Vietnam’s rice export continues to hold its position as the world’s second-largest, with total shipments projected to exceed 8.2 million tonnes in 2025, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This represents an increase of 300,000 tonnes from earlier forecasts, reaffirming Vietnam’s strong performance in the global rice market.

Despite the Philippines — Vietnam’s largest rice importer — temporarily halting imports for two months starting September 1, Vietnam’s rice exports remain resilient, supported by growing demand from Bangladesh, China, and South Africa.

A farmer harvests rice in Bac Ninh Province in May 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

Strong export performance amid market shifts

In the first seven months of 2025, Vietnam exported 5.5 million tonnes of rice, earning USD 2.81 billion, despite a 13.5% year-on-year decline in revenue. Exporters reported that while shipment volumes to the Philippines slowed, new contracts at higher prices and market diversification across ASEAN and South Africa helped offset short-term disruptions.

Global demand drives late-year growth

According to the USDA, Vietnam’s rice shipments are expected to accelerate in the final quarter of 2025, driven by robust import demand from Africa and China. Meanwhile, the Philippines’ import suspension could reduce its annual purchase by around 500,000 tonnes, but total imports are still projected to reach 4.9 million tonnes — the highest worldwide.

Strengthening Vietnam’s global brand

Do Ha Nam, Chairman of the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), expressed confidence that rice exports will comfortably exceed 8 million tonnes this year. He emphasized that Vietnam rice export has become synonymous with quality and reliability, supported by increasing brand recognition and strong logistics capacity from the Mekong Delta region.

With its resilient trade performance, expanding export markets, and enhanced logistics infrastructure, Vietnam’s rice export is expected to sustain long-term growth — reinforcing the country’s vital role in global food supply and agricultural trade.

Source: Vnexpress
22/10/2025