Quickly open up the rice export market

Exports fell sharply

By the end of May 2025, An Giang had only exported over 47,000 tons of rice, worth over 25 million USD, down 30% over the same period last year. Notably, the decline in rice exports was concentrated in traditional markets such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Africa. The reasons came from many factors: Rising global inflation reduced market purchasing power; fluctuations in the USD exchange rate increased payment costs; high domestic rice prices made it difficult for Vietnamese rice to compete with exporting countries. Another reason for the decline in rice exports by enterprises in the province was that India returned to boosting exports, a move that increased the world 's rice supply.

In addition, major importing countries, including Indonesia, have increased food self-sufficiency, while the Philippines has limited imports due to abundant inventories. This situation has caused many businesses in the province to operate at a low level. Businesses have reduced their operating capacity (due to lack of orders), and rice prices at the field have also fluctuated downward, affecting farmers' income. "Compared to 3 years ago, this year's rice price has decreased by 2,000 - 2,500 VND/kg, and production is not profitable. I hope the State will soon remove difficulties and reopen the export market so that rice prices can return," said Ms. Nguyen Thi Le (Thanh My Tay commune, Chau Phu district).

Scientists promote the selection and creation of quality rice varieties for export.

The province has implemented many support measures, such as: Mobilizing enterprises to maintain traditional markets, increasing access to new markets; encouraging enterprises to take advantage of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) such as EVFTA, CPTPP to expand product exports to Europe, Japan, and Korea. Currently, many markets are willing to pay high prices for organic rice, fragrant rice, and regional specialty rice, opening up a new direction to increase the value of rice grains. This is also a favorable condition to promote the implementation of the Project on sustainable development of 1 million hectares of high-quality and low-emission rice cultivation associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta region by 2030. "By participating in the project, we save a lot of costs, such as: Reducing the amount of seeds sown by 30 - 50%, reducing the amount of fertilizer by 15 - 30%, and irrigation water by 30 - 40%. Productivity increases by 2.4 - 7%, rice quality improves, and profits increase by 2 - 10 million VND/ha/crop compared to traditional farming" - Mr. Nguyen Van Ve (farmer in Tan An commune, Tan Chau town) said.

Need to clear the market soon

Unblocking the export market of the whole country in general, An Giang in particular is considered a solution that businesses in this industry must implement. In particular, it is necessary to improve the quality of rice, invest in developing high-quality rice varieties (focusing on fragrant rice, specialty rice, organic rice, nutritious rice) to meet the requirements of demanding markets. Continue to standardize the production process, in which promoting the application of VietGAP, GlobalGAP standards and sustainable rice production processes, reducing emissions to ensure food hygiene and safety and improve the quality of Vietnamese rice grains. Promote product diversification, in which promoting the development of processed products from rice, such as: vermicelli, pho, rice flour, instant products from rice to increase added value, expand the product chain, quickly adapt to market conditions. “In this context, businesses are proactively building rice brands, promoting Vietnamese rice brands in general and local rice in particular, focusing on building geographical indications, product traceability and many other factors... These are decisive factors in long-term export competition that businesses participating in exporting rice to the world are calculating,” said Ms. Truong Thi Hue (rice exporter in the Chinese market).

In addition, to bring rice prices back to normal (farmers make a profit), rice exporting enterprises need to quickly expand export markets; take advantage of signed FTAs to effectively exploit partners' markets. At the same time, strengthen trade promotion in potential markets, such as: Africa, the Middle East, Latin America... Continue to improve logistics activities to serve trade development. Specifically, invest in seaport infrastructure, warehouses, and transportation to reduce costs. Organize fairs and forums to connect businesses with customers, support businesses to approach international importers.

The recent decline in rice exports shows that a new approach is needed, not only in production, but also in market strategy and long-term investment strategy. Improving quality, developing brands, applying science and technology and taking advantage of opportunities from FTAs are the keys for An Giang rice in particular and Vietnam in general to maintain their position in the international market. Thereby, contributing to improving the lives of rice growers, achieving profits of at least 30% as desired by the Government and farmers nationwide.

MINH HIEN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/som-khoi-thong-thi-truong-xuat-khau-gao-a421657.html