HANOI, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's rice exports are facing disruptions as tensions in the Middle East drive up shipping costs and insurance premiums, the Vietnam News Agency reported Wednesday.
Delivery times have lengthened by 10 to 15 days, while domestic transport costs have risen by 20,000 Vietnamese dong (about 0.8 U.S. dollars) to 30,000 Vietnamese dong (about 1.2 dollars), the report said, citing Nguyen Anh Son, director general of the Agency of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Exporters are grappling with container shortages and rerouted shipping services, forcing traders to renegotiate contracts, delay shipments, or hold back on new orders, the report added.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam's paddy output in 2026 is projected to reach about 45.6 million tons, with 7.73 million tons available for export. ■