AsemconnectVietnam - Vietnam’s domestic rice market shifted into a higher-supply phase in February as the Winter–Spring harvest in the Mekong Delta gathered pace, while export demand showed no major breakthrough, contributing to more stable price levels compared with the previous month.

Domestic market: Supply increases, prices stabilize
In February 2026, paddy and rice supply increased from January as the Winter–Spring crop in the Mekong Delta entered scattered harvesting in early areas and began reaching peak output in several provinces. Freshly harvested volumes improved raw material availability for millers and exporters.
However, as harvesting has not yet progressed uniformly across the region, overall supply has risen but has not reached seasonal peak levels. This has limited sharp price swings.
Rice prices in the Mekong Delta were broadly stable during the month, with certain varieties adjusting slightly in line with export price movements. As new crop supply gradually expanded, localized downward pressure emerged in some provinces, though no significant volatility was recorded.
Export prices remained competitive relative to other major Asian suppliers, helping to sustain steady shipment flows despite softer global price dynamics earlier in the year.
January 2026 rice exports: Volume rebounds, value lags
Preliminary data released on Feb. 10, 2026 by Vietnam Customs showed that rice exports in January reached 651,430 metric tonnes, valued at $309.9 million.
Compared with December 2025, export volume increased 19%, while export value declined 4.61%, indicating continued pressure on average export prices.
Key export markets
The Philippines remained Vietnam’s largest rice export market in January 2026, importing 331,770 tonnes worth $147.45 million. The market accounted for 50.93% of total export volume and 47.58% of total export value.
Shipments to the Philippines rose 48.02% in volume and 17.6% in value compared with December 2025.
Mainland China posted exceptionally strong growth, importing 118,189 tonnes valued at $56.79 million. The market represented 18.14% of total volume and 18.33% of total export value.
Exports to China surged 551.86% in volume and 481.19% in value month-on-month.
In contrast, exports to Ghana totaled 52,654 tonnes worth $27.62 million, accounting for 8.08% of volume and 8.91% of value, down 11.27% in volume and 31.07% in value compared with December.
Shipments to Malaysia rose sharply to 47,738 tonnes valued at $19.51 million, up 217.22% in volume and 121.69% in value.
Meanwhile, exports to Singapore declined 29.04% in volume and 37.53% in value to 8,642 tonnes worth $4.79 million.
Exports to Ivory Coast fell steeply to 11,029 tonnes worth $4.65 million, down 88.27% in volume and 91.03% in value month-on-month.
Other notable movements
Several markets recorded notable increases:
• Saudi Arabia: 5,367 tons, $3.10 million, up 159.03% in volume and 99.25% in value.
• Iraq: 250 tons, $131,500, up 861.54% in volume and 556.84% in value.
• Senegal: 245 tons, $120,752, up 920.83% in volume and 438.11% in value.
• Russia: 482 tons, $311,334, up 88.28% in volume and 97.31% in value.
Conversely, exports to Chile fell 93.56% in volume and 91.38% in value to 119 tons, while shipments to Tanzania dropped 75% in volume and 76.05% in value.
Exports to Turkey declined almost entirely, falling 99.81% in volume and 99.74% in value to just 43 tons.
Exports by trade bloc
Exports to member countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) reached 513,105 tonnes valued at $232.67 million, accounting for 78.77% of total export volume and 75.08% of total value.
Compared with December 2025, shipments to RCEP markets rose 86.07% in volume and 49.19% in value. Exports to members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) totaled 59,321 tonnes worth $26.48 million, accounting for 9.11% of volume and 8.54% of value, up 90.02% in volume and 36.7% in value month-on-month. Shipments to the European Union under the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) reached 1,795 tonnes valued at $1.41 million, representing 0.28% of volume and 0.46% of value, down 31.96% in volume and 35.38% in value. Exports to members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) totaled 482 tonnes worth $311,334, accounting for 0.07% of volume and 0.1% of value, up 88.28% in volume and 97.31% in value.
January 2026 rice export table (Calculated from Customs data released Feb. 14, 2026)

Outlook
Overall, Vietnam’s rice exports in January 2026 showed strong volume recovery, particularly to Asian markets led by the Philippines and China. However, export earnings did not rise proportionately, reflecting ongoing pressure on average export prices.
In February, rising domestic supply from the Winter–Spring harvest is expected to keep prices stable, with localized softness possible as harvest activity intensifies. Export performance will depend on sustained demand from key Asian markets and the pace of new purchase contracts.
Market participants said that while supply is increasing seasonally, the absence of sharp export demand surges may limit upside price momentum in the near term.
T.Huong
Source: Vitic