Export rice prices still rank among the top in the world
According to a report by Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in October 2025, Vietnam is estimated to export 421,100 tons of rice, reaching a value of 216.9 million USD. In the first 10 months, total rice export volume reached 7.2 million tons, with a value of 3.7 billion USD, down 6.5% in volume and 23.8% in value compared to the same period in 2024.
Average export price of rice in the first 10 months of the year reached 511 USD/tonne, down 18.5% compared to the same period last year. Among the markets, the Philippines is still the largest consumer market with 41.4% market share, followed by Ghana (12.3%) and Ivory Coast (11.3%).
Compared to the same period last year, exports to Philippines decreased by 27.1%, while Ghana increased by 47.3% and Ivory Coast increased by 94.5%. Among the 15 largest export markets, Bangladesh increased the most with 155 times, Malaysia decreased by 53.3%.
Despite decrease in exports, Vietnamese rice is still ranked among the top in the world. According to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), the price of 5% broken rice in Vietnam fluctuates between 415 and 430 USD/tonne, higher than that of Thailand (338 USD/ton) and India (344-350 USD/tonne). Traders said that the small harvest in the Mekong Delta is putting downward pressure on prices.
Entering the fourth quarter of 2025, the world rice market is still volatile, many countries maintain import restrictions. The Philippines, after ending the 60-day import ban (October 31, 2025), has not yet introduced a new policy and may extend it by 15-30 days, while increasing import tax from 15% to 35%. The Philippines may also temporarily suspend imports until the end of 2025, reopen in January 2026, and then suspend again until April 2026. However, the Philippines' rice inventory is only enough for 30 days, and there is a possibility of a shortage from December due to complicated weather developments, causing output to fall short of forecasts. Domestically, in the western provinces, heavy rains and floods upstream of the Mekong River have affected many rice areas, causing damage and possibly reducing the output of the Autumn-Winter crop. Mr. Do Ha Nam, Chairman of VFA, said that although the Philippines stopped importing, Vietnam still exported about 500,000 tons/month thanks to businesses expanding their markets and increasing exports to Africa.
Businesses forecast that in 2025 there will be no great pressure on consumption, a small part of the inventory may be carried over to 2026, especially during the harvest period of the Winter-Spring crop, the largest rice crop. This will be the time when consumption pressure increases, which may affect prices.
Diversifying the market, a key strategy
General Secretary of Vietnam Rice Industry Association, Mr. Le Thanh Tung, said: "In context of many fluctuations in rice exports, diversifying the market and developing low-emission rice products is an important strategy, helping Vietnam maintain its competitive advantage when the Philippines and Indonesia markets increase their production autonomy."
According to Mr. Tung, Vietnam is not new to expanding its market. From 5 to 7 years ago, Vietnamese rice was exported to about 150 countries and territories. Of which, key markets include the Philippines (about 3 million tonnes), Indonesia (about 2 million tonnes) and at times China (about 3 million tonnes). Currently, Vietnam is promoting exports to African countries, at the same time accessing information and policies from import partners, helping businesses to be flexible and proactive in adjusting strategies.
According to Mr. Tung, currently, Vietnamese rice has 2 outstanding advantages to help compete in the international market.
First, quality of rice is suitable for many markets. Accordingly, Vietnamese rice has the characteristics of long grains, clear white, soft, light aroma, different from specialty rice varieties such as Basmati, Hom Mali from Thailand or India. The product meets the diverse tastes of international consumers.
Second, the crop cycle is favorable. Accordingly, Vietnam can supply new rice all year round, different from markets that only sell stocked rice. This helps ensure fresh and stable quality for customers.
In addition, high productivity helps reduce production costs, improving price competitiveness. Agricultural projects being implemented also focus on lowering costs, ensuring profits for farmers and businesses, while maintaining competitiveness in the international market. Thanks to that, Vietnam is confident in accessing many markets, maintaining its reputation for quality, reasonable prices and stable exports.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien also commented that despite difficulties due to market fluctuations and import barriers from some countries, Vietnam will still maintain rice exports of about 8 million tons in 2025, surpassing Thailand and holding the second position in the world. The strategy of diversifying markets, improving quality, and developing sustainable products is the key factor to help the Vietnamese rice industry maintain its position and expand export value in the long term.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn