Vietnam's Rice Exports Face Delays Due to Middle East Conflict

Hanoi (ANTARA) - Vietnam’s rice exports are facing disruptions as tensions in the Middle East push up shipping costs and insurance premiums, according to a report by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on Wednesday (25/3). Delivery times have lengthened by between 10 and 15 days, while domestic transport costs have risen by 20,000 Vietnamese dong (1 Vietnamese dong = Rp0.64) to 30,000 Vietnamese dong, the report stated, citing Nguyen Anh Son, Director General of the General Department of Vietnam Customs under the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Exporters are dealing with a container crisis and diverted shipping services, compelling traders to renegotiate contracts, postpone deliveries, or withhold new orders, the report added. According to Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the country’s paddy output in 2026 is forecast to reach around 45.6 million tonnes, with 7.73 million tonnes available for export.