Vietnam’s rice exports surge over 23% despite challenges ahead

Vietnam exported 268,700 tonnes of rice between January 1 and 15, earning nearly US$165.7 million, according to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA).

This marks a year-on-year increase of 38.7 percent in volume and 23.28 percent in value.

However, export prices have declined, with five percent broken rice dropping to $413 per tonne and 25 percent broken rice priced at $387 per tonne.

Despite a strong start, the VFA warns of a challenging year ahead due to global competition and India’s return to the export market.

The country’s rice exports for 2025 are projected at 7.5 million tonnes, down from the record 9.04 million tonnes in 2024.

Domestic market faces lower demand, prices

In the domestic market, rice farmers in the Mekong Delta are grappling with weaker demand and falling prices.

Popular varieties such as IR 50404 and OM 5451 are trading at VND5,500-5,700 ($0.22-0.23) per kg and VND5,800-6,000 ($0.23-0.24) per kg, respectively, as global supply remains abundant, particularly from India and Thailand.

Retail rice prices in An Giang Province range from VND15,000 ($0.6) to VND22,000 ($0.88) per kg, depending on the variety, while by-products like rice bran and broken rice sell for VND5,600-7,300 ($0.22-0.29) per kg.

Weather poses risks for winter-spring crop

As of January 20, Mekong Delta provinces have planted over 1.46 million hectares of winter-spring rice, with 85,000 hectares already harvested.

However, unpredictable weather, including alternating rain and sunshine, has increased the risk of diseases like leaf blight and pests such as gall midges, particularly in Dong Thap and Kien Giang Provinces.

The agricultural sector is urging farmers to monitor their fields closely and take early preventive measures to minimize potential losses.

Tuoi Tre News with Vietnam News Agency – January 29, 2025