Strengthening value chain linkages in rice production and consumption

Conference scene.

As of March 15th, Vietnam's rice exports reached approximately 1.74 million tons, valued at around 826.2 million USD, with an average export price of 477.6 USD/ton. Compared to the same period in 2025, this represents a 2.3% increase in volume, an 8.7% decrease in value, and a 10.7% decrease in the average export price.

The Philippines continues to be Vietnam's largest rice import market, accounting for 55.86% of the country's total rice exports, reaching 711,264 tons, a 30% increase compared to the same period in 2025. China ranks second, accounting for approximately 14% of Vietnam's total rice exports, reaching 178,165 tons, a 143.7% increase compared to the same period in 2025.

The return of the Philippine market after the lifting of the temporary ban on rice imports, coupled with increased demand from China to meet the needs of the Lunar New Year holiday, are supporting factors that have helped boost Vietnam's rice exports and alleviate some of the pressure on Vietnamese rice prices in recent times.

However, rice exports in the first two months of 2026 recorded a decline from the African market after achieving impressive growth in 2025, such as: the Ivory Coast market decreased by 68.5%, and the Ghana market decreased by 22.7%.

Can Tho farmers harvest the winter-spring rice crop.

It is predicted that from March onwards, Vietnam's rice exports to various markets will be affected by factors such as conflicts in the Middle East impacting Vietnamese rice exports due to increased international logistics costs (increased insurance, extended shipping time of 10-15 days), tightened input supply, increased costs (fertilizers, oil prices), and domestic transportation costs increasing by 20,000-30,000 VND/ton; competitive pressure from major rice exporting countries such as Thailand, India, and Pakistan; abundant rice supply due to the peak harvest season of the 2025-2026 winter-spring crop; and some trade barriers from the Chinese market…

To boost rice exports in the coming period, representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Trade stated that they will continue to strengthen trade promotion and expand export markets with significant potential in Africa and the Americas. Businesses and rice industry associations are closely monitoring the market and planning exports accordingly for each stage.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is researching and proposing to the Government and relevant ministries and agencies policies to support credit for businesses purchasing rice from farmers, aiming to boost the consumption of winter-spring rice and ensure farmers earn a reasonable profit.

Local authorities and businesses need to proactively build and expand linkages in rice production and consumption, especially the project of 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice to reduce costs, improve rice quality, and help farmers increase their income and stabilize their lives.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/