In 2025, Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) plans to strengthen measures to promote rice exports, aiming to sustain the strong growth momentum achieved in recent years.
Strong Output and Abundant Supply
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According to the Department of Crop Production under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), as of the end of January 2025, farmers in the Mekong Delta have completed the 2024 autumn-winter cropwith over 711,000 hectares harvested — achieving an average yield of 5.85 tons per hectare, equivalent to 4.16 million tons of paddy rice.
Meanwhile, the 2024–2025 winter-spring crop has reached 1.4 million hectares — 100% of the planned area — with approximately 167,000 hectares already harvested, yielding 6.1 tons per hectare (or about 1.02 million tons).
With abundant supply entering the market, domestic rice prices experienced slight pressure during the Lunar New Year period. To stabilize prices and ensure farmer profits, export activities must be promptly revitalized from the early months of 2025.
Positive Export Performance
As of mid-January 2025, Vietnam had exported 268,700 tons of rice, earning nearly USD 165.7 million — an increase of 38.7% in volume and 23.3% in value compared to the same period in 2024.
According to Mr. Trần Thanh Hải, Deputy Director General of the Import-Export Department (MOIT), maintaining this upward momentum requires enhanced trade promotion efforts, market diversification, and proactive support measures for exporters.
Policy Support and Strategic Goals
Effective January 1, 2025, the Government of Vietnam issued Decree No. 01/2025/NĐ-CP, amending Decree No. 107/2018/NĐ-CP on rice export business regulations.
The decree introduces clearer management measures to ensure national food security while simultaneously improving product quality, brand development, and export promotion.
Under this policy, the Government prioritizes annual budget allocations to the National Foreign Trade Development Program, emphasizing rice export promotion as a strategic sector for trade growth.
However, exporters also require financial support from commercial banks to strengthen liquidity and sustain rice purchasing power for export operations.
Expanding Market Opportunities
In addition to traditional markets such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, Vietnam’s rice sector aims to penetrate new and high-demand regions in 2025, including:
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The Middle East
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Northern Europe
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China, where exports have declined recently due to lower import demand.
Furthermore, Vietnamese rice exporters and industry associations are encouraged to collaborate closely with MOIT to introduce Vietnamese rice into supermarkets, retail chains, and trade centers across major importing countries — strengthening international brand recognition.
Competitive Landscape and Growth Outlook
According to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), since India lifted its export ban on non-basmati white rice in late 2024, global export prices have declined sharply.
Despite this, Vietnam’s rice exports reached record highs in 2024 — 9.18 million tons worth USD 5.75 billion, marking a 12.9% increase in volume and 23% in value compared to 2023.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts that global rice production for 2024/25 will reach 533.8 million tons, an increase of 11.6 million tons year-on-year. Global rice trade is also expected to hit a record 57.2 million tons, driven by increased exports from multiple countries.
Sustaining Vietnam’s Rice Export Momentum
To remain competitive amid falling prices and rising global supply, Vietnamese exporters must continue to enhance product quality, adopt sustainable production practices, and strengthen brand value.
By combining policy reforms, financial support, and proactive trade promotion, Vietnam’s rice industry is well-positioned to sustain growth, diversify export markets, and consolidate its role as one of the world’s leading rice suppliers.