Vietnam maintained its position as a major rice supplier to Indonesia during the first eight months of 2024. According to the latest data released by the Indonesian Statistics Agency (Badan Pusat Statistik), Vietnam exported 870,000 tons of rice to Indonesia during this period, with a total value of $542 million. This data highlights Vietnam’s significant role in Indonesia’s rice import market, ranking as the second-largest supplier.

Reports from Indonesian government agencies show that between January and August 2024, Indonesia imported a total of 3.05 million tons of rice, valued at $1.91 billion. This figure reflects Indonesia’s continued demand for imported rice to meet its domestic consumption needs.

Among Indonesia’s rice import sources, Thailand ranks first, exporting 1.13 million tons valued at $735 million. Vietnam follows closely in second place. Pakistan ranks third, exporting 460,000 tons of rice to Indonesia, valued at $290 million. These three countries constitute the primary sources of Indonesia’s rice imports.

The Indonesian National Logistics Agency recently launched a large-scale rice import tender. This tender plans to import 450,000 tons of 5% broken white rice, setting a new record for the country’s rice import tenders. This move reflects the Indonesian government’s proactive measures to ensure stable domestic rice supply.

The tender specifications clearly state that this rice must come from five countries: Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Pakistan, and requires delivery within the next two months. This time requirement indicates Indonesia’s urgent need for rice supply.

In this tender, Indonesia specifically designated 5% broken white rice. This variety is widely popular in international rice trade. Its name derives from its quality standard: only 5 out of 100 grains of rice are allowed to be broken. This grade of rice is generally considered high quality and can meet the needs of most consumers.

To better understand the concept of broken rice, it’s necessary to explain what broken rice is. Broken rice refers to rice grain fragments produced during rice processing or transportation. While these fragments may affect the texture and appearance of cooked rice, they do not affect its nutritional value. The proportion of broken rice is an important indicator of rice quality.

As one of the world’s major rice exporters, Vietnam’s strong performance in the Indonesian market demonstrates the competitiveness of Vietnam’s rice industry. It also reflects the solid trade relationship between Vietnam and Indonesia, especially in the agricultural product sector.

Key points:

• In the first eight months of 2024, Vietnam exported 870,000 tons of rice to Indonesia, valued at $542 million.
• Vietnam is the second-largest rice supplier to Indonesia.
• Indonesia imported a total of 3.05 million tons of rice during the same period, valued at $1.91 billion.
• Thailand is Indonesia’s largest rice supplier, exporting 1.13 million tons valued at $735 million.
• Indonesia launched a tender to import 450,000 tons of 5% broken white rice.
• The tender requires rice from Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Pakistan, to be delivered within two months.
• 5% broken white rice refers to high-quality rice where only 5 out of 100 grains are broken.