Maintain the export value of Vietnamese rice from quality, exclusive products

(Chinhphu.vn) - By the end of July, total rice exports reached 5.5 million tons, bringing in 2.81 billion USD, a slight increase in volume but a 16% decrease in value due to the sharp drop in world rice prices.

To access export markets, raw material areas must ensure high quality and low production costs to generate profits for businesses and people - Illustration photo

Exports rise to second place globally.

2024 concluded with a new record for Vietnam's rice industry, with export volume reaching approximately 9 million tons, bringing in $5.7 billion, representing increases of 11% and 24% respectively compared to 2023. This is the highest level in history, further confirming that rice remains one of the strategic agricultural products, playing a pivotal role in the agricultural economy .

Entering 2025, rice exports will continue to maintain growth momentum. In the first 15 days of January alone, Vietnam exported nearly 269,000 tons of rice, reaching a turnover of more than 165 million USD, a sharp increase over the same period.

According to international organizations, in the first half of 2025, Vietnam officially surpassed Thailand to become the second largest rice exporter in the world , after India. Rice export volume reached more than 4.7 million tons, while Thailand only reached about 3.7 million tons.

Notably, Vietnam's high-quality rice segment, including ST24, ST25, and fragrant rice varieties, is increasingly asserting its position in demanding markets such as the EU, the US, South Korea, and Japan. This is considered a sustainable direction in the context of increasingly fierce competition.

Mr. Do Ha Nam , Chairman of the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), commented that although Vietnam's rice exports only increased slightly in the past seven months, this is a very positive sign, especially considering Thailand's sharp decline in rice exports. Many Thai traders have expressed admiration for Vietnam's food industry because Vietnam's rice exports have continued to increase while many other countries have seen declines.

According to experts, Vietnam’s rice exports have maintained their growth momentum thanks to the establishment of separate markets with typical rice varieties such as OM, DT8, ST… These are exclusive products of Vietnam, favored by many countries around the world. Not only that, the demand for Vietnamese rice in other markets, especially Africa, is also increasing sharply.

Chairman of the Vietnam Rice Industry Association (VIETRISA) Mr. Bui Ba Bong emphasized that when it comes to export, the core is still production, and the foundation is the raw material area. Vietnam has a great advantage with the leading rice production foundation in Southeast Asia, approaching the world level and has made many great strides.

To access export markets, raw material areas must ensure high quality and low production costs to generate profits for businesses and people. The project to cultivate 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice in the Mekong Delta is being implemented effectively and can be expanded to other regions, both maintaining national food security and enhancing export capacity.

However, businesses cannot independently establish raw material areas; this task requires the participation of farmers linked through cooperatives, local authorities, and the local agricultural extension system. This is the key to forming sustainable raw material areas.

Vietnamese rice has now built its own brand, is favored by many markets, and supply cannot meet demand. The average export price reached 514 USD/ton, showing positive progress. Mr. Do Ha Nam also requested the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and relevant agencies to pay attention and support to make good use of this opportunity, and at the same time expand the market to Japan, Korea and Africa.

In the long term, it is necessary to develop high-quality rice varieties and establish specialized cultivation areas. In particular, ST25 rice is highly regarded by Vietnamese expatriates worldwide, demonstrating the saying "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach" and contributing to enhancing the national image.

Do Huong

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/giu-vung-gia-tri-xuat-khau-gao-viet-tu-nhung-san-pham-chat-luong-doc-quyen-10225082215120158.htm