European rice faces a decline risk as around 60% of consumption relies on imports, with concerns about undisclosed packaged imports from various countries and weak customs enforcement.

The article underscores the tension between Europe’s push for reciprocity and health/ecological standards and producer associations’ demand for stronger protection and tariffs to safeguard self-sufficiency and sector viability.

AIRI advocates stronger protection and market barriers, calling for an automatic safeguard on imports over 200,000 tonnes, a reworked tariff structure since 2004, and a proposal to raise the import threshold to 565,000 tonnes alongside tariffs on already packaged rice.

AIRI and Copa press the European Parliament to oppose higher import thresholds without robust protections, aiming to shield Europe’s rice supply chain and boost self-sufficiency.

Italy dominates Europe’s rice picture, producing about one million tonnes and consuming roughly 450,000, with 55% of EU production and 20% of consumption; it is also a major importer of fragrant and basmati varieties, and risotto rice accounts for about 30% of national output.

As the EU Court reviews the Mercosur free trade agreement, industry voices urge rethinking the current 60,000-tonne tariff-free quota to support European producers.

The sector calls for adequate tariffs on packaged rice to deter undervalued imports, warning that without such measures the industry risks downsizing and a loss of future viability.