Economics
Vietnam’s Rice Trade Thrown Into Turmoil on Export Halt Muddle
- Customs ordered exports to stop on Tuesday to protect supplies
- Trade minister has now asked the premier to delay the decision
Terraced rice fields in Mu Cang Chai, near Sapa, Northern Vietnam.
Photographer: Gavriel Jecan/AP Photo
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Vietnam’s rice traders have halted overseas shipments after the customs department ordered a temporary suspension of exports on Tuesday to ensure food security during the coronavirus pandemic. The country is the world’s third-largest exporter, behind India and Thailand.
“We have been unable to ship rice to the Philippines since customs clearance was suspended,” said Nguyen Van Thanh, director of Phuoc Thanh IV Co. “All we can do is to await the premier’s final say after the trade minister requested that the implementation of the customs decision be postponed.”