Vietnam’s Rice Export Landscape

Vietnam, once a small country producing rice for domestic consumption, has transformed into a leading player in the global market. The success of Vietnamese rice exports is truly impressive. Over the past decade, the quantity of Vietnamese rice exported has consistently exceeded 4 million tons per year. In 2012, Vietnam even exported a record 8 million tons of rice.

In 2020, Vietnam exported 6.25 million tons of rice, equivalent to 3.12 billion USD. This represented a decrease of 1.8% in quantity but an increase of 11.2% in value. In the first nine months of 2021, Vietnam exported 530 thousand tons of rice, equivalent to 261 million dollars.

Although the export quantity of Vietnamese rice fluctuates from year to year, the overall trend in the Vietnamese rice market is a decrease in quantity but an increase in value and the export of high-value rice. This shift is due to Vietnam’s strategic decision to reduce the scale of rice production and focus on cultivating high-value rice varieties.

Vietnam Rice Suppliers: The Driving Force Behind Impressive Export Figures

Vietnam rice suppliers have played a crucial role in the country’s impressive export figures. Companies like Intimex Group Joint Stock Company, Vietnam Northern Food Corporation Ltd, and Thanh Tin Service and Trade Company Limited are among the top rice exporters in Vietnam. These companies had a combined export turnover of over 70.084 thousand USD in January 2022.

Vietnam rice suppliers have been successful in meeting the demands of the global market, thanks to their commitment to quality and their ability to cultivate high-value rice varieties. They have also been able to adapt to changing market conditions, ensuring that Vietnam remains a key player in the global rice market

Major Importers of Vietnamese Rice: A Look at Key Markets

The three major consumers of Vietnamese rice are the Philippines, China, and Ivory Coast. The reasonable prices and short distances to transport rice make Vietnamese rice popular among traders from these three countries.

• Philippines: In the first nine months of 2021, the Philippines imported 1.83 million tons of rice from Vietnam, equivalent to 935.91 million USD, marking a 3.2% increase in quantity. The Philippines is the largest buyer of Vietnamese rice products, accounting for 40.3 percent of the total rice export.

• China: The Vietnamese rice export to China increased significantly by 46.7% in volume, reaching 845,571 tons, gaining 423.9 million USD. China is the third-largest rice importer from Vietnam.

• Ivory Coast: Ivory Coast imported 281,361 tons of rice from Vietnam, equivalent to 144.22 million USD, and decreased by 22.2% in volume compared to the same period in 2020.

These figures highlight the significant role of Vietnam rice suppliers, wholesalers, and exporters in the global rice market and the potential opportunities for businesses interested in importing rice from Vietnam.

Main Growing Areas of Vietnamese Rice: The Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is the leading area in cultivating Vietnamese rice for export. This region is home to popular rice varieties such as Jasmine, Japonica, and ST rice. In 2020, rice from the Mekong Delta accounted for 90% of Vietnam’s rice exports. The reasons behind this impressive figure are:

• Size of the Growing Areas: The region’s growing areas are estimated at approximately 3963 thousand hectares, accounting for 54.4% of the total rice growing areas in Vietnam.
• Impressive Rice Production: The Mekong Delta boasts an impressive rice production of over 29 thousand tons of rice.
• Variety of Rice: Many popular rice varieties such as Jasmine, Japonica, ST rice are cultivated in this region.
• Presence of Factories and Exporting Companies: There are many factories and exporting companies located in the Mekong Delta.

These factors make the Mekong Delta a significant contributor to the success of Vietnam rice suppliers, wholesalers, and exporters

Competitive Advantages of Vietnam Rice Exporters

Vietnamese rice holds several competitive advantages compared to rice from other countries, making Vietnam rice suppliers, wholesalers, and exporters a preferred choice in the global market.

• Quality and Price: Vietnamese rice is known for its decent quality and affordable prices. For instance, while the price of Thai Hom Mali rice is 743 USD/MT, the price of Vietnamese Jasmine rice is more reasonable, at 680 USD/MT.
• Variety of Products: Vietnam offers a wide range of rice products, from high-quality rice like ST line, Jasmine to normal ones like OM545, IR504, etc. This variety gives traders more choices to invest in.
• Mass Production: Vietnam has a wide rice-growing area estimated at 1.5 million hectares. Vietnamese rice production has always had impressive figures over the years. The data of rice production and export volume in the past 3 years indicates that although fluctuating among different years, the production of Vietnamese rice always exceeds the export volume. This means Vietnam can not only meet the demand of domestic consumers but also has sufficient rice to export.
• Supportive Policies: Vietnam has many policies to support the export of Vietnamese rice. Vietnam has signed several trade agreements such as EVFTA, VKFTA, CPTPP, UK FTA. Particularly, according to EVFTA, the European Council has set the import volume of Vietnamese rice to the EU at 80,000 tons, with 20,000 tons of unmilled rice, 30,000 tons of milled rice, and 30,000 tons of aromatic rice.

>> Read more: The Impact of EVFTA on Rice Export from Vietnam

These competitive advantages have positioned Vietnam as a strong player in the global rice market, offering numerous opportunities for Vietnam rice suppliers, wholesalers, and export companies.

Popular Types of Rice from Vietnam Rice Wholesalers

Vietnam rice wholesalers offer a diverse range of rice, catering to different tastes and needs. Here are some popular types:

• High-Quality Delicacies: These include ST rice and Japonica, known for their special flavor and aroma. They are highly valued and exported to markets like China, Malaysia, and Australia. The average price is FOB 470-670 USD/MT.
• Normal Aromatic Rice: Varieties like Jasmine, OM18, Nang Hoa, DT8-Dai Thom are popular due to their long-lasting fragrance and more affordable prices. The wholesale Vietnamese jasmine rice is widely distributed to the EU. The average price is FOB 450-650 USD/MT.
• Normal Long Grain Rice: Varieties like OM5451, IR 504 are known for their tender texture, light aroma, and affordable price, appealing to markets such as the Philippines, Africa, and Malaysia. The average price is FOB 480-540 USD/MT.
• Sticky Rice: Also known as glutinous rice, it is the main ingredient in many Asian traditional dishes and is adored by many Asians, especially Chinese customers. The average price is FOB 470-530 USD/MT.

>> Read more: Top Types Of Rice Exported Abroad: Vietnam Rice Export

Essential Considerations for Exporting Rice from Vietnam

When exporting rice from Vietnam, it’s crucial to understand your products and the import requirements of your country. Here are some key points to consider:

Know Your Products

Understanding the different medium grain rice types is the first step in importing safe food. Depending on the popular dishes in your country, you can select suitable rice varieties. For instance:

• If you want to make sushi, salads, and soup, you may want to buy Japonica rice and Calrose rice.
• If you want to make risotto and paella, you may want to buy Arborio rice, Carnaroli rice, and Camolino rice.
• If you are an Asian who eats rice as a staple every day, Ham Chau rice is perfect for you.

The stickiness of medium grain rice types also varies. If you want rice that has a moist and sticky texture, Japonica rice, Calrose rice, Arborio rice, and Camolino rice are recommended. If you prefer rice that has a firm and dry texture, Ham Chau rice and Carnaroli rice are ideal.

Know the Import Requirements of Your Country

After identifying the medium grain rice types that you are interested in, you should look for information about import requirements in your country. There are three types of requirements that you need to pay attention to:

• Rice Quality Requirements: Your imported medium grain rice types must adhere to general food safety standards, including being produced, processed, stored, packed, and labeled under hygienic facilities. Depending on your country, there will be different regulations for imported rice.

>> Read more: Comprehensive Guide to Import Customs Procedures for Rice from Vietnam

Here are requirements for rice import of some countries:

Import rice to USA: https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/what-are-the-regulations-for-importing-rice-into-the-united-states

Import rice to Canada: https://inspection.canada.ca/importing-food-plants-or-animals/food-imports/step-by-step-guide/eng/1523979839705/1523979840095

Import rice to UK: https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/importing-cereals

Import rice to Singapore: https://www.sfa.gov.sg/food-import-export/commercial-food-imports

Import rice to Ghana: http://ghanatrade.org/ghana-import-procedures-rice/

Import rice to UAE: https://www.moccae.gov.ae/en/services/export-import-services/import-permit.aspx

• Document Requirements: You need to know and prepare documents you must have when importing medium grain rice types. There can be documents related to the quality of goods, payment, or transportation.
• Import Tax: Different types of commodities will have different import tax levels. When you import medium grain rice types and resell them in your country, you must check the import tax that your country applies for these products so that you can calculate the right cost and estimate your revenue.

Below are HS codes of rice products that will assist you in looking up the import tax:

• Broken rice: 10064000
• Rice semi-milled or wholly milled, whether or not polished or glazed, parboiled: 10063010
• Rice semi-milled or wholly milled, whether or not polished or glazed, other than parboiled: 10063090

Finding Suitable Vietnam Rice Suppliers

When looking for reliable suppliers of medium grain rice types, there are several channels you can explore:

Google Search The simplest approach is to use Google. You can use keywords like “top medium grain rice types suppliers in Vietnam” or “best rice companies in Vietnam”. This will provide a list of manufacturers of medium grain rice types in Vietnam.

>> Read more: How to Find Rice Suppliers in Vietnam

E-commerce Platforms When searching for suppliers on e-commerce platforms, you can enter keywords like “top medium grain rice suppliers” or “medium grain rice types suppliers”. This will give you a list of suppliers selling medium grain rice types. Some well-known e-commerce platforms to find reliable exporters include:

• Alibaba: A global trading platform where you can connect with manufacturers, suppliers, and exporters from around the world, including those from Vietnam. It offers a wide range of products, including Vietnamese rice.
• Go4worldbusiness: An international platform that connects global buyers with suppliers. It provides a marketplace for a wide range of products, including Vietnamese rice.
• Freshdi.com: The first B2B platform in Vietnam that connects buyers and sellers in the field of agriculture, forestry, and seafood. You can visit this site to search for top-rated Vietnamese rice exporters at competitive prices.

>> Read more: Top Vietnamese Rice Suppliers: A Comprehensive Guide 2023

Broker Services Working with intermediary brokers that have extensive knowledge of medium grain rice types can also be beneficial. They can conduct market research and compile a list of reliable providers for you. However, the cost of the service can be high.

Agricultural Trade Fairs A traditional strategy is to meet providers of medium grain rice types from all over the world at agricultural trade shows. Examples of well-known agriculture expos include the Paris International Agricultural Show, AgriTech Expo Zambia, and others. To find out more about the schedule of agricultural trade exhibits throughout the world, you can search Google or visit websites like “https://10times.com/agriculture-forestry.”

Freshdi.com's Guide to Rice Exportation

Freshdi.com's guide provides you with all the detailed information about the Vietnamese rice industry, covering various topics from the import market and popular rice varieties to price trends, finding exporters, and necessary considerations when exporting rice from Vietnam. This guide helps you understand the Vietnamese rice market, helping you succeed in trading with rice suppliers in Vietnam.

Chapter 1: Comprehensive Overview of Vietnam’s Rice Market Dive into the heart of Vietnam’s rice industry, exploring the vibrant import market, diverse rice varieties, competitive pricing, and key considerations for exporting rice from this Southeast Asian powerhouse.

Chapter 2: Certified Vietnam Rice Exporters List accredited by the Ministry of Industry and Trade - October 2023 Stay updated with the latest list and criteria of rice export-qualified enterprises recognized by Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Chapter 3: Vietnam’s Top 10 Rice Exporters (January 2022) Uncover the dynamics of Vietnam’s rice industry, highlighting the top exporters and key market trends in January 2022.

Chapter 4: Top Vietnamese Rice Suppliers: A Comprehensive Guide 2023 Navigate through the top Vietnamese rice suppliers, their diverse product offerings, strategic locations, and tips for successful cooperation.

Chapter 5: How to Import Rice from Vietnam: A Step-by-Step Process Demystify the process of importing rice from Vietnam with insights into types, prices, suppliers, and more.

Chapter 6: How to Find Rice Suppliers in Vietnam Learn how to search and select reliable rice suppliers, along with essential tips when working with Vietnamese suppliers.

Chapter 7: Comprehensive Guide to Import Customs Procedures for Rice from Vietnam Master the import customs procedures for rice from Vietnam, including the necessary steps and key requirements for a smooth import process.

Chapter 8: Understanding Rice Export Taxation from Vietnam: A Comprehensive Guide Get a grasp on rice export taxation in Vietnam, including HS codes, export duties, and the impact of the EVFTA agreement.

Chapter 9: Top Types Of Rice Exported Abroad: Vietnam Rice Export Discover Vietnam’s fragrant rice varieties, their unique characteristics, and their global distribution.

Chapter 10: Forecast for Vietnam’s 2024 Rice Exports Gain an insightful look into Vietnam’s rice industry, its export forecast for 2024, and the underlying market dynamics.

In conclusion, this content provides a comprehensive overview of the rice industry in Vietnam, with a particular focus on Vietnam rice suppliers, wholesalers, exporters, and export companies. It delves into the various types of rice available in Vietnam, the major importers of Vietnamese rice, and the main growing areas. The content also highlights the competitive advantages of Vietnamese rice in the global market and provides valuable insights into the factors affecting the prices of Vietnamese rice. Furthermore, it offers practical guidance on exporting rice from Vietnam, including understanding your products and the import requirements of your country, and suggests several channels for finding reliable suppliers of medium grain rice types. Whether you’re a supplier, wholesaler, exporter, or someone interested in importing rice from Vietnam, this content serves as a valuable resource, offering a wealth of information to help you navigate the vibrant and dynamic world of the Vietnamese rice industry.

Source:

https://vietnamcredit.com.vn/news/vietnams-top-10-rice-exporters-january-2022_14667

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice_production_in_Vietnam

https://wtocenter.vn/chuyen-de/19619-exports-of-rice-to-eu-increased-sharply-thanks-to-evfta-

https://vioit.org.vn/en/strategy-policy/vietnam-s-rice-exports--opportunities-and-challenges-4404.4144.html

https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/vietnam-trade-agreements