Vietnam imported about USD 800 million worth of rice in the first seven months of 2026, despite being one of the world’s leading rice exporters, mainly to supply food processors.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam earned nearly USD 253 million from rice exports in July. In the first seven months of the year, rice export revenue reached nearly USD 2.64 billion, down 6.7 per cent from the same period last year.

Vietnam is currently one of the world’s leading rice exporters, but domestic companies continue to import hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of rice each year.

In July alone, Vietnamese businesses spent nearly USD 108 million importing various types of rice. This was the third-highest monthly figure in the first seven months, behind March, at USD 267.8 million, and April, at USD 159.8 million.

Total rice imports reached USD 800 million in the first seven months of 2026, down 25.2 per cent from USD 1.07 billion in the same period last year.

A senior executive at a rice producer and exporter said the imports were not driven by a shortage of domestic supplies. Vietnam exported nearly 5.5 million tonnes of rice during the first seven months of 2026.

The executive said companies imported rice primarily for domestic food processing and to maintain supplies for export orders during periods between harvests.

In recent years, Vietnam’s rice production has increasingly shifted towards higher-quality segments, with fragrant rice accounting for a significant share to meet demand in more demanding export markets.

Meanwhile, domestic producers of rice noodles, pho, rice paper and other processed rice products often require varieties with high starch content and lower prices. Companies therefore source suitable rice from other countries.

Vietnam’s simultaneous large-scale exports and significant imports of rice also reflect the flexibility of businesses in balancing supplies, meeting large orders and maintaining the position of Vietnamese rice in global markets.

Source: Dtinews/VNN

Published Date: August 19, 2026