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

Maintaining the export value of Vietnamese rice from quality, exclusive products - Photo 1.

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

Exports rise to second place globally

The year 2024 will end with a new record for the Vietnamese rice industry when the export volume reaches about 9 million tons, bringing in 5.7 billion USD, up 11% and 24% respectively compared to 2023. This is the highest level in history, and at the same time affirms that rice is still 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 just the first 15 days of January, 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. The volume of exported rice 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 export volume only increased slightly in the past 7 months, this is a very positive signal when Thailand's rice export volume has decreased sharply. Many Thai traders have expressed their admiration for the Vietnamese food industry because Vietnam's rice export volume has increased while many countries' rice exports have decreased.

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 main 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 bring profits to businesses and people. The project of 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice in the Mekong Delta is being effectively implemented and can be expanded to other regions, both maintaining national food security and improving export capacity.

However, it is difficult for enterprises to build raw material areas on their own; this task requires the participation of farmers linked through cooperatives, local authorities and local agricultural extension systems. 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 related agencies to pay attention and support to make good use of this opportunity, while expanding the market to Japan, Korea and Africa.

In the long term, it is necessary to develop high-quality rice varieties and build specialized cultivation areas. In particular, ST25 rice is highly appreciated by overseas Vietnamese around the world, showing that "love goes through the 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