Season | 2019/2020 | 2020/2021 | 2021/2022 | 2022/2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In million Tons | ||||
| Global Production | 499,400 | 509,300 | 514,800 | 514,300 |
| Global Consumption | 494,100 | 509,700 | 520,400 | 521,100 |
| Surplus/Deficit | +5,3% | -0,4% | -5,6% | -6,8% |
Source: International Grains Council (January 2023)
Origins of Rice Imports in 2022
White Rice
| Country of origin | Quantity in tons | Percentage | Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| in USD | in TND | |||
| India | 621 | 14% | 421 038 | 1 394 688 |
| Pakistan | 3 930 | 86% | 2 377 190 | 7 526 661 |
| Total | 4 551 | 100% | 2 798 228 | 8 921 349 |
Parboiled Rice
| Country of origin | Quantity in tons | Percentage | Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| in USD | in TND | |||
| Thailand | 24 854 | 100% | 20 167 790 | 62 604 387 |
| TOTAL | 24 854 | 100% | 20 167 790 | 62 604 387 |
Basmati Rice
| Country of origin | Quantity in tons | Percentage | Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| in USD | in TND | |||
| Pakistan | 630 | 100% | 636 840 | 2 040 010 |
| TOTAL | 630 | 100% | 636 840 | 2 040 010 |
Retail Selling Price
| Product | OCT's selling price | Wholesale price | Retail price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Net of VAT | VAT 0% | Tax NSSF | Price incl. Tax | |||
| Parboiled Thai rice 1 KG | 2 056 | 0 | 0 | 2 056 | 2 130 | 2 300 |
| Parboiled Indien rice 1Kg | 1 662 | 0 | 0 | 1 662 | 1 717 | 1 850 |
| White rice (1Kg) | 1 490 | 0 | 0 | 1 490 | 1 526 | 1 600 |
| White rice (50 Kg) | 1 390 | 0 | 0 | 1 390 | 1 426 | 1 500 |
| White rice for manufacturers (50Kg) | 1 860 | 0 | 0 | 1 860 | - | - |
| Basmati rice 1Kg | 4 196 | 0 | 0 | 4 196 | 4 364 | 4 800 |
Unit : TND/Ton