Robust demand drives export growth

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam exported 4.5 million tonnes of rice in the first five months of 2025, valued at USD 2.34 billion. This reflects a 12.2% increase in volume but an 8.9% decline in value compared to the same period in 2024, with the average export price at USD 516.4 per tonne, down 18.7% year-on-year.

In the first 5 months of 2025, China also imported nearly 412.3 thousand tons of rice from Vietnam, an increase of 102.7% in volume and 75.4% in value over the same period in 2024. (Photo: moit.gov.vn)

The Philippines remains Vietnam’s top rice market, accounting for 41.4% of the market share, followed by Ivory Coast (11.9%) and China (10.3%).

China remains a key and traditional export market for Vietnamese rice. Leveraging geographical proximity and cultural similarities, Vietnamese rice has gained widespread acceptance among Chinese consumers. Vietnam exports a diverse range of rice varieties to China, including white rice, aromatic rice, and sticky rice.

China imported 412,300 tonnes of Vietnamese rice, surging 102.7% in volume and 75.4% in value over 2024. Sticky rice and the premium ST25 were the most sought-after varieties, favored for their distinctive flavor and quality.

Nguyen Van Thanh, Director of Phuoc Thanh IV Trading - Production Co., Ltd. in Vinh Long Province, said that China’s demand for Vietnamese sticky rice and ST25 has grown significantly since 2022. The market’s preference has shifted from white rice to premium varieties, reflecting strong consumption trends.

Vietnam has also expanded into high-end markets. In early June 2024, a shipment of “low-emission green rice” was exported to Japan, with Australia next in line. Traditional markets like the Philippines and African nations continue to increase purchases, signaling a projected export volume of 7.9 million tonnes for 2025 despite global market fluctuations.

Premium positioning shields Vietnam from competition

Reuters reported that India’s rice reserves, including paddy, reached 59.5 million tonnes by early June 2025, up 18% from last year and 13.5 million tonnes above the target for the first half of 2025. As India prepares to reduce its stockpile before the October harvest, concerns arise about its impact on global rice exporters, including Vietnam, a top-three global supplier.

However, industry leaders remain optimistic. “Vietnam’s rice, primarily aromatic varieties, operates in a different segment from India’s white rice, minimizing the effect of their stockpile release,” said Do Ha Nam, Chairman of the Vietnam Food Association. He emphasized Vietnam’s competitive edge in the Philippines against local and international suppliers.

High-quality rice constitutes 89% of Vietnam’s exports, with prices surpassing competitors, reflecting superior quality and growing global trust. Experts note that Vietnam’s unique market positioning cushions it from the effects of increased global rice supply.

Notably, Vietnam is the first country to implement a large-scale low-emission rice production program, drawing significant international attention. Pilot models have yielded positive results, encouraging farmers and businesses to adopt sustainable practices. This initiative paves the way for Vietnam’s rice to penetrate premium markets further.

Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy emphasized the future of rice exports. “The time will come when high-end markets, particularly discerning ones, will only accept low-emission rice. By proactively adopting green practices, Vietnam’s rice industry can secure its position in these quality-driven markets.”

In 2025, Trung An High-Tech Farming JSC plans to export 400,000 tonnes of certified “low-emission green rice,” including Japonica and ST25 varieties, targeting Japan as a key market. This move underscores Vietnam’s ambition to lead in sustainable rice production and maintain its edge in global trade.