Vietnamese rice exports have reclaimed their top position in the global market, marking a significant turnaround after a period of declining prices. According to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), the current price for standard 5% broken rice stands at $396 per ton, while 25% broken rice is priced at $368 per ton, and 100% broken rice at $317 per ton. Notably, high-quality Vietnamese rice, specifically the ST 25 variety, commands an impressive price of $1,200 per ton, significantly outpacing similar varieties from competitors like Thailand and India.
In March 2025, Vietnam witnessed a remarkable surge in rice exports, with volumes increasing by 54.82% and value rising by 48.06% compared to February 2025. However, it is important to note that the average export price dipped by 4.37% during the same period. The Philippines emerged as the largest market for Vietnamese rice, importing 438,805 tons worth approximately $204.51 million. Other notable importers included China, which imported 159,021 tons valued at $79.8 million, and Ghana, with 62,908 tons amounting to $37.38 million.
For the first quarter of 2025, Vietnam's total rice exports reached nearly 2.309 million tons, valued at around $1.21 billion. This reflects a volume increase of 5.82% compared to the same period in 2024, although the value saw a decline of 15.53%. The average export price for this quarter was $522 per ton, down 20.18% from the previous year.
Since the beginning of April 2025, the export prices of Vietnamese rice have shown signs of recovery. As of now, the price for 5% broken rice has risen to $397 per ton, placing it back at the top in comparison to other major exporting countries. Thailand's 5% broken rice is priced at $395 per ton, while Pakistan and India follow at $387 and $376 per ton, respectively. Many Vietnamese traders are successfully exporting 5% broken rice at prices exceeding $400 per ton.
Do Ha Nam, Chairman of the VFA, attributes the current increase in rice prices to the conclusion of the Winter-Spring rice harvest, resulting in diminished supply. Traditional customers continue to exhibit high and stable demand for Vietnamese rice. A report from the Vietnamese Trade Office in the Philippines indicates that rice import demand in the Philippines for 2025 is projected to remain high, estimated at around 4.9 million tons, potentially exceeding 5 million tons. Vietnamese rice is expected to remain a primary import source for the Philippines.
Moreover, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released a market analysis report predicting that African nations will emerge as the largest rice importers globally in 2025. Ghana is projected to import 2.5 million tons of rice, while Ivory Coast is expected to import 1.8 million tons. Both countries are significant importers of Vietnamese rice, with Ivory Coast having imported 483,000 tons in 2024, ranking as the fifth-largest buyer of Vietnamese rice. In the first quarter of 2025, Ivory Coast rose to become the second-largest buyer of Vietnamese rice, holding a market share of 16.3%, following the Philippines at 42.1%. Ghana, which was the fourth-largest buyer in 2024 with 613,000 tons, accounted for 10.2% of the total value of rice exports from Vietnam in the first quarter of 2025, ranking fourth after China.
From early March 2025 until now, the export price of rice has seen a positive trend, nearing the $400 per ton mark for 5% broken rice. The latest data from the VFA indicates that Vietnamese rice prices have surpassed those of several countries in the region and globally. The 25% broken rice is currently priced at $369 per ton, while the 100% broken rice is at $317 per ton. Interestingly, while the price of 25% broken rice from Vietnam is lower than that of Thailand, it remains higher than that of India and Pakistan.
This resurgence in rice prices is attributed to the nearing completion of the Winter-Spring harvest, which is the most significant of the year. As the supply of rice diminishes, the pressure for consumption has lessened. The Summer-Autumn crop will not be ready until July and August, creating a gap during which buyers remain eager, potentially leading to higher prices.
Additionally, many importers, after a period of adjustment and waiting for price movements from major exporting countries like Vietnam, India, and Thailand, are now returning to the market to negotiate, further driving up domestic rice prices and export prices.
In other agricultural developments, as of early April 2025, localities in Thanh Hoa have dredged over 1.3 million cubic meters of canals, achieving 107.7% of their planned target. Furthermore, the export value of agriculture, forestry, and fishery products from Thanh Hoa province reached over $86.14 million in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting an increase of more than 5.1% compared to the same period last year.
As part of the National Target Program for New Rural Development, the outstanding loan balance in Thanh Hoa province reached over 102.580 trillion VND, with nearly 462,440 customers holding outstanding loans. On April 15, 2025, the Thanh Hoa City Business Association collaborated with Cen Group and Hong Duc University to host a special digital business forum focused on "Secrets of Investment and Business in the New Era." Additionally, on the same day, Sacombank - Thanh Hoa Branch inaugurated its new headquarters in Hoang Hoa.
Overall, the Vietnamese rice export sector is poised for a promising year ahead, underpinned by strong demand both domestically and internationally, as well as favorable pricing dynamics.
