Vietnam exported more than 1.8 million tonnes of rice in the first quarter, earning 884 million USD, up 42.2% in volume and 45.7% in value over the same period last year, according to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA).

Under the contracts already signed with foreign partners, from April, Vietnam will continue to ship almost 1.6 million tones of rice.

In the second quarter this year , Vietnam expect to 2 million tones bringing the total rice export to 3.85 million tonnes by the end of June.

According to VFA, Vietnam ’s rice exports in the first quarter met some difficulties since Philippines , a traditional market of Vietnam ’s rice, delayed and reduced rice imports from Vietnam .

Africa and the Middle East regions also cut down their rice imports due to the political upheaval in the regions.

However, Vietnamese exporters were able to sign large contracts with customers in Indonesia , Bangladesh . As a result, the rice export of the country in the first quarter rapidly increased in both quantity and value. /.