Free trade pact boosts Vietnamese rice entry into EU market

• EVFTA tariff concessions support Vietnamese rice exports to Europe
• Premium aromatic varieties gain traction across key EU markets

Vietnamese fragrant rice is gradually strengthening its presence in the European Union market, supported by preferential tariff access under the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Recent export certifications confirm this trend, with more than 380 tonnes (t) of rice approved for shipment across four consignments to European destinations.

The largest share of the shipment comprised the OM5451 variety, accounting for 364.52 t, highlighting sustained demand for Vietnamese long-grain rice in the EU’s premium segment. The consignments were distributed across several markets, including 294 t to the Czech Republic, 20.52 t to Germany, and 50 t to France. In addition, 23.95 t of Jasmine 85 rice were shipped separately to Poland.

Premium varieties strengthen market positioning

Under the EVFTA framework, the EU grants Vietnam an annual quota of 80,000 t of rice, comprising 30,000 t of milled rice, 20,000 t of husked rice, and 30,000 t of fragrant rice. The agreement also allows unlimited access for broken rice, providing Vietnamese exporters with additional market flexibility.

Currently, nine Vietnamese aromatic rice varieties, including Jasmine 85, ST5, ST20, and OM5451, qualify for preferential tariff treatment in the EU. While individual shipment volumes remain relatively modest, the steady flow of consignments suggests consistent demand for high-quality rice within European markets.

Competition and sustainability shaping outlook

The EU rice market is increasingly shifting toward premium and specialty segments, where quality, traceability, and sustainability standards play a growing role in procurement decisions. Vietnamese exporters are competing with suppliers from Thailand and Cambodia, both of which maintain strong positions in the aromatic rice segment.

However, Vietnamese varieties such as OM5451 and Dai Thom 8 have already established a foothold, while ST25, a premium aromatic variety, is gaining recognition among international buyers. At the same time, European buyers are placing greater emphasis on low-emission production systems and transparent supply chains, pushing exporters to strengthen sustainability compliance and traceability across the value chain.

As Vietnam continues to align its production and export systems with these evolving standards, the country is positioning its rice sector not only to increase volumes but also to capture higher value within global premium rice markets.