Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade announced that the Philippines plans to import 3.6 million tons of rice in 2026, with 75 to 80 per cent supplied from Vietnam.
This comes after the Philippines extended ban on rice imports last year.
Le Thanh Tung, vice president of the Vietnam Rice Sector Association (VIETRISA), confirmed this on the trade body’s website.
However, the Philippines remains a traditional and important market for Vietnam’s rice sector, he warned that import standards have risen sharply, particularly around food safety, traceability and compliance with global green standards.
This comes as the Philippines seeks to balance imports with protection of its domestic rice sector.
“At present, the Philippines is importing rice while simultaneously balancing its domestic rice market. This time, import standards are higher than before, particularly in terms of food safety and traceability. In short, they are demanding Vietnamese rice that meets global green standards. If we do not pay sufficient attention to these requirements, Vietnamese rice will face difficulties accessing the Philippine market, even if import volumes are large,” said Le.
He added that the Philippines will implement measures to manage import volumes and protect local farmers, especially during its domestic harvest periods.
The Philippine Ministry of Agriculture has already indicated that import tariffs will apply to rice from partner countries, including Vietnam.
“This is a factor exporters need to monitor closely,” said Le.
Opportunities and challenges ahead
Regardless, the resumption of rice exports to the Philippines in 2026 represents a major opportunity for Vietnam, which has since expanded its export markets since the ban.
“In 2025, they temporarily halted imports, during which time we sought out and expanded into several new markets. Now that they are returning to purchase Vietnamese rice, if we can both maintain these new partners and continue exporting 2.5 to 3 million tonnes to the Philippines, the trade flow of Vietnamese rice in the Mekong Delta could become more dynamic.”
However, Le emphasised that the core challenge for Vietnam’s rice industry is not the number of export partners, but whether Vietnamese rice can consistently meet international standards.
“Today, customers are increasingly concerned about traceability, food safety and environmental standards. If our products lack transparent origins or fail to meet green standards, it will be very difficult to sustain markets over the long term.”
He pointed to Vietnam’s one-million-hectare project as a critical response to these pressures.
“The one-million-hectare programme for high-quality, low-emission rice is a very sound direction. Its objective is not only to increase yields, but also to improve grain quality, reduce environmental impacts and meet the requirements of demanding markets. When production follows green, controlled processes, Vietnamese rice can more easily meet international standards.”
Traceability, he added, is becoming a non-negotiable requirement rather than a value-added feature. Many markets now mandate clear traceability systems, and failure to comply could place Vietnamese rice at a competitive disadvantage.
He stressed the importance of shifting towards greener production practices.
“Farmers need to change their production mindset, moving towards green farming practices, reducing chemical use and protecting the environment. Businesses must invest in raw material zones, processing technology and traceability systems. Close linkages between farmers, cooperatives and enterprises are decisive in improving quality and stabilising market access.”
Le concluded: “The long-term orientation is to develop the rice sector in a sustainable, high-quality, environmentally friendly and internationally integrated direction. Vietnamese rice should not compete on volume alone, but on quality, branding and added value. Once green standards and clear traceability are achieved, Vietnamese rice will secure a firm position in the global market.”
