Dong Thap makes breakthrough in rice exports

Enterprises speed up, expanding into new markets

The bright economic landscape of Dong Thap in the first eight months of this year reflects the outstanding efforts of local government, businesses, and farmers. Especially rice, which is the province’s key product, has made a significant contribution to global exports.

At the modern processing workshop of Viet Hung Co., Ltd. in Hoi Co commune, Dong Thap province, containers of rice are being packed urgently for export to Africa, particularly to Ghana, which is considered a new market rich in potential.

Mr. Nguyen Quan Dong, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Viet Hung Co., Ltd., shared that the quality of Dong Thap’s rice varieties has currently improved remarkably, meeting requirements of international markets. Thus, Viet Hung has linked with cooperatives within and outside the province to produce high-quality rice. As a result, Viet Hung rice is favored by international consumers. According to statistics, the company’s revenue in the first half of the year exceeded USD 52 million, up 120% compared to the same period.

According to Mr. Dong, with more than 30 years of rice export experience, the company has consistently focused on innovating rice varieties, diversifying products, and actively expanding markets. Today, Viet Hung rice is present in many countries, from the Philippines and China to South Africa, helping the Dong Thap Rice brand reach far.

Another rice exporting enterprise in Lai Vung commune (Dong Thap province) said that after a decline in early September, rice prices have rebounded in recent days thanks to increasing demand from African nations. Earlier this month, the Philippines temporarily halted imports, prompting other importers to pause purchases to monitor price volatility. However, recently, African nations have resumed imports to meet their high demand from now until the end of the year. As they maintain fixed monthly volumes, they must return to the market.

When the Philippines resumes importing Vietnamese rice in a few weeks, prices are expected to rise further. In recent times, many rice businesses in Dong Thap, An Giang, and Can Tho City, with warehouses along the Hau River, have been stockpiling rice to meet peak year-end demand.

According to the Dong Thap Department of Industry and Trade, the province’s GRDP in the first eight months of 2025 is estimated at nearly VND 70 trillion, up 7.76% compared to the same period in 2024. Export turnover reached USD 5.23 billion, up 2.8%, with rice exports alone increasing by more than 90% in volume and 60% in value over the same period.

Mr. Dang Van Tuan, Deputy Director of the Dong Thap Department of Industry and Trade, emphasized that Dong Thap’s rice sector aims for sustainable development through a strategy of market diversification, quality improvement, and linkage between production and consumption. This sector plays a vital role in maintaining economic growth and providing stable employment for local communities.

According to Mr. Tuan, the Philippine market has resumed purchasing Vietnamese rice, including rice from Dong Thap, helping to push global rice prices sharply higher in recent times. Additionally, China, African nations, and many other countries continue to increase orders, creating strong momentum for both farmers and businesses.

Joy for rice farmers

In Thap Muoi commune, Dong Thap province, many farmers are excitedly harvesting their early autumn-winter rice as prices rebound. Mr. Nguyen Van Nam, a veteran rice grower, shared his delight: “Just two weeks ago, rice prices reduced to only VND 5,500–5,700 per kilogram (depending on variety). At this price level, farmers earned very little profit. However, over the past week, prices have climbed back above VND 6,000 per kilogram, bringing much joy to farmers. Traders have also sailed along canals to purchase rice from farmers.”

Mr. Nam’s family has just finished harvesting 3 hectares of autumn-winter rice, yielding 8,500–9,000 kilograms per 1,300-m² plot. After deducting production costs, their profit reaches VND 2.8–3 million per plot.

Vietnam’s rice prices have also risen on the global market, driving domestic prices higher and reassuring Dong Thap farmers about future production. These are positive signals for the entire agriculture sector, demonstrating the effectiveness of linking production with consumption markets.

Mr. Le Ha Luan, Director of the Dong Thap Department of Agriculture and Environment, stated that rice prices in the province have reincreased markedly in just the past few days thanks to export recovery. “This not only encourages farmers but also demonstrates that the agriculture sector is steadily affirming its role as a pillar of growth, linking with enterprises to boost the province’s rice exports,” he said.

Mr. Luan added that the province is focusing on developing high-quality rice varieties and accelerating sustainable, emission-reducing rice farming practices to meet export standards. At the same time, the agriculture sector is working closely with businesses to establish value chains and enhance the competitiveness of Dong Thap rice in international markets.

According to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), fragrant rice prices have risen by USD 5 per ton, reaching USD 445–500 per ton, while Jasmine rice is up USD 2, trading at USD 496–500 per ton. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s 5% broken white rice is priced at the highest level in the world (USD 379 per ton), surpassing Thailand’s by USD 18 and India’s by USD 11 per ton.

Over the past eight months, Vietnam’s rice exports to African markets have surged sharply. Exports to Ghana grew 44%, making it Vietnam’s second-largest market after the Philippines and accounting for nearly 12% of total exports. Côte d’Ivoire ranked third, with an impressive growth of 89% and a market share of 11%.

Businesses forecast that the Philippines may import as much as 1 million tons of rice in the final months of 2025. This indicates significant growth potential for Vietnamese rice toward the year’s end, with the current challenging period expected to end soon.