March 05, 2018 | 21:27 (GMT+7)
Vietnam likely to export 6.5 million tons of rice in 2018
Vietnam may export 6.5 million tons of rice in 2018, according to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Ha Cong Tuan.
High-quality rice accounts for a large proportion of total rice export volume and normal rice makes up less than 20 percent, Tuan said.
Vietnam shipped 861,000 tons of rice abroad in the first two months of this year, earning USD 419 million, up 17 percent in volume and 34 percent in value compared with the same period last year.
The Philippines was the biggest importer of Vietnamese rice, accounting for 26.9 percent of the market share. It was followed by China, with 23.5 percent.
The export price for Vietnamese rise rose from USD 435 per ton in 2016 to USD 450 per ton in 2017 and USD 475 per ton during January-February.
The increase was attributed to the country’s efforts to raise its rice quality.
Vietnam is doing well in increasing rice quality, Deputy Minister Tuan said, suggesting the country focus on improving the brand name of its rice.
Last year, Vietnam pocketed USD 2.6 billion from exporting 5.8 million tons of rice.
Source: VNA