VINAGRI News - Vietnam spent USD 1.51 billion on rice imports during the first nine months of 2025, exceeding the import value of other key agricultural commodities such as wheat (USD 1.09 billion) and soybeans (USD 953.3 million), according to the latest report from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. This reflects a continued high pace of rice imports, following the first seven months of the year when import value reached USD 1 billion, up 31.4% year-on-year.
Summary:
> Vietnam spent USD 1.51 billion on rice imports, higher than wheat (USD 1.09 billion) and soybeans (USD 953 million).
> Rice exports reached 7 million tons worth USD 3.55 billion, down 18.5% in value.
> Cambodia is Vietnam’s primary rice supplier.
> USDA forecasts Vietnam to be the world’s 2nd-largest rice importer in 2025.
> Imports rise due to processing demand, price competitiveness, and supply balance strategy.
> Trade surplus stands at USD 2.04 billion but is lower than in 2024.
In contrast, Vietnam’s rice exports during the same period were estimated at 7 million tons, worth USD 3.55 billion. While export volume rose slightly by 0.1%, total export value dropped sharply by 18.5% from a year earlier, mainly due to a decline in the average export price to USD 509 per ton, down 18.6% year-on-year.
Although the report did not detail import volumes, prices, or market breakdowns, trade data indicate that Cambodia remains Vietnam’s largest rice supplier, especially for unmilled paddy rice used for domestic processing. India is another key supplier, providing broken and low-cost rice, while Laos and Thailand contribute smaller shares.
The sharp rise in rice imports is attributed to three main factors. First, growing demand for raw materials in food processing, animal feed, and beverage production is driving purchases of low- to medium-grade rice. Second, price competitiveness and varietal differences make rice imports from neighboring countries more economical for certain uses. Third, Vietnam continues its dual-market strategy -exporting high-quality rice to earn foreign exchange while importing cheaper varieties for processing and domestic consumption.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Vietnam is projected to become the second-largest rice importer in the world in 2025, with imports expected to hit a record 4.1 million tons, trailing only the Philippines. In 2024, Vietnam ranked third behind the Philippines and Indonesia. The USDA report attributes the rise to declining domestic output and strong demand for affordable Cambodian rice.
Despite the surge in imports, Vietnam remains a net rice exporter, with a trade surplus of USD 2.04 billion over the first nine months of 2025. However, this surplus has narrowed compared to last year due to lower export prices.
NPK/ Vinagri News
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