Vietnam exported an estimated 1.1 million tons of rice in May 2026, generating $511.7 million in revenue, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.
During the first five months of the year, rice exports reached approximately 4.5 million tons worth $2.09 billion, representing a 6.6% increase in volume but a 3.6% decline in value compared with the same period in 2025.
The drop in export earnings was largely attributed to lower prices. Average export prices fell 9.6% year-on-year to around $467.6 per ton, reflecting intensifying competition in the global rice market as major exporting countries adjusted prices to maintain market share.
Despite the downward trend in average prices, Vietnamese rice prices showed signs of recovery in early June. On June 8, Vietnam's 5% broken rice was quoted at $415-420 per ton, up from $405-410 per ton a week earlier. The increase was driven by concerns that the return of El Nino could affect rice production across several Asian countries, tightening global supplies.
The Philippines remained Vietnam's largest rice export market, accounting for 46.9% of total shipments, equivalent to about 2.1 million tons. China ranked second with a market share of 17.8% and recorded a strong 54% increase in imports from Vietnam. Ghana was the third-largest buyer, representing approximately 7.5% of total exports.
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