India is one of the world’s largest rice exporters, and Vietnam, despite being a major rice-producing nation, continues to import specific rice varieties from India to meet domestic, commercial, and industrial demand. As trade cooperation between the countries increases, the rice export market has become one of the strongest business opportunities for Indian millers, wholesalers, and exporters.
This detailed guide explains market opportunities, rice varieties in demand, documentation requirements, shipping routes, packaging standards, cost structure, and the complete export process. However, as India expands its global presence, exporters looking to expand into new destinations, similar to insights covered in export rice from India trade updates, are finding Vietnam a fast-growing and profitable destination.
Vietnam is among the top rice-producing nations globally, yet it imports significant volumes from India due to the following reasons:
Vietnam’s food manufacturing industry relies heavily on:
These varieties from India are cost-effective and widely used in:
Premium Indian basmati varieties are not produced in Vietnam. Hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets rely on imports for:
India supplies competitively priced non-basmati and broken rice varieties, allowing Vietnamese importers to secure bulk quantities at lower cost.
Vietnamese retail superm`arkets increasingly stock Indian branded rice, especially:
India’s strong cultivation base from the top 10 rice producing states of India ensures reliable supply for international buyers, including Vietnam.
Vietnam’s demand for Indian rice is stable across multiple sectors:
Used for:
Hotels and restaurants prefer long-grain basmati due to aroma and grain length.
Urban consumers increasingly purchase packaged basmati for home cooking.
IR64 and Sona Masoori dominate the wholesale trade, offering steady volume demand.
Demand trends are consistent with global consumer preferences noted in studies similar to the top 10 types of rice market data.
Below is a detailed table showing the major rice categories shipped from India to Vietnam:
| Category | Rice Varieties | Primary Use in Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Basmati Rice | 1121, 1509, Pusa, Traditional | Hotels, supermarkets, premium retail |
| Non-Basmati Rice | IR64, PR11, Sona Masoori | Bulk trade, wholesalers |
| Broken Rice | 100% Broken White/Parboiled | Food processing & industries |
| Parboiled Rice | IR64 Parboiled, Swarna Parboiled | Mass food service & catering |
Many of these varieties are supplied by the top 10 rice exporters in India, who specialize in both basmati and non-basmati products.
Exporting rice to Vietnam requires meeting both Indian and Vietnamese regulations.
India’s standards align with global norms followed by the top rice exporter companies in the world.
Exporters must prepare the following:
Complete IEC, APEDA, GST, and FSSAI compliance.
Target:
Key checks include:
Common export bag sizes include:
Mandatory markings:
Main port routes:
India: Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Kandla
Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh, Hai Phong
Handled by the CHA (Custom House Agent).
Average transit time:
8–14 days, depending on the port and vessel schedule.
Rice export pricing depends on procurement cost, processing, packaging, transportation, and freight.
| Expense Component | Approx. Value |
|---|---|
| Raw Rice Procurement | ₹28 – ₹90/kg (variety dependent) |
| Milling & Processing | ₹1.5 – ₹3/kg |
| Packaging (per bag) | ₹2 – ₹10 |
| Inland Transport | ₹4,000 – ₹10,000 per truck |
| CHA & Documentation | ₹12,000 – ₹22,000 |
| Ocean Freight | ₹20,000 – ₹60,000 per container |
Staying updated on rice prices in India is essential when negotiating long-term supply contracts.
Vietnam enforces strict quality measures.
Shipping rice to Vietnam requires choosing the right sea route, transit timeline, and freight option to ensure timely delivery and cost efficiency.
| Origin Port (India) | Destination Port (Vietnam) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Mundra Port | Ho Chi Minh Port | Bulk rice containers, high-volume shipments |
| Nhava Sheva (JNPT) | Hai Phong Port | Basmati + packaged rice |
| Kandla Port | Ho Chi Minh Port | Non-basmati + broken rice export |
Transit time typically ranges between 8–14 days, depending on the shipping line, port congestion, and vessel schedule.
Indian exporters can find verified buyers through:
Useful for negotiating with supermarkets and food processors.
1. Documentation Errors
Solution: Use an experienced CHA.
2. Freight Delays
Solution: Book earlier, monitor vessel schedules.
3. Payment Security
Solution: Use LC (Letter of Credit) or Advance TT.
4. Quality Complaints
Solution: Use moisture-proof, export-grade packaging.
Vietnam’s rising demand for non-basmati, broken, and premium basmati rice continues to offer Indian exporters a strong competitive edge. Moreover, India’s advanced milling ecosystem and cost-effective supply chain position the country among the top rice-exporting nations, enabling businesses to expand beyond Asia including opportunities to export rice from India to the USA as well.
Additionally, with the right documentation, streamlined logistics, regulatory compliance, and reliable buyer connections, exporters can confidently export rice from India to Vietnam and build long-term, scalable trade partnerships. As global demand strengthens across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and North America, Vietnam remains one of the most promising and stable destinations for Indian rice exporters.
Ready to start exporting? Connect with Shah Enterprises today and grow your rice export business with expert guidance and end-to-end support.
Shah Enterprises delivers premium export-quality rice at competitive prices with reliable, on-time global shipping you can trust.
