Rice Export Prices Decline

The global rice market has seen a significant shift with export prices for 5% broken rice dropping to $413 per ton and 25% broken rice at $387 per ton.

Challenges Ahead for Rice Exports

Despite a positive start, the Vietnam Food Association (VFA) anticipates a tough year for rice exports due to intense global competition and India's re-entry into the export market. The VFA projects an annual export volume of 7.5 million tons for 2025, a decrease from the record 9.04 million tons in 2024.

Domestic Market Struggles

In the domestic scene, Mekong Delta farmers are grappling with sluggish demand and declining rice prices. Key varieties such as IR 50404 and OM 5451 are now trading at VND5,500–5,700 and VND5,800–6,000 per kilogram, respectively. This downturn is largely due to an abundant global supply, especially from major competitors like India and Thailand.

Retail and By-Product Prices

Retail rice prices in An Giang vary from VND15,000 to VND22,000 per kg, depending on the variety. Meanwhile, by-products like rice bran and broken rice are fetching between VND5,600 and VND7,300 per kg.

Agricultural Progress and Risks

As of January 20, Mekong Delta provinces have sown over 1.46 million hectares of the winter-spring crop, with 85,000 hectares already harvested. However, unpredictable weather patterns, including alternating rain and sunshine, have increased the risk of diseases such as leaf blight and pests like gall midges, particularly in provinces like Dong Thap and Kien Giang.

Advisory for Farmers

The agriculture sector is advising farmers to closely monitor their fields and take preventive measures early in the season to minimize potential losses.