Vietnam is one of the world’s leading rice producers and exporters, with the crop serving as both a domestic staple and a strategic export commodity.
The sector underpins rural livelihoods, employs millions, and contributes significantly to foreign exchange earnings.
In recent years, rising demand from markets such as the Philippines, China, and Africa has reinforced Vietnam’s position as a key player in global food security.
At home, rice remains central to diets, though shifting consumption patterns are emerging as urbanisation and rising incomes diversify food demand.
Farmers and policymakers are balancing the need for productivity with environmental pressures, including water use, salinity intrusion in the Mekong Delta, and climate change.
These challenges have spurred investment in technology, hybrid varieties, and improved irrigation systems to maintain yields while safeguarding long-term sustainability.
On the international stage, Vietnam’s rice market is shaped by trade policies, competition with major exporters like Thailand and India, and fluctuating global prices.
Export strategies increasingly focus on higher-quality fragrant and specialty varieties, aiming to capture greater value and strengthen brand recognition.
Together, these dynamics make Vietnam’s rice sector a crucial lens through which to view both the country’s agricultural development and its role in the global food supply chain.
Rice in Vietnam in numbers
These data points provide a broad overview of the size of Vietnam’s rice market and its trajectory.
Rice production in Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the biggest rice producers in the world.
In 2024, according to data from Vietnam’s National Statistics Office, the country produced just under 43.5 million tons of rice.
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
| Tons | 42,688,800 | 43,878,100 | 42,661,560 | 43,455,500 | 43,497,700 |
Vietnam rice imports, tonnes
Despite being one of the world’s biggest rice exporters, Vietnam still imports a lot of rice too.
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024* | ||
| 100610 | Rice in the husk, “paddy” or rough | 102,633 | 435,437 | 453,469 | 608,499 | 1,413,813 |
| 100630 | Semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether or not polished or glazed | 17,598 | 156,292 | 143,698 | 245,227 | 135,999 |
| 100620 | Husked or brown rice | 439 | 169 | 237 | 17,416 | 135,251 |
| 100640 | Broken rice | 6,714 | 126,942 | 92,223 | 16,645 | 29,050 |
| Total | 127,384 | 718,840 | 689,627 | 887,787 | 1,714,113 |
Source: Trade Map, accessed August 24, 2025; *uses partner data
Vietnam rice exports, tonnes
Vietnam is one of the biggest rice exporters in the world particularly to other parts of Southeast Asia.
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024* | ||
| 100630 | Semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether or not polished or glazed | 2,360,612 | 2,660,782 | 2,917,660 | 4,060,727 | 3,801,183 |
| 100640 | Broken rice | 384,059 | 310,693 | 241,353 | 264,233 | 257,802 |
| 100620 | Husked or brown rice | 44,194 | 32,840 | 32,454 | 47,631 | 15,043 |
| 100610 | Rice in the husk, “paddy” or rough | 2,086 | 1,947 | 1,925 | 2,055 | 2,979 |
| Total | 2,790,951 | 3,006,262 | 3,193,392 | 4,374,646 | 4,077,007 |
Source: Trade Map, accessed August 24, 2025; *uses partner data
Rice prices in Vietnam
Rice prices in Vietnam can vary widely depending on type and quality.
That said, this table provides a broad overview of rice prices in Vietnam.
| Category | Price (local) | Price (US$) | Notes |
| Export, 5% broken | — | US$399–400/ton | Benchmark export grade, FOB |
| Export, fragrant 5% | — | US$500/ton | Premium fragrant variety, FOB |
| World Bank 5% broken | — | US$370.63/ton | July 2025 average |
| Domestic paddy (Mekong) | VND 5,400–8,100/kg | US$0.21–0.32/kg | Farm-gate price range |
| Ordinary retail rice | VND 14,000–15,000/kg | US$0.55–0.60/kg | Common table rice |
| Jasmine rice | VND 16,000–18,000/kg | US$0.63–0.71/kg | Mid-tier retail |
| Premium (e.g. Huong Lai, Japanese) | VND 22,000/kg | US$0.87/kg | High-end retail varieties |
Challenges facing rice in Vietnam
There are a number of challenges facing Vietnam’s rice market.
These include:
Climate pressures
Vietnam’s rice sector is increasingly exposed to salinity intrusion, drought, and irregular flooding, particularly in the Mekong Delta.
These environmental stresses threaten seasonal yields and long-term sustainability, with climate change amplifying the risks and raising the cost of adaptation.
Land constraints
Urbanisation and industrial development are reducing paddy land, especially near major cities.
At the same time, fragmented holdings among small farmers limit opportunities for mechanisation and economies of scale, keeping productivity gains modest.
See also: Agriculture in Vietnam: Exports, Challenges & Industry Trends
Low value capture
Despite high export volumes, Vietnam earns less per tonne than key competitors because much of its rice is exported in bulk without branding.
Efforts to move into premium fragrant and specialty varieties are growing but remain inconsistent across the industry.
High input and resource use
The sector relies heavily on irrigation, fertilisers, and pesticides.
These inputs raise production costs, deplete natural resources, and add environmental strain, further challenging sustainability goals.
Trade volatility
Global price swings, India’s export restrictions, and shifting demand in core markets such as the Philippines and China create instability.
This volatility makes planning difficult for both farmers and exporters.
See also: Vietnam Trade: Exports, Imports & FTAs
Policy uncertainty
Government interventions in floor prices, sudden changes in taxes, or revised export policies can disrupt market stability.
These shifts often undermine farmer income and limit long-term investment planning in the sector.
Opportunities in Vietnam’s rice market
Despite being well developed, there are still broad opportunities in rice in Vietnam.
Climate-resilient farming
Vietnam has an opportunity to strengthen its rice sector by accelerating the adoption of salt- and drought-tolerant varieties, particularly in the Mekong Delta where climate pressures are most acute.
Complemented by improved irrigation systems and water management, these technologies can help stabilise yields and protect farmer incomes.
Investments in research and development, combined with government support for seed distribution, could ensure long-term resilience.
Premium segments
Global demand is rising for fragrant, specialty, and organic rice, which command higher prices and greater brand recognition.
Vietnam is already shifting production toward these segments, with varieties like ST25 earning international awards.
Expanding capacity in this area would allow exporters to reduce reliance on bulk shipments and capture more value per tonne.
Developing stronger branding and certifications, particularly around quality and origin, would further strengthen competitiveness.
Export diversification
While the Philippines and China remain core markets, Vietnam has significant potential to expand exports to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
These regions are experiencing increasing food security concerns and rising demand for affordable imports.
By building trade agreements, diversifying logistics channels, and tailoring products to regional preferences, Vietnam can reduce exposure to sudden policy shifts or demand shocks from a handful of buyers.
See also: Vietnam’s Free Trade Agreement: List & Key Partnerships
Technology adoption
Mechanisation, digital platforms, and smart farming solutions present clear opportunities to improve productivity.
Smallholder farmers can benefit from access to drones, satellite data, and mobile-based advisory services that optimise planting, input use, and harvest timing.
Broader uptake of machinery such as combine harvesters will also help address rural labour shortages while raising efficiency and lowering costs.
Sustainability branding
As global consumers and importers increasingly seek low-carbon and environmentally friendly products, Vietnam can position its rice as sustainable and traceable.
Certification schemes, transparent supply chains, and investments in greener production methods can support this positioning.
Successfully building a reputation for sustainable rice not only adds value but also aligns the industry with international buyers’ priorities, securing long-term demand.
Vietnam’s rice businesses: key players
Vietnam’s rice businesses are mostly domestic firms.
These include:
Loc Troi Group
Loc Troi is Vietnam’s leading integrated rice business, covering the entire value chain from seed production and farming to processing and export.
The company has built strong brand recognition both domestically and internationally, with its rice sold in over 40 countries.
Loc Troi is also a pioneer in contract farming with farmers, ensuring consistent quality and traceability while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Vinafood 1 and Vinafood 2
As state-owned enterprises, Vinafood 1 (Northern Food Corporation) and Vinafood 2 (Southern Food Corporation) play central roles in Vietnam’s rice supply chain.
They manage procurement from farmers, operate large-scale milling and storage facilities, and handle bulk export contracts.
Their longstanding government connections and scale make them dominant in supplying large importers such as the Philippines and China.
Tan Long Group
Tan Long has emerged as a dynamic private player in high-quality fragrant rice, with a strong focus on exports to premium markets.
The company is investing in modern processing plants and distribution networks to expand its global reach.
Its emphasis on branded products and quality control helps it differentiate from bulk exporters and capture higher margins.
Trung An Hi-Tech Farming
Trung An is known for its use of advanced farming techniques, including mechanisation and high-tech processing.
The company has positioned itself as a supplier of high-grade and specialty rice, such as jasmine and organic varieties, which are gaining traction in international markets.
Its ability to meet strict quality standards has helped it expand into Europe and North America.
Quang Tri Organic Agriculture
This smaller but notable player focuses on certified organic rice, supplying niche markets where consumers pay a premium for sustainable and chemical-free products.
Quang Tri’s strategy aligns with the growing demand for environmentally friendly food and adds diversity to Vietnam’s export portfolio.
Cooperatives and local mills
Alongside these large firms, cooperatives and thousands of local mills remain critical to Vietnam’s rice economy.
They purchase directly from farmers, handle milling for both domestic consumption and export, and ensure supply in smaller markets.
While many still operate at modest scales, some are upgrading equipment and practices to meet higher export standards.
Popular rice products in Vietnam
There are a range of popular rice products available in Vietnam.
These include:
ST24 and ST25 fragrant rice
ST24 and ST25 are Vietnam’s most famous premium varieties, having won international awards for quality and taste.
They are cultivated mainly in the Mekong Delta and are prized for their fragrance, long grains, and soft texture when cooked.
These varieties are a symbol of Vietnam’s efforts to move up the value chain and compete directly with Thailand’s jasmine rice in global premium markets.
Jasmine rice
Jasmine rice is one of the most widely consumed varieties in Vietnam, popular both in local households and for export.
Known for its subtle aroma and soft, slightly sticky texture, it is a staple in everyday meals and features prominently in Vietnam’s exports to Asia, Europe, and North America.
Its versatility and consistent demand make it a cornerstone of the country’s rice trade.
Glutinous rice
Glutinous, or sticky rice, is integral to Vietnam’s culinary traditions.
It is used in festive foods and traditional dishes such as xoi (sticky rice with toppings), banh chung and banh tet (New Year rice cakes), and desserts.
While less exported compared to fragrant rice, it holds deep cultural importance and sustains strong domestic demand.
Broken rice
Broken rice is made up of fractured grains produced during milling.
In Vietnam, it is widely used for affordable meals and street food, particularly the well-known com tam (broken rice with grilled pork).
See also: Vietnam’s Food and Beverage Industry 2025: Market Trends, Exports, and Key Players
Organic and specialty rice
Organic rice and specialty varieties, such as coloured or fortified rice, are gaining traction as consumers at home and abroad seek healthier and more sustainable options.
Certified organic production is expanding in provinces like Quang Tri, targeting niche export markets in Europe and North America.
FAQ: Rice in Vietnam
These are some of the most common questions about rice in Vietnam.
How important is rice in Vietnam?
Rice is Vietnam’s staple food and a cornerstone of its economy, employing millions of farmers and generating billions in export revenue.
It underpins food security, rural livelihoods, and Vietnam’s role as the world’s third-largest exporter.
Who are the major players in Vietnam’s rice industry?
Key players include Loc Troi Group, Vinafood 1, Vinafood 2, and Tan Long Group, alongside firms such as Trung An Hi-Tech Farming and Quang Tri Organic Agriculture.
Thousands of cooperatives and local mills also support domestic supply and export capacity.
Where does Vietnam import its rice from?
Imports are minimal compared to exports.
Small volumes of specialty rice varieties, such as fragrant or glutinous rice, are sourced from neighbouring countries like Cambodia and Laos to supplement domestic production.
What rice products are most popular in Vietnam?
Popular varieties include ST24 and ST25 fragrant rice, Jasmine rice, glutinous rice for traditional dishes, broken rice used in com tam and food processing, and a growing segment of organic and specialty rice for health-conscious consumers.
What are the challenges and opportunities in Vietnam rice?
Challenges include climate change, salinity intrusion, land loss, high input costs, and vulnerability to global price volatility.
Opportunities lie in upgrading to premium fragrant and organic rice, diversifying export markets, adopting modern farming technology, and building sustainable, traceable brands that capture greater value.
Outlook
Vietnam’s rice market outlook remains strong but increasingly shaped by structural shifts.
Demand from major buyers such as the Philippines, China, and African countries will keep exports steady, though global competition and price volatility will challenge margins.
Rising consumer preference for high-quality fragrant and specialty rice provides Vietnam with opportunities to move beyond bulk exports and secure higher-value markets.
Domestically, rice consumption is gradually declining as diets diversify, but it will remain the staple food for the majority of households.
Export growth will therefore continue to be the main driver of the industry, supported by trade agreements and expanded access to premium markets in Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
Key risks include climate change impacts in the Mekong Delta, shifting trade policies from major exporters like India, and resource constraints around water and fertiliser use.
At the same time, advances in technology, branding, and sustainability initiatives can help Vietnam solidify its position as a leading supplier of both volume and quality in the global rice trade.
That said, Vietnam’s business environment and food and beverage industry are dynamic and can change quickly.
With this in mind, to keep up with the latest developments in Vietnam’s rice sector, make sure to subscribe to the-shiv.