Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s rice export is forecast to continue reaping successes this year as the wor༒ld's rice prices remain high at leastin the short term as global economic and political uncertainties ꩲhave resulted in a high demand for rice reserves, according toexperts.

According to the Vietnam Food Association, by the middle of lastmonth, Vietnam earned nearly 115 million USD from exporting more than 226,000tonnes of rice, an increase of over 41% in terms of both volumeand value compared to the same period last year. The country exported ST24 and ST25 rice to the Middle Eastregion with a record-high price of 1,000 USD per tonne, doubling the price ofnormal white rice. Vietnamese rice further penetrated demanding markets likeJapan and the EU. According to experts, more than 80% of rice varieties inVietnam are fragrant high-quality rice, which is an important factor that helpsincrease Vietnamese rice's value and accessibility to markets. This year’s rice prices are forecast to return its peak in2019 thanks to periodical factors and increasing demand for rice reserves incountries, including such populous nations as China and India. Moreover, Vietnamese rice exporters are taking advantage offree trade agreements. Pham Thai Binh, General Director of Trung An Hi-techAgriculture Joint Stocks Company, said that before the EU–Vietnam Free TradeAgreement (EVFTA) took effect, Vietnamese rice exported to the EU was taxed at high rates, from 5% to 45%, depending on countries. As the result, it was difficult for Vietnamese rice tocompete with those from Cambodia and Myanmar as the EU has exempted import taxesfor those countries. Meanwhile, although Thailand’s rice is heavily taxed butits branding is strong and long-lasting, resulting in its high competitiveness, Binh said. According to analysts from BIDV Securities Company (BSC),unfavourable weather conditions make major rice exporters like India andPakistan reduce export volumes while major rice importers like China increase imports. Vietnam and Thailand are expected to hold negotiations to discuss risingrice prices in the context of increasing prices of input materials. Last year, Vietnam exported nearly 7.2 million tonnes of rice, gaining 3.49 billion USD./.