Rice sacks are loaded for transportation. (Photo: VNA)

Viet Nam exported 6.83 million tonnes of rice in the first nine months, earning 3.49 billion USD, down 2.05% in volume and 19.98% in value year-on-year.

In September alone, the country shipped 466,800 tonnes of rice worth over 232.38 million USD, down sharply by 43.27% in volume and 54.73% in value compared to the same period last year.

Following Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Malaysia were the second- and third-largest importers of Vietnamese rice, with market shares of over 21% and nearly 10%, respectively.

In early August, the Philippine government announced a two-month suspension of rice imports from September 1 amidst falling domestic rice prices. However, market analysts predict that overall exports will remain robust thanks to growing demand in other regions.

In 60 days, the Philippines – one of Viet Nam’s main buyers, will review the situation before deciding whether to reopen imports, giving Viet Nam ample time to adjust the export pace.

Despite a temporary halt in rice import from the Philippines, Viet Nam’s export is expected to exceed 8.2 million tonnes for the whole year, bolstered by rising shipments to such markets as Bangladesh, China, and South Africa.