14TH NATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF VIETNAM
Log in
Business

Vietnam listed in world’s Top 10 largest rice producing countries

Vietnam ranked fifth in the list of Top 10 largest rice producing countries in the world in 2017, according to The Daily Record.

According to the release, Vietnam rice production capacity stands at 38.725 million metric tons annual. The country has dedicated over 7.414 million hectares of land, or 82 percent of arable land, to rice farming hence ensuring its mass production.
 
Vietnam dedicates over 7.414 million hectares of land to rice farming
Vietnam dedicates over 7.414 million hectares of land to rice farming
Red River and Mekong are the two main deltas that mark the main rice growing area in the country. Mekong Delta region is the highest rice producer, contributing over 52 percent of rice yield to the national basket. The Red River delta produces 18 percent of rice while the rest of the produce comes from other regions of the country.
Vietnam's rice export last year also recorded a good year as export volume reached 6 million tons, thanks to an increased demand on the world market.
According to experts, Vietnamese rice has expanded its export market towards high quality. However, in order to achieve the export target of 4.5-5 million tons per year during 2017-2020, there is still much work to be done.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), last year the country exported about 6 million tons of rice, valued at US$2.66 billion, up 22.4 percent in volume and 23.2 percent in value over the same period in 2016.
MARD Deputy Minister Ha Cong Tuan affirmed that the result is a great success. In early 2017, experts predicted that the year would be difficult for rice export due to a range of challenges from unresolved issues in the rice markets to the negative effects of climate change on rice production. Therefore, the goal set by the rice sector in 2017 was to export only 5 million tons, but by the end of the year the figure increased to nearly 6 million tons.
Secretary General of the Vietnam Food Association Huynh Minh Hue said that last year climate change negatively affected rice supply in export countries. Moreover, that Vietnamese rice tends to increase in both quantity and quality facilitates expansion of Vietnamese rice consumption markets with increased export value.
In particular, from 2018, China, one of Vietnam's largest rice importers, reduces import taxes on glutinous rice. If Vietnam could take full advantage of this policy, Vietnamese rice exports would have even more opportunities.
MARD also revealed that to expand the rice export market for Vietnamese enterprises, recently a delegation composed of representatives from various Vietnamese units organized trade promotion for Vietnamese rice in the Ivory Coast as this country is considered as a potential export market.
Together with that, MARD, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Vietnam’s counselors and businesses in foreign countries, continues seeking export markets for Vietnam agricultural products in general and rice in particular.
Dr Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Head of the MARDs’ Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development, said that Vietnamese rice exporters still face many challenges, particularly those concerning the compliance with standards on technical barriers and food hygiene and safety from fastidious markets. In addition, the dependence on several key markets also affects the export of Vietnamese rice.
The rice industry has been asked to reorganize production and begin focusing on improving quality. Under the 2017-2020 strategy for rice export market development, Vietnam aims to export from 4.5 to 5 million tons of rice per year, earning an average turnover of US$2.2-2.3 billion a year (with glutinous rice accounting for 20 percent).
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Vietnam’s two-digit growth ambition demands higher productivity, decisive policy execution

Vietnam’s two-digit growth ambition demands higher productivity, decisive policy execution

As Vietnam targets two-digit GDP growth from 2026, economists caution that success will depend on higher productivity, stronger private sector confidence, consistent policy execution and sustained macroeconomic stability rather than speed alone.

Vietnam SMEs granted three-year income tax exemption

Vietnam SMEs granted three-year income tax exemption

The private sector is expected to grow by an average of 10% - 12% a year, faster than GDP growth.

Vietnamese goods dominate local stores, gain Tet shoppers' trust for quality

Vietnamese goods dominate local stores, gain Tet shoppers' trust for quality

As the 2026 Lunar New Year approaches, Vietnam’s domestic goods are firmly taking center stage, backed by ample supply, stable prices and growing consumer trust, reflecting years of sustained efforts to strengthen local production and retail systems.

Vietnam weighs shorter workweek as productivity and worker health collide

Vietnam weighs shorter workweek as productivity and worker health collide

A possible reduction in private-sector working hours as the Labor Code is under review, sparking debate among experts, unions, workers and businesses over how to balance occupational health and productivity with business competitiveness in the next stage of economic development.

Private sector and digital transformation at the core of 14th National Party Congress

Private sector and digital transformation at the core of 14th National Party Congress

The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam marks a decisive shift toward stronger private-sector empowerment and digital transformation, signaling fresh ambitions to remove growth barriers and position enterprises as central pillars of a self-reliant, sustainable economy.

Vietnam on course to switch to biofuel nationwide from June 1

Vietnam on course to switch to biofuel nationwide from June 1

The nationwide shift to biofuel gasoline marks a major step toward a cleaner and more sustainable fuel market.

Vietnam coffee exports stay resilient amid oversupply risks

Vietnam coffee exports stay resilient amid oversupply risks

Vietnam’s coffee industry enters 2026 with strong revenue expectations, but shifting global supply conditions and tighter sustainability rules are forcing exporters to adjust strategies and strengthen long-term resilience.

Hanoi, FPT break ground on digital technology park to drive innovation-led growth

Hanoi, FPT break ground on digital technology park to drive innovation-led growth

Hanoi has moved to accelerate its transition toward a knowledge-based economy by launching a large digital technology park designed to support innovation, attract talent and promote sustainable development.