Vietnam Rises to Top 2 in Global Rice Exports – Logistics Keeps the Flow Steady
13/11/2025
Although the Philippines – which accounts for 40% of Viet Nam’s rice exports – has temporarily suspended imports, Viet Nam’s rice sector continues to secure its position as the world’s second-largest exporter. Behind the headline numbers is the consistent effort of logistics enterprises in maintaining supply chain stability and creating flexible connections that keep millions of tons of Vietnamese rice flowing to global markets.
According to the Chairman of the Viet Nam Food Association (VFA), as of mid-October 2025, Viet Nam exported around 7 million tonnes of rice and is expected to reach 8 million tonnes by year-end – surpassing Thailand and only trailing India. With the Philippines, the largest export market, temporarily closed, domestic inventory and consumption pressure has increased markedly.
At the same time, rice exporters are facing delayed VAT refunds and limited working capital, disrupting cash flow and hindering business operations. Meanwhile, domestic paddy prices have sharply dropped to around VND 5,000/kg, placing greater pressure on both producers and exporters.
Against this dual challenge of market and financial constraints, maintaining the chain of transport – warehousing – international delivery has become more critical than ever. Logistics providers with the ability to manage risks, optimise costs, and ensure delivery timelines have become the essential link keeping rice exports on track.
As the Philippines and Indonesia seek greater food self-sufficiency, diversifying export markets is no longer optional. Since early 2025, Viet Nam has boosted exports to China, with an average price of nearly USD 500 per tonne – a significant increase from USD 400 the previous year. Premium varieties such as ST25 are gradually entering the Japanese market despite import tariffs of up to 400%.
In this landscape, logistics is not merely a supporting service – it is the foundation enabling market access. Logistics enterprises with cross-border coordination capability, a deep understanding of specific trade lanes, and knowledge of each country’s regulations are key to helping Vietnamese rice expand its global reach and safeguard its export position.
The resilience of Viet Nam’s rice industry is a clear testament to the strength of the country’s agricultural supply chain. Amid volatility, logistics is the determining factor that sustains export flows, opens new markets, and elevates product value.
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Image source: collected
In a period of disruption, many exporters have restructured transport routes and leveraged logistics capacity at ports in the Mekong Delta and Central Viet Nam to relieve delivery pressure.
Through proactive vessel scheduling, optimised warehousing, and empty container balance, businesses are reducing logistics costs. With cross-border coordination capability and a strong understanding of market-specific requirements, Vantage Logistics ensures on-time delivery, minimises risk, and safeguards consistent export flows.
Vantage Logistics’ Key Capabilities:
- Flexible domestic transport: Fast connections from the Mekong Delta to western and central ports, reducing transit time and costs.
- Efficient container management: Proactive empty-container allocation, warehouse optimisation, and enhanced transport efficiency.
- Accurate customs clearance: A dedicated team ensures regulatory compliance and timely customs processing.
- Specialised international freight forwarding: A global partner network secures cargo arrival at the right destination, at the right time.
Contact Vantage Logistics for tailored logistics solutions for agricultural exports.
Source: Vietnam Import–Export Report, WTO and Integration Centre – VCCI; data compiled from the General Department of Customs and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.