The Vietnamese company AgriVMA delivered a shipment of 1,500 tons of CT16 rice to the Cuban agricultural firm Los Palacios on Tuesday, according to the Vietnam Agency. This delivery took place at the rice processing plant located in San Cristóbal, Artemisa province. 

In a contract signed by Nguyen Thi Thom, director of AgriVMA, and Michel Ballate Camejo, general director of Los Palacios, the transaction was witnessed by the Vietnamese ambassador to Cuba, Le Quang Long, and representatives from Cuba’s Ministry of Agriculture. This marks the fourth rice shipment from AgriVMA to Cuba in 2026, bringing the total delivered under the bilateral agreement to 3,500 tons.

AgriVMA’s president, Nguyen Van Quang, has announced plans to deliver an additional 500 tons of rice by December 2026. The company aims to continue expanding cultivation areas and increase post-harvest investments in the coming years.

The rice cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba officially began during Vietnamese President To Lam’s visit to Cuba in September 2024. During this visit, the agricultural ministries of both nations signed an agreement to expand rice cultivation to between 15,000 and 20,000 hectares, backed by a $200 million credit from Vietnam for the sector.

Since then, AgriVMA has increased its cultivation area in Cuba from 1,000 to over 2,500 hectares across the provinces of Pinar del Río, Granma, Sancti Spíritus, and Villa Clara. The CT16 hybrid variety grown by the company yields more than seven tons of rice per hectare, significantly surpassing the national average of 2.12 tons per hectare recorded in 2025. Additionally, AgriVMA has established the first Vietnamese-technology rice processing plant in San Cristóbal.

This delivery comes at a time when rice prices in Cuba are continuously rising. Following the removal of the price cap of 155 Cuban pesos (CUP) per pound under Decree 156/2026, published in the Official Gazette in July, rice is now sold on the informal market for between 390 and 500 CUP per pound in most provinces.

As prices soar, many Cuban families are turning to alternatives like cassava — priced at approximately 70 CUP per pound — along with sweet potatoes, plantains, taro, and pumpkins. Flour, another common substitute, has also become more expensive, selling for between 300 and 500 CUP per pound this month, according to local residents.

Understanding the Rice Crisis in Cuba

Why are rice prices increasing in Cuba?

Rice prices in Cuba are rising due to the removal of price caps and economic challenges, which have led to higher costs in the informal market.

What alternatives are Cuban families using instead of rice?

Cuban families are substituting rice with cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains, taro, and pumpkins due to rising prices.

How is Vietnam supporting Cuba’s rice production?

Vietnam is supporting Cuba by expanding rice cultivation areas and investing in post-harvest processes, backed by a $200 million credit.

Published Date: November 12, 2026