Vietnamese Aromatic Rice Exports Continue to Rise Amid EU Market Growth
Undoubtedly, ongoing tensions in the Middle East have created difficulties for the global economy and sectors, including the rice trade sector. Amidst this backdrop, Vietnamese aromatic rice exports to the European markets have witnessed steady growth, according to reports. Moreover, it is reported that the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) is poised to play a significant role in facilitating this growth.
Growing demand for aromatic rice in Vietnamese aromatic rice exports
Citing sources, a report stated that Vietnamese officials have certified shipments totalling over 380 tons as eligible for preferential tariffs under the terms of the EVFTA. Specifically, the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection operating under Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has issued certificates of authenticity for four batches of aromatic rice under Vietnamese aromatic rice exports to the EU market. These shipments collectively exceed 380 tons in weight. Notably, the certification confirms that the specific rice varieties meet EU regulatory standards, thereby enabling exporters to avail themselves of the preferential tariff benefits. This development signals the growing demand for aromatic rice in Vietnamese aromatic rice exports. The report notes that three shipments, totalling 364.52 tons, have been certified on behalf of Ocean Blue Import-Export Company Limited, based in Ho Chi Minh City. These consignments reportedly consist of the OM5451 aromatic rice variety, characterised by a 5% broken-grain ratio, which is cultivated in An Giang province.
Furthermore, the breakdown of these exports reveals that 294 tons of the total certified volume are destined for the Czech Republic, while 20.52 tons will be shipped to Germany and 50 tons to France. Meanwhile, reports also mention that in the city of Can Tho, Hoang Minh Nhat Joint Stock Company has received certification for a distinct shipment of 23.95 tons of Jasmine 85 fragrant rice, containing 5% broken grains. Interestingly, this rice was cultivated in Bac Lieu province, now administratively part of Ca Mau province, and is destined for export to Poland. Notably, under EU regulations, imported fragrant rice must be accompanied by a certificate verifying its variety to ensure that it appears on the list approved by the European Commission. This requirement constitutes a mandatory prerequisite for Vietnamese fragrant rice to qualify for tariff preferences under the VFTA (Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement).
Vietnamese regulations impose strict controls on the production chain
Furthermore, Vietnamese regulations impose strict controls on the production chain. Under government decrees, exporters are required to provide clear documentation regarding seed origins, cultivation sites, and production facilities. Additionally, every shipment must undergo a quality inspection before certification. As for the number of Vietnamese rice varieties eligible for tariff preferences within the EU market, there are currently nine such fragrant rice varieties that qualify. These include Jasmine 85, ST5, ST20, Nang Hoa 9, VD20, RVT, OM4900, OM5451, and Tai Nguyen Cho Dao. However, the volume of individual shipments remains relatively modest. Nevertheless, industry experts suggest that these consistent exports to the EU underscore a stable demand for high-quality rice within the European market. It is worth noting that, under the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), the European Union grants Vietnam an annual rice quota of 80,000 tons, comprising 30,000 tons of milled rice, 20,000 tons of unmilled rice, and 30,000 tons of aromatic rice.
Significantly, Vietnam ranks among the world's leading rice-producing and exporting nations. Following the resumption of rice imports by the Philippines, Vietnam has once again commenced exporting rice to the country. Interestingly, Vietnam supplies rice to numerous nations across the globe, including the Philippines, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Ghana, and Ivory Coast, among others. Vietnam's annual rice exports range between 7 and 9 million tons .
