Vietnam Expands Rice Export Map: New Markets Rising in 2025

08/10/2025 18:03

Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Bangladesh Drive Growth Amid Shifting Global Trade
In the first 9 months of 2025, Vietnam’s rice export sector recorded notable momentum with 7 million tons shipped, worth approximately USD 3.55 billion. While the export volume slightly increased by 0.1%, the export value dropped by 18.5% compared to the same period in 2024.

Despite this, the industry is showing remarkable resilience and market flexibility, actively expanding its presence across emerging markets.

Market Shifts: Traditional Buyers Slow Down, New Markets Emerge
In September 2025 alone, Vietnam exported 600,000 tons of rice, bringing in USD 288.4 million. However, the Philippines – Vietnam’s largest rice buyer – temporarily suspended imports from September 1, resulting in a 16.4% decline in export value from this market. On the other hand, several African and South Asian markets witnessed significant growth:

• Ghana: +58.6% year-on-year increase
• Ivory Coast: +95.5%

• Bangladesh: 164.7 times higher than the same period in 2024

Meanwhile, Malaysia showed a 55.1% drop in imports. These shifts highlight Vietnam’s expanding export network beyond its traditional strongholds in Asia.

Vietnam’s Competitive Edge in Rice Export
Vietnamese rice continues to win global consumers’ trust thanks to:

• Stable supply capacity supported by advanced agricultural production.
• Strict quality control and traceability systems meeting export standards.
• Diverse product portfolio, from fragrant rice to glutinous and broken rice varieties, tailored for regional preferences.

The country also benefits from geographic advantages in logistics and close partnerships with international buyers.

The Strategic Path Ahead
The impressive growth in emerging markets is a positive signal, but also a reminder that diversification and value-added processing will be key to long-term stability.

Developing processed rice products, investing in cold-chain logistics, and ensuring sustainability across the supply chain will allow Vietnam to maintain its leading position in global rice exports.

Source: VnEconomy