Rice shipments from Vietnam climbing on lower prices

Hanoi

RICE exports from Vietnam, the world's third-largest shipper, will probably rebound this year as lower prices boost demand, while competition with Thailand keeps the gain to single digits, according to the government.

"The Chinese market will definitely become active again after quiet periods late in 2014 and early this year," said Tran Tuan Anh, deputy minister of industry and trade. Competitive prices, suitable varieties, and geographic proximity in particular to China, are Vietnam's advantages over Thailand, the top shipper. Exports may rise "less than 10 per cent" in 2015, he said.