Senegal increases rice imports from Vietnam
VOV.VN - Senegal is a potentially lucrative market for Vietnamese rice due to high demand coming from the West African country, according to the Vietnam Trade Office in Algeria.
In 2023, Vietnam enjoyed a strong growth in rice exports to Senegal, with 12,392 tonnes shipped for US$5.35 million, up 215% in value compared to 2022, the trade office said in a statement on May 12.
In the first two months of 2024 alone, Vietnam exported 414 tonnes of rice to Senegal valued at US$307,820
This year, Senegal's demand for imported rice is forecasted to be high as people are stockpiling more food, including rice, amid a low rice supply in the domestic market.
Meanwhile, Senegal is preparing for the upcoming presidential election later this year, meaning it is likely to increase imports of rice from Asia.
In 2023, Senegal imported 1.3 million tonnes of rice worth more than US$500 million, down 12.4% in volume and nearly 13% in value compared to 2022.
India, Thailand, China, Pakistan, Uruguay, and Vietnam are the main suppliers of rice to Senegal – a market of more than 18 million consumers. Senegal also imports rice from Asia to re-export the staple to neighbouring countries.
