FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 04/02 - VIET NAM (2 April)
Harvesting of the winter/spring rice crop is underway in southern regions, where below normal rainfall had only an insignificant effect on the crop. The output is estimated to be slightly below that of 2001. In the northern areas, rainfall has generally been above normal and a good crop is expected. The aggregate paddy production from all seasons in 2002 is tentatively forecast at 32.3 million tonnes, marginally above 31.9 million tonnes in 2001.
Vietnam, the number two rice exporter in the world, plans to export about 3.8 million tonnes of rice in 2002, against 3.5 million tonnes exported in 2001. However, the rice market is under pressure from India’s efforts to reduce its rice stocks, and during the first quarter of 2002 there was a sharp decline in Vietnam’s rice exports. Consequently, total rice exports in 2002 are likely to be below the target.