The Asia-African Market Department at the Ministry of Industry and Trade has joined hands with trade offices to arrange webinars introducing potential of the African and Middle East markets, which drew hundreds of Vietnamese firms.

Vietnam's rice exports to African nations have been on the rise.

African countries, especially those in the western region, have high demand for rice because local production cannot meet demand, especially during years with natural hazards, crop failure, political instability and diseases.

Algeria, in particular, relies entirely on rice imports, according to the Vietnam Trade Office in the country.

The surge in its rice consumption is attributed to the increase of Asian migrants in the country, particularly Chinese workers. Algeria purchased about 100,000 tonnes of rice per year, equivalent to 1% of the country’s food consumption.

Vietnam shipped in excess of 16,390 tonnes of rice to the African country in 2019, fetching US$6.28 million, a leap of 20.8% in value from the previous year. The figure hit US$14.58 million in the first six months of 2020, accounting for 58% of Vietnam’s total export value to Algeria.

Similarly, Senegal imports up to 800,000 tonnes of rice a year, primarily broken rice.

Vietnam’s rice exports to Senegal witnessed a sharp increase to 96,665 tonnes in 2019, earning US$32.62 million, rising 13.1-fold in volume and 10.2-fold in value.

The country shipped rice worth US$26.47 million in the first seven months of 2020, a year-on-year surge of 77.2%.

This year, Senegal is projected to import 1.25 million tonnes of the grain.

In both markets, Vietnamese rice faces tough competition from products of India, Thailand, Pakistan, Uruguay and China, among others.

The Vietnam Trade Office is keeping a close eye on adjustments in trade policies and rice import demand in the region, as well as import and payment regulations, especially in the context of Covid-19, to promptly inform businesses.

80,000 tonnes of duty-free rice to enter the EU market each year

Vietnam will export 80,000 tonnes of rice to the EU each year including 20,000 tonnes of not-yet-de-husked rice, 30,000 tonnes of de-husked rice and 30,000 tonnes of fragrant rice.

Rice prices in Mekong Delta on the increase

Rice prices in the Mekong Delta have been on an increasing trend over recent days.

Vietnam sees hike in rice exports to Africa

Vietnam’s exports of rice to the African market increased sharply in the first half of 2020 and are expected to keep rising over the following months and even into next year, according to Vietnamese Trade Counsellor to Algeria Hoang Duc Nhuan, who is also in charge of trade affairs in Mali, Niger, Senegal and Gambia.

Bac Lieu expands cultivation of world’s best rice varieties

The Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu has decided to expand the cultivation of ST 24 and ST 25, two local rice varieties that rank among the world’s best, this year.

“Rice and flower villages” programme flourishes

(BGO) - 5 years ago, Bac Giang Ornamental Creatures Association was assigned by Vietnam Ornamental Creatures Association to pilot the programme “Rice villages, flower villages”. Thanks to attention and joint efforts of the local party committee, government and people, the flower growing movement has been rapidly spread over the province from the piloted growing model in Dinh Tri commune, Bac Giang city generating high incomes for local people. 

Source: NDO/VNA