HCMC – In a landmark shift for grain trade, Vietnam accounted for over 50% of to the Philippines’ total rice imports in January 2026. This marks the highest market concentration ever recorded for this major importing partner.
According to preliminary data from the Department of Vietnam Customs, Vietnam exported 651,430 tons of rice in the first month of this year, generating nearly US$309.9 million in revenue. While export volume surged by 22.1% compared to the same period last year, total value saw a marginal decline of 2.1%. The average export price for January stood at about US$475.7 per ton.
The Philippines maintained its position as Vietnam’s top buyer, importing 331,770 tons worth a total of US$147.4 million. This represented 50.93% of Vietnam’s total rice export volume and 47.7% of its total value for the month. The average price for shipments to the Philippines was recorded at US$444.2 per ton.
This is the first time the Philippine market has exceeded the 50% threshold in volume, a significant jump from 2025 when it accounted for 40% of Vietnam’s total exports (equivalent to 3.206 million tons).
Other notable markets in January 2026 included China with 118,189 tons and US$56.8 million, Ghana wit 52,654 tons and US$27.6 million and Malaysia with 47,738 tons and US$19.5 million.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam is projected to produce around 43.5 million tons of paddy (equivalent to about 26 million tons of processed rice) for the 2025-2026 crop season. Of this output, roughly 7.73 million tons is earmarked for export this year.
