Mozambique Sees Sharp Rise in Rice and Food Imports

14-Apr-2025 05:56 PM

Maputo: Mozambique recorded a significant surge in rice imports in 2024, reaching a new high of $441 million, up 38.8% from $317.7 million in 2023.

This marks the highest-ever rice import value, surpassing the previous record of $342.3 million set in 2021.

According to the Bank of Mozambique, the total consumer product import bill in 2024 stood at $8.276 billion, slightly up from $8.211 billion in 2021.

The sharp increase in rice imports was mainly due to a decline in domestic production, especially of cereals.

Data from the National Institute of Statistics revealed that in 2023, maize production fell by 11%, and rice production declined by a steep 34%.

Rice output dropped from 245,792 tonnes in 2022 to 161,829 tonnes in 2023, the lowest level in five years.

Key rice-producing provinces like Zambezia and Gaza contributed 48,537 and 40,946 tonnes respectively.

To meet demand and control rising prices, Mozambique turned to imports, especially from India, increasing its reliance on international markets for food security.