AsemconnectVietnam - Vietnam’s rice export prices are showing signs of recovery after a prolonged period of decline, according to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA).

The price of 5% broken rice has risen by 2 USD per tonne to 394 USD, while 25% broken rice increased by 1 USD per tonne to 368 USD. Meanwhile, 100% broken rice saw a 3 USD increase per tonne, reaching 313 USD. This marks a positive shift after export prices experienced a steep decline in the first months of the year.
The previous downturn was attributed to a rise in global rice supply, weakening demand from traditional import markets. Additionally, India’s decision to lift its rice export ban has reintroduced a significant supply to the global market.
Vietnam's trade minister on Wednesday directed relevant agencies to speed up promotion efforts in the Philippines and China while actively looking for new markets.
Rice exports set for rebound amid strong demand
Customer demand remains high, with Vietnam exporting over one million tonnes of rice in the first two months of the year. Although rice prices remain steady due to abundant supply, experts anticipate a market rebound in the near future.
Do Ha Nam, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), said that customer demand remains high, with Vietnam exporting over 1 million tonnes of rice in the first two months of the year.
He said that the ongoing winter-spring harvest yields the highest-quality rice of the year, making it a crucial buying period for importers. Countries with significant import needs are expected to resume trading soon, as missing this season could lead to difficulties in securing adequate supplies later.
V. Subramanian, co-founder of SSricenews - a specialised rice market platform - echoed this outlook. Speaking at a recent conference in Ho Chi Minh City, he pointed to increasing demand from Malaysia, China and Africa, where buyers are ramping up purchases. This trend suggests a potential trade boom in the coming months.
Vietnamese rice attracts Japanese consumers
Among imported rice in Japan, Vietnamese rice has been gaining attention from consumers due to its similarities to Japanese rice.
Takashi Takanashi, head of the Spice House Co., a company based in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, specialising in wholesale imported food for restaurants and retailers, said his company is receiving increasing requests for Vietnamese rice, he said.
At a store affiliated with the company, five kilograms of Japonica rice produced in Vietnam is priced at 3,240 JPY (21.8 USD), including tax. In contrast, the same quantity of domestically produced rice is sold at around 4,000 JPY (27 USD). Japonica rice, characterised by its small, short grains, is the dominant variety in Japan.
Takanashi stated that Vietnamese rice closely resembles Japanese varieties in both appearance and taste.
Hai Duong Plans Nearly 9,000 Hectares for High-Quality Rice Cultivation
Hai Duong province has approved a plan to cultivate nearly 9,000 hectares of high-yield, high-quality rice from 2025 to 2030. The largest areas are in Kim Thanh (2,190 ha), Tu Ky (1,400 ha), and Ninh Giang (860 ha).
This is the first time the province has designated specific areas for premium rice production, following Government Decree No. 112/2024. These areas will be protected from land conversion, with investments in irrigation and infrastructure to support farmers.
Farmers will grow high-quality rice varieties such as 415 sticky rice, Hung Yen sticky rice, and Bac Thom No. 7. The plan aims to enhance food security, meet market demand, and boost agricultural value.
In the 2024-2025 winter-spring crop, Hai Duong planted over 53,000 hectares of rice, with high-quality varieties making up more than 70% of the cultivated area.
World Bank Pledges Continued Support for Vietnam’s Low-Emission Rice Project
The World Bank (WB) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Vietnam’s one-million-hectare high-quality, low-emission rice project in the Mekong Delta. WB Global Director for Food and Agriculture, Shobha Shetty, visited a rice farm in Cần Thơ on March 19, praising Vietnam as a pioneer in sustainable rice farming.
Farmers at the New Green Farm Cooperative in Thốt Nốt district have successfully implemented the "One Must, Five Reductions" technique, lowering chemical fertiliser use by 40%, reducing costs, and increasing profits. The cooperative also practices circular agriculture by repurposing rice straw to grow mushrooms and produce organic fertiliser, creating additional income.
Despite global rice price fluctuations, farmers in the project remain financially secure due to reduced production costs and stable market access. The WB is helping Vietnam access the Transformative Carbon Asset Facility (TCAF) and is preparing a technical and infrastructure support project for sustainable rice farming.
A WB delegation is working with Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment from March 17 to 25 to accelerate project agreements and funding.
T.Huong
Source: Vitic