The 2026 rice export promotion conference is set to open in Can Tho city in the Mekong Delta on March 24, focusing on flexible solutions to boost rice production, consumption and exports amid global market volatility.

The event will bring together government agencies, industry associations, overseas trade offices and businesses to assess market conditions, address practical challenges and propose measures to improve export efficiency and profitability.

It is also expected to strengthen coordination between authorities and enterprises, promote more sustainable supply chains and enhance the global competitiveness of Vietnamese rice.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, ongoing geopolitical tensions, volatile energy prices, rising logistics and shipping costs, and shifting trade and food stockpiling policies in several countries are affecting global rice supply, demand and prices.

Meanwhile, localities in the Mekong Delta are entering the peak harvest period for the winter-spring crop, with paddy prices currently lower than during the same period last year, putting pressure on farmers.