From common white rice products to fragrant rice and high-end specialty rice such as ST24 and ST25, Vietnam’s exported rice is popular in many markets around the world. With the modernization of the agricultural sector, supportive government policies, and free trade agreements, Vietnamese rice exporters have many opportunities to increase revenue and expand market share, even as global prices stay under pressure in 2026. In this article, we take a detailed look at Vietnam’s main export rice varieties to understand the characteristics and strengths of each one.
Overview of Vietnam’s rice exports
Vietnam is one of the world’s top three rice exporters, alongside India and Thailand, and is projected to remain the world’s second-largest exporter by volume, behind only India. Vietnam began exporting rice in 1989, and the commodity has gradually come to play an important role in the national economy. In 2024, the industry hit a record, exporting about 9 million tons, up 11% from the previous year, with an export value of about $5.7 billion. In 2025, however, a global downturn in rice prices pulled results down: Vietnam exported more than 8.06 million tons worth over $4.1 billion, a decline of 10.8% in volume and 27.6% in value from 2024. The trend continued into 2026. In the first nine months of the year, Vietnam exported about 6.4 million tons worth $3.11 billion, down 6.1% in volume and 10.9% in value year over year, as global demand weakened and prices fell. The average export price over the period was about $484.8 per ton, down 5.1%. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment forecasts full-year 2026 exports of nearly 7.74 million tons, worth about $3.94 billion, roughly 4% lower than in 2025.
The 10 types of rice most exported from Vietnam
#1. ST25 Rice
ST25 rice is the result of more than 20 years of research and selection by engineer Ho Quang Cua and his colleagues in Soc Trang. With its outstanding quality, ST25 rice has twice been honored in the “World’s Best Rice” contest. The grains are long, slender, and slightly flattened, with a clear white color, no chalky belly, and very little crumbling after cooking. The average grain length is about 7.8 mm, an ideal standard for high-end markets. In terms of taste, exported ST25 rice has the characteristic aroma of pandan leaves mixed with the scent of young green rice flakes. When cooked, the grains are soft and elastic, hold their shape, do not dry out as they cool, and have a naturally sweet taste. ST25 rice is also rich in nutrients. These qualities have kept the price of exported ST25 rice in the highest group among Vietnamese rice, ranging from $800 to $1,200 per ton, which brings great economic value. ST25 rice maintains its position in the high-end export category and remains popular despite market fluctuations.
#2. ST20 Rice
Besides ST25, ST20 rice is another typical representative of Vietnam’s high-end specialty aromatic rice. As a member of the famous ST fragrant rice family, ST20 rice is produced using a closed-loop process, mainly in Nga Nam District (Soc Trang), where conditions are ideal for high-quality rice cultivation. When cooked, the grains are evenly arranged, beautiful, and eye-catching. The rice has a soft, elastic texture and a sweet taste, with a characteristic aroma of pandan leaves mixed with the scent of young green rice flakes that is popular with many consumers. In particular, with a low amylose content and a protein content of at least 10%, ST20 rice is not only delicious but also keeps people feeling full for a long time. In addition, growing this variety requires less pesticide use, so it is environmentally friendly and healthier for consumers. ST20 belongs to the high-end segment of Vietnam’s exported rice. In many shipments to the European market, the export price of ST20 rice has exceeded $1,000 per ton, a price that accurately reflects the quality of this rice.
#3. Fragrant Rice
Fragrant rice is popular in the international market thanks to its characteristic aroma and outstanding quality. It is grown mainly in the Mekong Delta, an area with ideal natural conditions for fragrant rice varieties. With long grains that stay tender after cooking and an attractive natural aroma, fragrant rice meets the taste and quality standards of many major export markets, such as Europe and Asia. Among exported fragrant rice, the most prominent is Jasmine rice, which sells at a higher price than many ordinary white rice varieties thanks to its texture and delicate, light aroma. In early August 2026, Vietnamese fragrant 5% broken rice was quoted at $500–$505 per ton, well above Thai 5% broken rice ($450–$454), Pakistani ($401–$405), and Indian ($360–$364).
#4. Specialty Rice (Glutinous, Brown, Red)
Specialty rice varieties such as glutinous rice, brown rice, and red rice are rich in nutritional value and tied to Vietnamese culinary traditions.
4.1. Glutinous rice
Glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice (Oryza sativa var. glutinosa), is a key ingredient in many famous dishes across Asia, such as suman (a glutinous rice cake from the Philippines), tteok (Korea), and traditional cakes of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Glutinous rice has short, round grains that become tender and sticky when cooked. The export price of glutinous rice has ranged from $580 to $590 per ton, higher than many types of conventional white rice because of limited supply and strong demand, especially from the Chinese market.
4.2. Brown rice
Brown rice is rice that has been milled only to remove the husk, retaining the outer bran layer and, with it, the nutritional value. This type of rice has a history of thousands of years and was a staple food in the early stages of wet rice agriculture. Thanks to its abundant nutrients and many health benefits, brown rice is popular in many international markets, especially Japan. The export price of brown rice can reach $533 per ton.
4.3. Red rice
Finally, there is red rice, also known as dragon’s blood rice, a special rice that originates from wetlands such as the Plain of Reeds (Dong Thap Muoi) and the Long Xuyen Quadrangle. The grains are dark red or honey brown, with a slightly salty taste, a natural aroma, and a chewy texture when cooked. Red rice is rich in protein and fiber and contains powerful antioxidants such as anthocyanins, myricetin, and quercetin. Because it is positioned as a product for the high-end market and for health-conscious consumers, the price of exported red rice is often higher than that of ordinary white rice. The diversity and value of specialty rice not only enrich the list of Vietnamese rice exports but also help improve the position of Vietnamese rice in the international market.
#5. White Rice
Among the 10 types of rice exported from Vietnam, common white rice accounts for the largest share thanks to its abundant output, affordable price, and ability to meet mass-market demand. It is a basic type of rice grown in many regions across the country, especially in the two major deltas, the Mekong Delta and the Red River Delta. Although it does not have the characteristic aroma of exported ST25 rice or other fragrant rice, common white rice can still have a slight natural aroma, depending on the variety. Because it suits everyday use and is reasonably priced, it is widely consumed in major markets such as China, the Philippines, African countries, and many Southeast Asian countries. However, compared with brown rice or specialty rice, common white rice has lower nutritional content because the bran and germ layers are removed during milling. In 2026, the export price of this type of rice has generally ranged from about $365 to $430 per ton, far below the price of exported ST25 rice or specialty rice. Even so, thanks to stable output and large consumer demand, common white rice remains a key product in Vietnam’s rice export portfolio, helping maintain market share in traditional markets and low-cost markets worldwide.
#6. Rice 5451
With its high yield and competitive price, 5451 rice (OM 5451) is another prominent name on the list. It has long, tapered grains (about 6.6–7.8 mm), a milky white color, and little chalkiness. When cooked, the rice has a medium elasticity, is soft, has a slight aroma, and stays soft as it cools. This variety resists common diseases such as brown planthoppers, rice blast, and leaf blight, and it adapts well to acidic (alum) and saline soils, making it well suited to farming conditions in many regions. As a high-yielding variety, OM 5451 is exported at consistently competitive prices that depend on the market and quality. Although these prices are lower than the price of exported ST25 rice and specialty aromatic rice, abundant output and stable quality mean that 5451 rice still accounts for a large share of the popular rice segment.
#7. Nang Hoa Rice
Nang Hoa rice has large, long, slender grains that are clear white or milky white with very little chalkiness. When cooked, the grains are tender, lightly fragrant, and naturally sweet, which makes for an attractive and delicious meal. The rice swells moderately and does not crumble, so each grain keeps its shape after cooking. Nang Hoa rice plants can withstand harsh weather conditions, which helps ensure stable yields across seasons. Nang Hoa rice also commands high export prices and is popular in many markets, such as China, Southeast Asia, and Latin American countries.
#8. Rice 4900
Rice 4900 was bred by researchers from Jasmine 85 and Lemont C53 rice. The grains have a characteristic light aroma and, when cooked, are soft and moderately elastic. In terms of trade, the export price of 4900 rice is relatively low, ranging from $430 to $520 per ton, which suits popular markets such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, where there is a need to import large quantities of rice at reasonable prices. Thanks to its stable output and reasonable price, 4900 rice is a strategic product that meets mass-market demand for rice in the international market.
#9. Japonica Rice
Among Vietnam’s exported rice, Japonica belongs to the high-end segment and mainly serves discerning markets such as Japan, Korea, Europe, China, and Taiwan. In Vietnam, Japonica rice is grown mainly in northern provinces such as Ha Giang, Phu Tho, and Son La under high-quality production models. The grains are round, short, and milky or ivory white, and they are thicker and firmer than ordinary rice. When cooked, the rice has a characteristic chewy texture that is very popular in Japanese cuisine, along with a light aroma and rich sweetness. A highlight of Japonica rice for export is its safe production process, which uses no preservatives and limited pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and which suits the healthy-eating trends in developed countries. In terms of trade, the price of Japonica rice for export is always in the highest group because of the strict quality requirements of importing markets. This rice enriches the structure of Vietnam’s rice exports and opens opportunities for deeper access to high-end markets around the world.
#10. RVT Rice
RVT rice is one of the high-end rice varieties that is highly regarded for both its quality and its commercial value. It is a high-quality pure variety, the result of cooperation between research institutes and domestic enterprises to create products that meet international standards. In appearance, RVT rice has bright, clear, evenly white grains with very few impurities, a big plus in the eyes of importers. When cooked, the rice is white, soft, and smooth, with a naturally rich taste, moderate elasticity, and few broken grains. These advantages have helped RVT rice win over many markets, such as China, ASEAN countries, and Europe. The export price of RVT rice is usually 15–30% higher than that of common rice, reflecting the rice’s outstanding quality and market preference.
2026 export price update
Vietnam’s rice export industry has faced a difficult 2026. In the first two months of the year, the average export price was $464.1 per ton, down 15.4% from the same period in 2025, and Vietnamese 5% broken rice was quoted at up to $365 per ton in early March. Prices began to recover in the middle of the year. The average export price in July reached $511 per ton, up 5.8% year over year and the first annual increase of 2026. Over the first eight months, the average was $481.5 per ton (down 5.9%), and over the first nine months it was $484.8 per ton (down 5.1%). As of October 1, 2026, Vietnamese 5% broken rice was offered at $420–$430 per ton, compared with about $430 a week earlier. Traders report that overseas demand remains weak despite limited domestic supply, with the Philippines buying cautiously and supplies from competing exporters such as India ample. Higher freight costs linked to tensions in the Middle East have added further pressure. Even so, Vietnamese fragrant rice has kept a clear price premium: in early August 2026, it was quoted at $500–$505 per ton, well above Thai, Pakistani, and Indian 5% broken rice. Despite fierce competition from large suppliers, Vietnamese rice is gradually occupying the upper-middle segment and moving into higher-end segments, where demand is strong, especially in Japan, the United States, and the European Union. However, the volume exported to these markets remains small, which leaves businesses considerable room to expand production and exports of specialty and fragrant rice.
Which countries import Vietnamese rice?
Destinations for Vietnam’s rice exports are spread across continents. In the first nine months of 2026, the main markets were:
- Philippines: Vietnam’s largest rice market, accounting for 40.9% of total shipments, although the value of exports to this market fell 16.8% year over year.
- China: The second-largest market, with a 17.4% share. The value of exports to China rose 76% year over year, and in the first eight months China spent nearly $505 million on more than 1 million tons of Vietnamese rice.
- Ghana: The third-largest market, with a 12.7% share, though the value of exports to Ghana declined 1.1%.
- Iraq: The fastest-growing market, with exports up nearly 99-fold year over year.
- Ivory Coast: The steepest decline among Vietnam’s 15 largest markets, down 52.8% after becoming the second-largest market in 2025 (about 1.06 million tons).
In addition, Vietnam exports rice to many other markets in Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and elsewhere. Malaysia and Singapore, for example, were among the other notable buyers in the first half of 2026.
Factors that help Vietnamese rice maintain a strong position in the international market
One of the outstanding advantages of Vietnam’s exported rice is its high quality and wide variety. Vietnam currently exports many types of fragrant, white, and specialty rice. The most prominent is exported ST25 rice, with prices of up to $1,200 per ton, which exceed those of both Thailand’s Hom Mali rice and India’s Basmati rice. This variety allows Vietnam to meet different requirements in the international market, from the economy segment to the high-end segment. In addition, Vietnam’s rice products, especially aromatic and specialty rice, have built strong brands in the world market, creating a sustainable competitive advantage. In terms of markets, Vietnamese rice is consumed steadily in many countries. The Philippines remains the largest market, accounting for a high share of total rice export revenue, while China has become a fast-growing second market. Vietnam is also expanding into promising markets, especially in Africa and the Middle East. This shows that Vietnamese rice is widely popular and that businesses can adapt and expand their markets effectively. In addition, the government has adopted many policies that promote the development of the industry, including policies to support raw-material growing areas, apply international standards, improve traceability, and strengthen links between businesses and farmers. This not only helps stabilize output but also improves the quality of rice from the inputs onward, creating a foundation for winning over discerning markets. At the same time, Vietnamese rice exporters are gradually modernizing their processing technology, strictly controlling pesticide residues, and obtaining many international certifications, such as HACCP and GlobalGAP. These efforts have enhanced the reputation of Vietnamese rice exports, opened opportunities for sustainable growth, and affirmed the commodity’s position on the global food map.
