According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam earned nearly US$253 million from rice exports in July 2026. In the first seven months of the year, rice export revenue reached nearly US$2.64 billion, down 6.7% from the same period last year.

Vietnam is currently one of the world’s leading rice exporters, yet domestic businesses continue to import hundreds of millions of dollars worth of rice each year.

In July alone, Vietnamese companies spent nearly US$108 million importing various types of rice. This was the third-highest monthly figure in the first seven months, behind March, at US$267.8 million, and April, at US$159.8 million.

In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam’s rice import bill reached US$800 million. Even so, the figure was down 25.2% from US$1.07 billion during the same period in 2025.

Addressing the issue, an executive at a rice producer and exporter said the imports do not indicate a domestic supply shortage. Vietnam exported nearly 5.5 million tons of rice in the first seven months of 2026.

According to the executive, businesses import rice to meet demand from the domestic food-processing industry while also ensuring adequate supplies for export during periods between harvests.

In recent years, Vietnam’s rice production structure has increasingly shifted toward higher-quality segments, with fragrant rice accounting for a significant share as producers seek to meet demand from discerning export markets.

Meanwhile, domestic producers of bun rice noodles, pho, rice paper and other rice-based foods require varieties with high starch content and lower prices. Businesses therefore source suitable rice from other countries for these processing needs.

Vietnam’s position as both a major rice exporter and a significant importer also reflects the flexibility of domestic businesses in balancing supplies, fulfilling large orders and maintaining the standing of Vietnamese rice in the global market.

Tam An