Required Report: Required - Public Distribution Date: April 04, 2025

Report Number: VE2025-0003

Report Name: Grain and Feed Annual

Country: Venezuela

Post: Caracas

Report Category: Grain and Feed

Prepared By: FAS

Approved By: Mark Rosmann

Report Highlights:

FAS (Post) forecasts Venezuelan market year (MY) 2025/2026 corn production to reach 1.2 million
metric tons (MMT), a 14 percent decrease year-on-year due to a significant drop in seed availability for
the summer planting season. Rice production in MY 2025/2026 is projected to remain unchanged at
407,000 MT with limited financing and increasing fuel costs for producers. Wheat imports are increased
to 1.43 MMT in the out year due to the private sector favoring larger volumes of grain imports over
finished wheat products. High inflation is expected in 2025, impacting an already low purchasing power
and continuing to constrain Venezuelan grain consumption growth.

THIS REPORT CONTAINS ASSESSMENTS OF COMMODITY AND TRADE ISSUES MADE BY USDA STAFF AND NOT NECESSARILY
STATEMENTS OF OFFICIAL U.S. GOVERNMENT POLICY
Commodities:

Corn
Table 1. Corn: Production, Supply, and Distribution
Corn 2023/2024 2024/2025 2025/2026
Market Year Begins Oct 2023 Oct 2024 Oct 2025
USDA USDA USDA
Venezuela New Post New Post New Post
Official Official Official
Area Harvested (1000 HA) 330 330 350 327 0 280
Beginning Stocks (1000 MT) 77 77 127 127 0 127
Production (1000 MT) 1400 1400 1360 1400 0 1200
MY Imports (1000 MT) 1400 1400 700 900 0 1150
TY Imports (1000 MT) 1400 1400 700 900 0 1150
TY Imp. from U.S. (1000 MT) 613 613 0 0 0 0
Total Supply (1000 MT) 2877 2877 2187 2427 0 2477
MY Exports (1000 MT) 0 0 0 0 0 0
TY Exports (1000 MT) 0 0 0 0 0 0
Feed and Residual (1000 MT) 1450 1450 950 1200 0 1260
FSI Consumption (1000 MT) 1300 1300 1100 1100 0 1100
Total Consumption (1000 MT) 2750 2750 2050 2300 0 2360
Ending Stocks (1000 MT) 127 127 137 127 0 117
Total Distribution (1000 MT) 2877 2877 2187 2427 0 2477
Yield (MT/HA) 4.2424 4.2424 3.8857 4.2813 0 4.2857
(1000 HA), (1000 MT), (MT/HA)
MY = Marketing Year, begins with the month listed at the top of each column.
TY = Trade Year, which for Corn begins in October for all countries.
TY 2025/2026 = October 2025 - September 2026
OFFICIAL DATA CAN BE ACCESSED AT: PSD Online Advanced Query
Data source: FAS historical data series. Post estimates for MY 2024/2025.

Production
Post estimates Venezuelan corn production at 1.2 million metric tons (MMT) for the 2025/2026
market year (October-September), 14 percent lower from the revised MY 2024/2025 figure and
based on an estimated decrease in planted area to 280,000 hectares (ha) (Table 1). Presently,
there is a significant corn seed deficit for the summer planting season.1 While hybrid seed from
Mexico is typically available, Post sources indicate that insufficient cash flow2 from Venezuelan
producers have made seed exporters wary and are nervous about the uncertain economic
situation and have reduced their contracts. Venezuela’s national seed variety INIA 7 remains
available. Despite the growth in corn production since 2020, Venezuelan farmers are limited by
inconsistent financing for expanding cultivated area.

The revised MY 2025/2026 production figure comprises approximately 975,000 metric tons
(MT) of white corn, and 225,000 MT of yellow corn (Table 2). Despite the forecasted drop in

1
Venezuela’s summer planting cycle begins in April.
2
Specifically, a lack of U.S. dollars exists in the market and has contributed to significant price distortion and
inflation.

Page 2 of 19
cultivated area, per ha yields in the outyear remain unchanged from MY 2024/2025. Corn
producers are strategizing to select high-productivity land to sustain yields at the lowest possible
cost.

Table 2. Venezuela: Yellow and White Corn Production and Yields (MY, MT)
2020/2021 2021/2022 2022/2023 2023/2024 2024/2025 % CHG*
White Corn 314,000 524,000 729,500 820,000 880,840 177.7
Yellow Corn 210,390 276,000 359,600 480,000 526,020 130.5
Total Corn 524,390 800,000 1,089,100 1,300,000 1,406,860 158.8
Yield (MT/ha) 3.0 3.5 4.1 3.8 4.3 26.7
Data source: Venezuelan agricultural industry.
*Percent change comparing MY 2020/2021 against current MY 2024/2025.

Despite the cost increase in fertilizers and pesticides, corn growers have attempted to maintain
sufficient inputs in their inventories and procure lower priced inputs. Producers face significant
challenges as they receive payment for their corn harvest in bolivars, while input sales remain
dollarized in Venezuela. Post revises its corn production forecast in the current MY to 1.4 MMT,
an increase of 3 percent from earlier estimates. This adjustment is attributed to a slight uptick in
yields, improved economic conditions in the first half of 2024, access to agricultural inputs,
implementation of good farming practices, higher local prices that neared international levels,
and favorable weather conditions. In this period, yields are increased by 13 percent to 4.3 MT per
hectare.

Other factors affecting corn production include the unstable supply and inflated cost of fuel,
especially diesel, routine electrical service failures, the deterioration of rural roads, and the
steady decline in other public services. More recently, the reduced availability of foreign
currency and distortions in the foreign exchange market are negatively impacting the viability of
agricultural operations.3 The Venezuelan agribusiness sector, including food processors and feed
mills, face similar issues.

Most Venezuelan corn relies on rainfall with limited irrigation systems. Producers usually use
certified white and yellow hybrid seeds, with about 80 percent imported from Mexico and Brazil.
In 2024, the states of Portuguesa and Guárico accounted for 78 percent of corn production, with
nine additional states contributing the remainder (Table 3, Figure 1).

3
On March 26, 2025, the Central Bank of Venezuela set the official dollar rate to 68.4 bolivars per U.S. dollar
(USD). At the same time the parallel market reported 99 bolivars/USD.

Page 3 of 19
Table 3. Venezuela: Top Corn Producing States in Calendar Year (CY) 2024
Yellow Corn White Corn Total
State Total MT
Ha MT Ha MT Ha
Portuguesa 43,800 205,860 122,400 550,800 166,200 756,660
Guárico 41,100 147,960 47,300 179,740 88,400 327,700
Barinas 7,500 33,750 7,600 31,920 15,100 65,670
Aragua 1,500 6,450 12,500 52,500 14,000 58,950
Yaracuy 1,400 6,300 7,700 32,340 9,100 38,640
Monagas 8,100 36,450 700 2,800 8,800 39,250
Cojedes 4,300 19,350 4,100 17,220 8,400 36,570
Anzoátegui 4,500 17,100 3,200 11,520 7,700 28,620
Bolivar 7,600 45,600 0 0 7,600 45,600
Carabobo 1,600 7,200 200 800 1,800 8,000
Apure 0 0 400 1,200 400 1,200
Total 121,400 526,020 206,100 880,840 327,500 1,406,860
Data source: Venezuelan agricultural industry.

Figure 1. Primary Corn Producing States with MY 2024/2025 Planted Area

Data source: Post analysis using local industry data.

For CY 2025, the estimated production cost for corn (including both white and yellow varieties)
is USD $1,680/ha, depending on the farm’s geographical location and technological level.4
During the 2024 harvest season, farmgate corn prices reached $315/MT for white corn, and
$290/MT for yellow corn (Table 4). Producers opposed the price, claiming that these prices
failed to cover production costs, but no changes were made since the industry sets them.

4
Considering a typical yield of 4 metric tons (MT)/ha, production cost of producing 1 MT of corn is approximately
$420.

Page 4 of 19
Table 4. Venezuela Average Farmgate Yellow and White Corn Prices (CY, USD/MT)
Calendar
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Year
Yellow Corn 273 307 345 335 290
White Corn 307 338 379 380 315
Data source: Venezuelan agricultural industry.

Venezuela's corn production typically includes 300-400 kilograms (kg) per ha of various NPK5
fertilizers and 200-250 kg/ha of urea application. Venezuela imports all NPK fertilizers but
produces urea domestically. Colombia, Türkiye, and Russia are the main suppliers of imported
fertilizers. Corn producers currently face no major phytosanitary threats. Higher-quality imported
agrochemicals for disease prevention are typically applied using heavy machinery on larger
farms (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Venezuela: Corn Fields in Guárico State, 2024

Data source: Post contacts.

Consumption
Post forecasts for MY 2025/2026 corn consumption are raised slightly higher to 2.36 MMT
owing to growing demand for corn in the animal feed sector, particularly poultry production.
Consumption in the current MY is revised upward to 2.3 MMT due to modest economic recovery
and growing animal protein production.

Venezuela’s primary corn markets consist of white corn intended for human consumption and
yellow corn predominantly used for animal feed. Most white corn is milled to produce precooked
corn flour to prepare arepas (thick corn product), one of Venezuela’s staple high-caloric foods.
Yellow corn is used for animal feed, with the poultry sector as its primary consumer. In 2024,
corn was the second most consumed cereal, with 49 kg/per capita (37 percent share) after wheat
(Figure 3). In this period, corn flour remained the cheapest cereal compared to rice and wheat
(Table 5).

5
Soluble fertilizers containing a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Page 5 of 19
Figure 3. Venezuela: Per Capita Corn, Rice, Wheat, Consumption CY 2014-2024 (kg)

140 132.4 132.5

121.3 123.6
120 109.9 107.7 108.7 106.6
107.5
51.0 55.7
100 44.9 87.2 91.4 54.6
37.1 50.1 42.3 44.8 44.3
80
28.3 34.8
Kg

28.5 24.2 27.6

60 21.5
26.1 27.7 27.5
22.0 24.3 25.2
40 26.1
53.0 52.3 48.8 49.1
20 37.8 34.6 39.4 36.3 37.2 41.4
30.6
0
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Corn (FSI) Rice (MRE) Wheat (WGE)

Data source: Post historical data and estimates, and population data from International Monetary Fund. FSI: Food,
Seed and Industrial. MRE: Milled Rice Equivalent. WGE: Wheat Grain Equivalent.

Table 5: Average Price of Rice, Pasta, and Corn Flour in Venezuela, March 2025 (USD/kg)6
Price Difference
Average Price Equivalence Price of 1 kg of Corn in
Product Compared to 1 kg of
(kg) Pasta and Rice Volume
Corn Flour (%)
Corn Flour 0.84 - -
Pasta 1.92 129 1 kg Corn Flour: 0.44 kg Pasta
Rice 1.32 57 1 kg Corn Flour: 0.64 kg Rice
Data source: Post historical data series.

Poultry and egg production account for about 70 percent of animal feed consumption in
Venezuela and Post forecasts a 5 percent growth in poultry and egg production in the out year.
(Figure 4). The Venezuelan poultry industry will need about 1.26 MMT of yellow corn for MY
2025/2026 based on this projection. FSI consumption for MY 2025/2026 is projected to stay
constant at 1.1 MMT, equating to 91,000 MT usage per month. In 2024, chicken meat production
grew 15 percent to 548,000 MT, and egg production 37 percent higher to 12.5 million egg boxes
(Figure 5).

6
In March 2025, the price of 1 kg of pasta was 129 percent higher than that of 1 kg of corn flour, and 1 kg of corn
flour was equal to 0.44 kg of pasta. Additionally, the price of 1 kg of rice was 57 percent higher than that of 1 kg of
corn flour, and 1 kg of corn flour was equal to 0.64 kg of rice.

Page 6 of 19
Figure 4. Venezuela Feed Consumption by Industry (CY 2019-2024, Thousand MT)
3,000 2,426
2,500 2,194
1,926 1,869 2,012
1,589
1000 MT

2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Cattle Swine Poultry Other

Data Source: Venezuelan feed industry.

Figure 5. Venezuela Chicken Meat and Egg Production, 2014–2024 (1000 MT and Million
Boxes)
1,400 18
Chicken Meat 1000 MT

16

Million Boxes (Eggs)

1,200
14
1,000 12
800 10
600 8
6
400
4
200 2
0 0
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Chicken Meat Eggs

Data source: Venezuelan poultry industry and Post historical data series and estimates.
Note: Calculated as 360 eggs per box.

Post estimates that the Venezuelan feed industry in 2024 required 1.32 MMT of yellow corn and
666,000 MT of soybean meal. For 2025, the projected requirements are expected to increase
slightly to 1.38 MMT of yellow corn and 695,000 MT of soybean meal.

Trade
In MY 2025/2026, Post forecasts corn imports at 1.15 MMT, 28 percent higher from MY
2024/2025 figures, with U.S. corn comprising approximately 40 percent of imports. The
estimated rise in imports is due to a decline in domestic corn production, consistent food corn
consumption, especially through increased demand from the poultry and pork industries.

Venezuelan corn imports totaled 1.39 MMT in MY 2023/2024, with yellow corn accounting for
82 percent of imports (1.13 MT) and white corn at 18 percent (252,000 MT) (Figure 6). Leading
corn suppliers were the United States (613,000 MT, 44.3 percent share) and Brazil (485,000 MT,
35 percent share) (Figure 7). U.S. yellow corn imports accounted for 34 percent (362,000 MT) of

Page 7 of 19
this total, and all white corn imports were of U.S. origin (252,000 MT). The private sector is
responsible for all corn imports.7

Figure 6. Venezuela: Corn Imports (MY, Thousand MT)

1,500 1,386
1,305 1,197
1,091 996
MT (1000)

1,000 689
695 1,134
837
500 954
616 502 42
253 252
-
MY 2019/20 MY 2020/21 MY 2021/22 MY 2022/23 MY 2023/24

White Corn Yellow Corn

Data Source: Trade Data Monitor (TDM).

Figure 7. Venezuela: Corn Imports by Origin (MY, 1000 MT)

1,600
1,305 1,386
1,400 1,197
1,200 1,091 287
996
MT (1000)

1,000 597 404 113

199 222 485
800
104
600 168 298
276 530
400
613
200 469 413 480
243
-
MY 2019/20 MY 2020/21 MY 2021/22 MY 2022/23 MY 2023/24

United States Brazil Argentina Mexico

Data Source: TDM.

Since 2018, Brazil and Argentina have increased market share and are key competitors to U.S.
yellow corn in Venezuela. Corn imports from these countries enjoy a 100 percent tariff
exemption, allowing entrance to the market at competitive prices.

Stocks
Post revises MY 2024/2025 ending stocks slightly lower to 127,000 metric tons. Contacts report
lower corn inventories due to strained economic conditions and growing inflation. There are no
policies regulating domestic grain inventories in Venezuela.

7
Previously, the Venezuelan national authorities maintained strict control on trade, but due to certain economic
reforms beginning in 2019, the private sector has mostly dislodged state actors in import purchasing and processing.

Page 8 of 19
Policy
Tariff Policy and Value Added Tax (VAT): Under a new tariff policy effective from March 6,
2025, importers must pay a 40 percent tariff and 16 percent VAT on yellow and white corn
(Table 6). However, the Venezuela authorities are predisposed to issue new decrees as it deems
necessary.8 With a certificate of non-national production, select companies9 would be exempt
from 90 percent of both the tariff and value added tax. However, corn flour will incur a 20
percent tariff plus 16 percent VAT and is not eligible for exemption. Millers must buy the
domestic yellow corn harvest before obtaining an import license to cover any shortfall.

Table 6. Venezuela: Yellow Corn, White Corn, and Corn Flour, Tariffs, Taxes and Fees,
Original Schedule with Revised Tariff Policy Effective March 6, 2025
(%) Customs
Description HS Code Ad Valorem (%) VAT (%)
Service
Yellow Corn 1005.90.10.11 8 16 1
Revised 40 - -
White Corn 1005.90.10.19 8 16 1
Revised 40 - -
Corn Flour 1102.20.00.00 10 16 1
Revised 20 - -
Source: Official Gazette Extraordinary No. 6890; No. 5103.

Venezuela remains suspended from the Southern Common Market (Mercosur). Still, it has
preferential trade agreements with Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay under the Economic
Complementation Agreement No. 59 of ALADI (Latin American Association for Integration).
Corn and rice from these countries are subject to a 100 percent import tariff exemption.

Venezuela's Seed Law of December 2015 prohibits the importation of genetically engineered
seeds, including corn. However, Venezuela permits the importation of biotechnology-derived
corn.10

8
The current tariff applications have no end date. This decree became public on March 17, 2025.
9
As determined by the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
10
See USDA GAIN: Venezuela Annual Agricultural Biotechnology report VE2024-0015 for additional information.

Page 9 of 19
Commodity:
Rice, Milled

Table 7. Rice: Production, Supply, and Distribution

Rice, Milled 2023/2024 2024/2025 2025/2026
Market Year Begins Apr 2023 Apr 2024 Apr 2025
USDA USDA USDA
Venezuela New Post New Post New Post
Official Official Official
Area Harvested (1000 HA) 95 95 110 120 0 120
Beginning Stocks (1000 MT) 164 164 173 173 0 150
Milled Production (1000 MT) 309 309 330 407 0 407
Rough Production (1000 MT) 455 455 486 600 0 600
Milling Rate (.9999) (1000 MT) 6786 6786 6786 6786 0 6786
MY Imports (1000 MT) 430 430 250 300 0 300
TY Imports (1000 MT) 280 285 250 350 0 350
TY Imp. from U.S. (1000 MT) 120 120 0 0 0 0
Total Supply (1000 MT) 903 903 753 880 0 857
MY Exports (1000 MT) 0 0 0 0 0 0
TY Exports (1000 MT) 0 0 0 0 0 0
Consumption and Residual (1000
730 730 685 730 0 730
MT)
Ending Stocks (1000 MT) 173 173 68 150 0 127
Total Distribution (1000 MT) 903 903 753 880 0 857
Yield (Rough) (MT/HA) 4.7895 4.7895 4.4182 5 0 5
(1000 HA), (1000 MT), (MT/HA)
Trade Year for Rice, Milled begins in January for all countries. TY 2025/2026 = January 2026 - December 2026
Data source: FAS historical data series. Post estimates for MY 2024/2025.

Production
For MY 2025/2026 (April-March), Post forecasts Venezuelan milled rice production to remain at
407,000 MT milled rice equivalent (MRE), unchanged from the revised MY 2024/2025 estimate.
Post contacts report that rice producers have procured sufficient inputs to start the planting cycle
to maintain yields. Although production has grown 168 percent between 2020 and 2024, current
economic conditions will likely curb the expansion of planted area (Table 8). Like corn
production, restricted producer financing has drastically limited access to better-quality seeds,
fertilizers, agrochemicals, and now a high price on diesel ($0.72/liter)—all which will continue
to constrain yields and likely prohibit new acreage investments in the outyear.

Table 8. Venezuela Rough Rice Production 2020–2023 (MT)

% CHG
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2020-2024
Rough Rice
224,120 240,000 424,970 456,000 600,000 168
(Green Paddy)
Data source: Venezuelan agricultural industry.

Page 10 of 19
Market year 2025/2026 per hectare yields are expected to be sustained at 5 MT/hectare, based on
favorable growing conditions, the application of best agricultural practices, and producer
selection of productive planting areas. Milled production estimates for the current MY are
revised upward 407,000 MT, on account of increased cultivated area and higher yields. The
increased availability and affordability of higher quality inputs have contributed to expanded rice
cultivation, alongside favorable weather conditions and industry specific financing programs.

Rice is the second largest cultivated crop in Venezuela, with an estimated 600,000 MT of green
paddy produced on 120,000 ha in 2024. Rice production is mostly located in the Venezuelan
plain’s region, including Portuguesa, Guárico, Cojedes, and Barinas states (Table 8, Figure 8).
Rice is cultivated using flood irrigation, exploiting both surface water sources and wells, and
often grown using high yielding varieties. Most producers also have access to modern production
equipment and widely apply fertilizers and agrochemicals.

Table 8. Venezuela: 2024 Top Rice Producing States by Growing Season (Ha, MT)
Winter Season Summer Season Total Total
State
Ha MT Ha MT Ha MT
Portuguesa 29,000 145,000 23,000 115,000 52,000 260,000
Guárico 25,800 129,000 31,200 156,000 57,000 285,000
Cojedes 3,700 18,500 2,800 14,000 6,500 32,500
Barinas 4,500 22,500 0 0 4,500 22,500
Total 63,000 315,000 57,000 285,000 120,000 600,000
Data source: Venezuelan agricultural industry.

Figure 8. Primary Rice Producing States with MY 2024/2025 Planted Area

Data source: Post analysis.

Venezuela produces rice throughout the year and has two planting and harvesting seasons from
October to May (main/summer) and from April to November (secondary/winter) (Table 9). Total
production is equally distributed between the two seasons, but there are considerable differences
between states and production areas, especially in zones that are rainfall dependent.

Page 11 of 19
Table 9. Venezuela MY 2024/2025 Rice Production (Planted Area Ha, Production in MT)
Planted
Season Rough Rice Milled Rice
Area
Winter Season 63,000 315,000 213,759
April - November 2024
Summer Season 57,000 285,000 193,401
October 2024 - May 2025
Total 120,000 600,000 407,160
Data source: Venezuelan agricultural industry.

All rice seed is domestically produced. In 2024, 40 percent of Venezuela’s rice seed was
“certified,” with the remaining 60 percent farm-produced, where farmers save their seed (often
from certified seed) from the previous crop cycle.

In 2024, farmgate paddy rice prices averaged $420/MT, down from $450/MT in 2023 (Table 11).
Post sources note the price decline was partly attributed to higher than anticipated domestic
production in the current market year.

Table 11. Venezuela: Producer Paddy Rice Prices 2019-2024 (USD/MT)

2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
341 294 346 430 450 420
Data source: Post sources.

In 2024, production costs for 1 ha of rice ranged from USD $1,800-2,000. This cost includes
land preparation and planting, inputs, labor, fuel, transportation, and other related expenses. This
cost also varies based on the geographical location, the technological level of the farm, and the
irrigation techniques used. Considering a yield of 5 MT per hectare, the cost of producing 1 MT
of paddy rice is approximately USD $360-400.

Venezuela’s typical fertilizer application for rice includes 250 kg of NPK fertilizer/ha and 150 kg
of urea per hectare. Like Venezuelan corn production, these fertilizers are currently available for
producers. There are no significant phytosanitary (pest/disease) threats for rice at present, and
quality agrochemicals, while typically imported, remain accessible.

Figure 9. Venezuela: Rice Harvest (left) and Aerial View (right) in Cojedes State, May 2024

Data Source: Post contacts.

Page 12 of 19
Similar to corn and other agricultural systems in Venezuela, the most significant barrier to
increasing rice production is the widespread lack of financing. Most rice millers and some
producer associations provide financing programs through inputs, which are repaid in-kind with
the producers’ rice harvest. However, no financing options exist in Venezuela for major on-farm
investments, such as irrigation systems or farm machinery.

Consumption
Post forecasts MY 2025/2026 rice consumption to 730,000 MT MRE, unchanged from the
revised MY 2024/2025 figure due to competitive pricing. Rice is one of the most essential foods
in the Venezuelan diet and is typically consumed as a side dish with animal protein or
vegetables. In 2024, rice was the third most consumed cereal, with 27.6 kg/per capita,
representing 21 percent of cereal consumption, following wheat and corn.

Trade
Post estimates MY 2025/2026 imports at 300,000 MT, unchanged from the revised MY
2024/2025 figure. Of this amount, paddy rice accounts for nearly all market share at 98.6 percent
share, milled rice at 1.1 percent, and broken rice 0.3 percent (Figure 10). Venezuelan rice imports
totaled 430,000 MT in MY 2023/2024, with paddy rice accounting for 78 percent of imports
(331,000 MT) and milled rice at 22 percent (95,000 MT). Leading rice suppliers were the United
States (142,000 MT, 33 percent share) and Brazil (120,000 MT, 28 percent share) (Figure 11).

Figure 10. Venezuela: Rice Imports by Product Type (MY, 1000 MT)
700
585 602
600
500 420 430
MT (1000)

400 347 309

95
300 214
179
200
331 39
238 272
100 197
139
-
MY 2020/21 MY 2021/22 MY 2022/23 MY 2023/24 MY 2024/25*

Paddy Rice Milled Rice Broken Rice

Data source: TDM. *MY 2024/2025 includes trade data from April-December 2024.

Page 13 of 19
Figure 11. Venezuela Rice Imports by Origin, (MY, 1000 MT)
700
585 602
600
66
500 50 50
MT (1000)

89 420 430
400 188 72 50
117 60
300 84 58 179
200 195 161 120 120
100 144 92
112 118 142
-
MY 2020/21 MY 2021/22 MY 2022/23 MY 2023/24 MY 2024/25*
United States Brazil Guyana Uruguay Colombia Other

Data source: TDM. *MY 2024/2025 includes trade data from April-December 2024.

The private sector is responsible for all rice imports. While Colombia is not a major rice
exporter, there are milled rice trade flows into Venezuela via the common border. For MY
2024/2025, Colombian rice exports to Venezuela are estimated to be 50,000 MT MRE. For MY
2025/2026, Colombian rice exports to Venezuela are forecast to remain unchanged year-on-year
at 50,000 MT MRE as Venezuela will continue to import from other origins.

In 2024, the United States regained its paddy rice share in Venezuela through price and quality
competitiveness. With limited exportable supplies from Brazil and Uruguay, Venezuelan rice
companies established purchase agreements with U.S. exporters. However, this trend is expected
to decline due to the current trade relationship, and importers are looking to Mercosur.

Stocks
Post estimates MY 2024/2025 ending stocks 24 percent lower to 150,000 MT, given a recent
drop in supplies, and an increase in rice consumption through the CLAP, the Maduro authority’s
primary food aid program.11 Rice consumption through the CLAP program grew due to the rise
in food deliveries prior to the July 2024 presidential elections. Inventories are typically sufficient
for 3-4 weeks due to limited foreign exchange reserves for imports.

Policy
Tariff Policy and VAT (Paddy Rice and White Rice): With the March 6, 2025, revised
tariff schedule,12 importers must now pay a 15 percent tariff and a 16 percent VAT on
paddy rice, and a 40 percent tariff on milled rice (Table 12). However, importers can
benefit from a full or partial exemption from tariffs or VAT if they meet certain
conditions related to the availability of domestic production. Applications for exemption
are reviewed individually by the Maduro authority.

11
Known as the Local Committees for Supply and Production, deliveries are made to food insecure households and
include a range of food products such as pasta, corn flour, rice, and other commodities.
12
See Corn: Policy section for additional information.

Page 14 of 19
Table 12. Venezuela: Paddy and Milled Rice Tariffs and VAT Tariffs, Taxes and Fees,
Original Schedule with Revised Tariff Policy Effective March 6, 2025
Description HS Code Ad Valorem (%) VAT (%) Customs Service (%)
Paddy Rice 1006.10 10 16 1.0
Revised 15 - -
Milled Rice 1006.30 12 16 1.0
Revised 40 - -
Data source: Official Gazette Extraordinary No. 6890; No. 5103.

While Venezuela remains suspended from Mercosur, it retains a preferential trade agreement
with Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay under Economic Complementation Agreement No. 59 of
ALADI. Rice originating from these countries is subject to a 100 percent import tariff
exemption.

Commodity:
Wheat

Table 12. Wheat: Production, Supply and Distribution

Wheat 2023/2024 2024/2025 2025/2026
Market Year Begins Jul 2023 Jul 2024 Jul 2025
USDA USDA USDA
Venezuela New Post New Post New Post
Official Official Official
Area Harvested (1000 HA) 0 0 0 0 0 0
Beginning Stocks (1000 MT) 220 220 355 355 0 180
Production (1000 MT) 0 0 0 0 0 0
MY Imports (1000 MT) 1585 1585 1300 1300 0 1430
TY Imports (1000 MT) 1585 1585 1300 1300 0 1430
TY Imp. from U.S. (1000 MT) 159 159 0 0 0 0
Total Supply (1000 MT) 1805 1805 1655 1655 0 1610
MY Exports (1000 MT) 0 0 0 0 0 0
TY Exports (1000 MT) 0 0 0 0 0 0
Feed and Residual (1000 MT) 0 0 0 0 0 0
FSI Consumption (1000 MT) 1450 1450 1475 1475 0 1475
Total Consumption (1000 MT) 1450 1450 1475 1475 0 1475
Ending Stocks (1000 MT) 355 355 180 180 0 135
Total Distribution (1000 MT) 1805 1805 1655 1655 0 1610
Yield (MT/HA) 0 0 0 0 0 0
(1000 HA), (1000 MT), (MT/HA)
Trade Year for Wheat begins in July for all countries. TY 2025/2026 = July 2025 - June 2026
Data Source: FAS historical data series. Post estimates for MY 2024/2025.

Production
There is no wheat production in Venezuela. The market is entirely dependent on imports.

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Consumption
Post forecasts MY (July-June) 2025/2026 wheat consumption unchanged from the current MY
2024/25 at 1.48 MMT wheat grain equivalent (WGE). Improved purchasing power and
competitive wheat product prices should lead to higher wheat demand from the milling industry.
Wheat consumption in the current MY remains unchanged. Wheat products remain in high
demand in Venezuela and are heavily consumed year to year, as in the case of rice and corn
flour.13 Wheat is consumed mainly in the form of pasta, bread, and crackers, and in 2024, was the
most consumed cereal with 56 kg/per capita wheat grain equivalent.

Venezuela’s wheat industry includes 15 wheat mills, 19 pasta manufacturers, 17 cookie/cracker

industries, and approximately 10,000 bakeries. The nominal installed milling capacity of the
national milling industry is estimated at 3.65 MMT in 2025 (Table 13). In 2023, the sector
operated at an average of 26 percent of its milling capacity, but in 2024 it recovered. Total
capacity has expanded due to a new wheat milling plant and the installation of new equipment in
some mills. In addition, following industry pressure for authorities to impose import restrictions
on processed wheat products (pasta imports), domestic wheat flour and pasta production in 2024
grew 21 percent year-on-year.

Table 13. Venezuelan Milling Industry Installed Capacity (2025, MT/Year)

Wheat for Durum Wheat Mixed Wheat Wheat for
Product Total
Bread (Pasta) Flour Crackers
Milling
2,400,000 720,000 312,000 216,000 3,648,000
Capacity
Data source: Venezuela milling industry.

Total wheat flour consumption in the outyear is estimated at 804,000 MT wheat grain equivalent.
Of this consumption, local production accounts for approximately 73 percent (586,920 MT
WGE) and imported wheat flour 27 percent (217,080 MT). In the current MY 2024/2025,
Türkiye is the leading supplier of imported wheat flour, with 97 percent market share.

Post estimates MY 2024/2025 pasta consumption at 525,312 MT wheat grain equivalent. Of this
amount, local production accounts for 59 percent at 309,934 MT WGE, and imported pasta
products 41 percent with 215,377 metric tons. Türkiye is the leading supplier of imported pasta
in the current MY, with 92 percent market share.

Stocks
In MY 2024/2025, Post estimates ending stocks without unchanged at 180,000 MT wheat grain
equivalent. The Venezuelan authorities do not maintain grain inventory regulations.

Trade
In MY 2025/2026, wheat imports are forecasted at 1.43 MMT, a 10 percent growth year-on-year.
This increase in imports is due to the Maduro authorities having restricted imports of finished
wheat products, such as pasta and wheat flour, to encourage higher domestic milling production.
Pasta imports from Türkiye and other origins remain curtailed due to high tariffs. Venezuelan

13
Venezuela is a major pasta consumer. In 2022, annual per capita pasta consumption reached 13.6 kg, the third
highest globally behind Italy and Tunisia.

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pasta exports are negligible. The Maduro authority is considering a policy to allow the export of
premium pasta, such as specialty pasta made with vegetables or pasticho pasta (a Venezuelan
lasagna) made with durum. However, regular (or inexpensive) pasta products are not permitted
for export.14

Wheat imports in MY 2024/2025 remain unchanged at 1.3 MMT with steady wheat grain
imports from Russia. Imports of wheat flour and finished products are expected to decrease in
favor of increased purchases of wheat grain to supply local millers. With stable wheat
consumption, local wheat millers are also allowed to supply flour and pasta for the CLAP food
program, which given current economic conditions, could further spur wheat imports in the
current market year.

Venezuelan wheat imports totaled 1.6 MMT WGE in MY 2023/2024, with wheat grain
accounting for 63.4 percent (1,005,000 MT), wheat flour at 19.1 percent share (303,000 MT),
and pasta accounting for 17.4 percent (276,000 MT) (Figure 12). Major wheat and product
suppliers included Türkiye15 (560,000 MT, 35.4 percent market share), Canada (483,000 MT,
30.5 percent share), Russia (215,000 MT, 13.6 percent market share) and the United States
(159,000 MT, 10.1 percent market share) (Figure 13). Like corn and rice trade, the private sector
assumes all responsibility for wheat and wheat product imports.

Figure 12. Venezuela: Wheat Imports by Product Type (1000 MT, WGE)
1,800
1,585
1,600
1,308 303
1,400
1,200 276
MT (1000)

276
1,000
285 720 44
800
600 60
1,005
400 747 617
200
-
MY 2022/23 MY 2023/24 MY 2024/25*

Wheat Grain Pasta Wheat Flour

Data source: TDM. *MY 2024/2025 Includes trade data from July 2024 to December 2024.

14
If local wheat millers are permitted to export traditional pasta products to regional markets, the sector could
generate foreign currency and potentially import more wheat, especially from the United States.
15
Since 2018, Türkiye’s high market share of Venezuelan pasta and wheat flour imports stems from a bilateral trade
agreement exempting all tariffs on Turkish pasta and wheat flour.

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Figure 13. Venezuela: Wheat Imports by Country of Origin (1000 MT, WGE)

1,800
1,585
1,600
1,400
1,308
215
1,200
MT (1000)

159
1,000
235
720
800 483
307
600 130
400 176
527 560 273
200
-
83
MY 2022/23 MY 2023/24 MY 2024/25*
Turkey Canada United States Russia Brazil Mexico Other Co.

Data source: TDM. *MY 2024/2025 includes trade data from July-December 2024.

Policy
With the March 6, 2025, revised tariff schedule, wheat importers must pay a 40 percent tariff and
a 16 percent VAT for pasta.16 For wheat flour, this includes a 20 percent tariff and 16 percent
VAT (Table 14). However, importers may qualify for a total or partial exemption of tariffs and
VAT if they meet certain conditions. Applications for exemption are reviewed on a case-by-case
basis by the Ministry of Economy and Finance. In addition, wheat grain imports (durum, wheat
for crackers, wheat for bread) will have a 90 percent exemption on both VAT and tariffs. An
additional 1 percent customs service tax remains applied on all products, including wheat grain.
On March 5, 2024, the Venezuelan COVENIN trade standard for wheat for industrial use went
into effect (available in the Official Gazette No. 42.832). This regulation aligns with the quality
standards of the most important wheat exporters to Venezuela.

Table 14. Venezuela: Wheat, Pasta, and Wheat Flour VAT, Tariffs, Taxes and Fees, Original
Schedule with Revised Tariff Policy Effective March 6, 2025
Ad Valorem % VAT %
Description HS Code Custom Service (%)
New Decree 4944 Decree 4967
Durum Wheat 100119 10 16 1
Revised 0.20 1.6 1
Soft Wheat 100199 10 16 1
Revised 0.20 1.6 1
Hard Wheat 100199 10 16 1
Revised 0.20 1.6 -
Pasta 190219 40 16 1
Wheat Flour 110100 20 16 1
Data source: Official Gazette No. 6727.

16
See Corn: Policy section on information related to the decree.

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Attachments:

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