Vietnam exported rice to the tune of US$479 million in March, up from US$285 million in February, a change of 68.35 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year to date, Vietnam had exported US$1,074 million worth of rice by the end of March.
The Philippines remained Vietnam’s largest rice export market in March at US$209 million, up from US$165 million in February, with year-to-date shipments reaching US$521 million.
China followed with US$79 million in March, rising from US$31 million in February, bringing cumulative exports to US$167 million.
Ghana and Ivory Coast each recorded US$30 million in March, up from US$18 million and US$24 million, respectively, with year-to-date totals at US$76 million and US$58 million.
Malaysia rounded out the top five with US$26 million in March, up from US$8 million in February, taking cumulative exports to US$53 million.
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Listed rice companies
Key rice firms listed on the Vietnam stock exchange include:
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Vietnam rice news
Recent developments in rice in Vietnam include:
The Philippines’ trade investigation into rice imports
The Philippines has launched a safeguard investigation into imported rice, raising the possibility of tariffs or restrictions lasting up to eight years.
The probe covers most rice types under HS code 1006, examining import trends from 2020 to August 2025 and their impact on domestic farmers. Read more→
VN perspective on the Philippines’ rice import probe
Phan Mai Huong, co-founder of the website SS Rice News, has said the Philippines’ April 6 safeguard probe into rice imports is mainly a “psychological move” to reassure domestic farmers.
Phan Mai Huong said the Philippines remains dependent on imported rice, particularly from Vietnam, and says as a market signal, the announcement of this investigation should be considered with an air of caution. Read more→
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Vietnam’s rice industry
Vietnam is one of the world’s largest rice producers and exporters, with output concentrated in the Mekong Delta and Red River Delta.
The sector plays a central role in food security, rural employment, and export earnings, with rice shipped to markets across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Production is shaped by government policy, irrigation infrastructure, and shifting climate conditions, including salinity intrusion and drought in key growing regions.
In recent years, the industry has moved toward higher-value varieties and stricter quality standards as Vietnam seeks to strengthen its position in global rice trade.
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The data
Vietnam exports of rice in March, 2026 US$m
| March | February | MoM | YTD | |
| Total | 479.03 | 284.54 | 68.35% | 1,073.70 |
| Other | 78.81 | 24.39 | 223.08% | 125.55 |
| Philippines | 208.64 | 164.86 | 26.56% | 521.22 |
| China | 78.96 | 31.28 | 152.44% | 167.02 |
| Ghana | 30.32 | 17.77 | 70.62% | 75.68 |
| Ivory Coast | 29.71 | 23.53 | 26.27% | 57.92 |
| Malaysia | 25.52 | 8.41 | 203.29% | 53.44 |
| Singapore | 8.71 | 3.42 | 154.71% | 16.92 |
| USA | 3.38 | 1.59 | 113.34% | 7.05 |
| Hong Kong | 2.78 | 1.32 | 110.50% | 7.39 |
| Australia | 2.67 | 1.65 | 61.46% | 6.34 |
| Taiwan | 1.60 | 0.16 | 914.66% | 2.41 |
| Saudi Arabia | 1.35 | 0.00 | 0.00% | 6.87 |
| Cambodia | 1.16 | 0.96 | 20.44% | 3.56 |
| Mozambique | 0.00 | 0.00 | 387.47% | 6.64 |
| Indonesia | 0.72 | 0.27 | 167.68% | 1.59 |
| Netherlands | 0.71 | 0.59 | 21.05% | 1.84 |
| South Africa | 0.60 | 0.44 | 38.28% | 1.49 |
| Poland | 0.52 | 0.77 | -31.75% | 1.65 |
| UAE | 0.48 | 2.17 | -77.94% | 5.88 |
| Turkey | 0.33 | 0.00 | 0.00% | 0.37 |
| France | 0.24 | 0.27 | -9.74% | 0.86 |
| Russia | 0.20 | 0.22 | -12.87% | 0.73 |
| Senegal | 0.17 | 0.05 | 220.98% | 0.34 |
| Spain | 0.15 | 0.11 | 32.99% | 0.40 |
| Angola | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00% | 0.12 |
| Bangladesh | 0.05 | 0.00 | 0.00% | 0.07 |
| Belgium | 0.05 | 0.00 | 0.00% | 0.07 |
| Ukraine | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00% | 0.07 |
| Chile | 0.03 | 0.10 | -65.61% | 0.23 |