The Vietnamese rice sector is likely to face a host of challenges in export in 2025 after a successful year in 2024, according to experts.

Eight Vietnamese rice enterprises have been awarded AUD200,000 (approximately VND3.16 billion, or over US$124,300) for their efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in rice production.

Rice exports set new records in both volume and value in 2024 but the commodity is expected to face a difficult year ahead as India lifted its ban on non-basmati white rice exports in September, which will push up global rice supplies next year.

Vietnamese goods have steadily established a strong presence in the UK, with exports to this demanding market continously growing since 2021, said Hoang Le Hang, First Secretary of the Vietnam Trade Office in the UK.

VOV.VN - Vietnam exported nearly 8.5 million tonnes of rice worth US$5.31 billion over the past 11 months, up 10.6% in volume and 22.4% in value compared to the same period from last year, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has reported.

VOV.VN - By November 15, Vietnam’s rice exports had reached 8.05 million tonnes with a value of US$5.05 billion, according to statistics from the General Department of Customs.

Although Vietnam’s rice exports have traditionally focused on Asian markets, experts have advised businesses to pay more attention to Africa which has emerged as a key potential market.

VOV.VN - In 2024, Vietnam is expected to set a new record for rice exports, with forecasts indicating over 8 million tonnes would be exported and total export revenue would potentially surpass US$5 billion.

No Vietnamese rice is named in the list of the grain seized by Swedish authorities on suspicion of quality fraud, according to the Vietnam Trade Office in the European country.

Improving the rice quality, diversifying markets, and building a recognisable and trustworthy brand identity for Vietnamese rice are among measures for Vietnam to boost its rice exports, said Secretary of All India Spices Importers Federation (AISIF) Hiren Gandhi.