How to Import Vietnam Japonica Rice: A Comprehensive Guide

Rice is the foundation of many cuisines around the world, and Vietnamese rice has been recognized as one of the world’s best. So Vietnam has become a preferred choice for many importers who want to import rice, in particular, Japonica rice.

In this blog, we’ll explore why Vietnam is emerging as a leading origin for Japonica rice and walk you through how to import it smoothly.

What is Japonica Rice?

Japonica rice is a short-grain rice variety known for its round shape, soft texture, and naturally sticky consistency when cooked. It is commonly used across East Asian cuisines, especially in Japan, Korea, and China.

Different from Indica rice, which is long and cooked into separate fluffy grains, Japonica rice becomes soft and slightly sticky when cooked, making it ideal for sushi and rice balls.

Due to the increasing demand for high-quality short-grain rice, Vietnam has become a competitive sourcing destination thanks to its comparable quality and lower rice.

Outlook for Vietnam’s Japonica rice export market

Vietnam remains one of the world’s leading rice exporters. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam exported approximately 2.2 million tonnes of rice in the first quarter of 2025, with an export value of USD 1.14 billion. This represents a slight 0.6% increase in volume compared to the same period in 2024.

In recent years, Japonica rice has gained more attention in Vietnam’s export structure. The Vietnam Food Association (VFA) noted that Japonica accounted for about 4.4% of Vietnam’s total rice exports (5.8 million tonnes) in 2017, and its share has continued to rise as global demand for premium and specialty rice increases.

The growth trend is also reflected in new export activities. On June 5, the Vietnam Rice Industry Association (VIETRISA) facilitated the export of 500 tonnes of Japonica rice, marking an important milestone and signaling stronger investment in Japonica production and export networks.

Why is Vietnam a leading source of Japonica rice?

For businesses looking to import Japonica rice, Vietnam has proven to be a highly advantageous sourcing destination.

The following points explain why Vietnam is a strong and reliable origin for importing Japonica rice.

1. Geographical features

Vietnam benefits from fertile soil, especially in the Mekong and Red River deltas. These regions have the right balance of water, sunlight, and nutrient-rich soil, allowing Japonica rice to grow strong and healthy across multiple harvest seasons.

Also these geographical features, Vietnam can grow rice all over the country. In the southern and central regions, rice is cultivated in vast flat fields, while in the northern highlands, it is grown on terraced fields that follow the mountain slopes.

2. Skilled farming communities

Vietnam has had a long-standing tradition of rice cultivation for centuries. Over many generations, Vietnamese farmers have developed techniques to adapt rice cultivation to different terrains and climates. This long history has shaped a skilled farming culture where knowledge, care, and experience are passed down through families.

3. Competitive pricing

Vietnam offers more competitive rice prices compared to many other exporting countries, thanks to its abundant agricultural workforce and stable labor costs.

In addition, naturally fertile soil means farmers do not need to rely heavily on fertilizers or intensive land treatment, which helps lower production costs.

Combined with large-scale cultivation areas and multiple harvest seasons, Vietnam can maintain a stable and continuous supply throughout the year, allowing export prices to remain consistent and competitive.

4. Reliable supply chain

Vietnam has a well-developed rice export infrastructure, including modern milling facilities, storage warehouses, and ports located close to key rice-producing regions. This allows exporters to handle large shipment volumes and manage delivery schedules smoothly.

3 ways to find reliable Vietnam Japonica rice suppliers

Choosing the right supplier is the foundation of a smooth importing process. Vietnam has a large network of Japonica rice producers and exporters, but quality and reliability can vary.

Here are effective sourcing channels to help you find reliable suppliers.

1. Trade fairs

Trade fairs and agricultural exhibitions are among the most effective ways to connect with reputable rice suppliers in person.

Vietnam hosts several international and national trade fairs each year, bringing rice producers, cooperatives, exporters, and food industry professionals together. By attending these fairs, you can meet suppliers in person, see Japonica rice samples upfront, and compare product quality in real time.

Some well-known events include the Vietnam Food Expo, Agritechnica Asia Live, and the Vietnam International Agriculture Fair. These fairs usually feature dedicated sections for rice and grain exhibitors, making it easier to find suppliers who specialize in Japonica rice. When walking through the booths, you can observe grain size, color, aroma, packaging options, and even cooking characteristics if tasting sessions are available.

Most major trade fairs require prior registration, while some exhibitions offer free access. For example, admission to the Vietnam Food Expo often ranges from around $50 to $100 per person.

Here are a few tips to identify quality suppliers at the event:

• Booth size and location: Reputable suppliers often secure larger or centrally located booths.
• Certifications and awards: Look for suppliers displaying certifications like ISO, HACCP, USDA Organic, or export quality awards. These signify reliable compliance and quality control.
• Product samples: Take your time to examine rice samples. Check grain size, color, fragrance, moisture feel, and even request a small cooking trial when possible. With Japonica rice, texture and stickiness matter.

2. B2B promotion platforms

B2B platforms act as a bridge between buyers and rice suppliers, providing access to detailed company profiles, product information, certifications, and customer reviews. Platforms such as Alibaba, VinaSources, and Global Source are developed to showcase verified Vietnamese suppliers and help buyers evaluate them confidently.

Some sites worth checking:

• Alibaba: You can find a wide range of Japonica rice suppliers from different countries, including Vietnam. The platform lets you compare pricing, view product details, and check supplier ratings, which helps you shortlist potential partners before requesting samples.
• Global Sources: It’s a global site that can connect international buyers with verified and export-ready Japonica rice suppliers. In particular, many suppliers on this platform are already experienced in global trade. It can be easier to find partners who understand the international importing process.
• VinaSources: Focuses exclusively on Vietnamese manufacturers, allowing you to search and filter suppliers based on certifications such as ISO 9001 or other industry quality standards.

Beyond B2B platforms, you can also look directly at some well-known rice suppliers in Vietnam. These include:

• Vietnam Southern Food Corporation (Vinafood II): well-known for high-quality Japonica rice.
• Gia International Corporation: A leading Vietnamese exporter that partners with reputable rice mills to deliver Japonica and other premium rice varieties to international buyers.
• Van Loi Food Processing CO., Ltd.: A top rice exporting company that sources rice from major growing regions to international supply.
• An Giang Import Export Company (Angimex): One of Vietnam’s longest-operating rice exporters, recognized for its strong supply network and reliable export capabilities.

3. Vietnamese rice industry associations

Vietnam has several industry associations and government-linked organizations that support the rice export sector. Some of the most influential associations include:

• Vietnam Food Association (VFA)
• Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)
• Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association (VOAA)
• Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT)

Each of these organizations provides different types of support, offering valuable updates on market conditions, exporter directories, pricing trends, and regulations that affect import and export procedures.

These groups provide lists of certificated rice exporters, which can be a good starting point for finding legitimate suppliers.

Quick guide to importing good Japonica rice from Vietnam?

If you’re planning to buy Japonica rice from Vietnam, a clear process will help everything go more smoothly. Let’s walk through some practical steps you can follow.

1. Find reliable suppliers in Vietnam

Finding reliable Vietnamese rice suppliers is crucial, so you should take time to assess them thoroughly.

These are some tips that can help you find reliable suppliers:

Firstly, you should look for suppliers with strong export experience. This ensures they understand international standards, documentation requirements, and shipment procedures.

Also, check for positive customer feedback through reviews, testimonials, or references from past buyers. It is a good sign of reliability if they have consistent positive feedback

Finally, verify that the supplier holds quality certifications such as ISO or HACCP. These certifications show that their production and handling processes meet consistent food safety and quality standards.

2. Request samples

Before making a bulk purchase, you should ask suppliers to send Japonica rice samples to evaluate the rice’s texture, grain size, and cooking performance. This will help you ensure the rice meets your standards.

3. Negotiate terms and contracts

Once you are satisfied with the sample quality, it’s time to discuss the contract. A clear, well-structured contract helps avoid misunderstandings later and protects both you and the supplier.

Your contract should clearly state the specific product quality, including details like grain grade, moisture level, and broken percentage. This ensures the rice you receive matches the rice you approved during sampling.

Next, confirm the pricing and note if there are any additional charges such as inspection fees, packaging costs, or inland transport. It’s better to clarify everything up front rather than face unexpected costs later.

Besides, be sure to include the delivery timeline, shipping arrangements, payment terms, Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ), and the lead time needed for production and preparation.

4. Custom procedure preparation

When you import Vietnam Japonica rice, it’s important to prepare the correct documents so the shipment can pass through customs smoothly.

You will typically need the following documents:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading (B/L)
• Phytosanitary Certificate
• Certificate of Origin (CO)
• Quality Certificate or Inspection Certificate
• Export License / Customs Declaration

5. Packing and Labelling

Packaging and labeling truly make a big difference when importing Japonica rice from Vietnam. Proper packaging and labeling protect rice quality during international transit.

Please keep the following points in mind:

• Use strong, moisture-resistant bags to prevent grains from absorbing humidity during shipping.
• Ensure all bags are clean, dry, and securely sealed to prevent contamination or insect activity.
• Label each package with key details, including product name, net weight, country of origin, supplier information, production date, and storage instructions.

6. Import country regulations

When importing Japonica rice from Vietnam, it is very important to understand the regulations of the destination country, as requirements can vary widely.

For example, Japan is known for having one of the strictest quality control and food safety standards in the world. Imported rice must pass regulations related to pesticide residues, farming practices, and post-harvest processing. In particular, Japan applies over 600 inspection criteria covering aspects such as soil and cultivation environment, pest and disease control methods, and others.

7. Arrange shipping and logistics

Once packaging and labeling are complete, the next stage is shipping and logistics. Most importers choose between sea freight and air freight depending on volume and urgency. Sea freight is cost-efficient for bulk shipments, while air freight provides faster delivery times at a higher cost.

Logistics today is much simpler than it used to be. Many freight providers now allow you to book shipments online and track your container in real time, from the port in Vietnam all the way to your warehouse.

Work with VinaSources to import Japonica rice from Vietnam

If the process of finding the right supplier still feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many international importers struggle with communication barriers, supplier verification, or simply not knowing where to start.

To make the process smoother, you can partner with a Vietnam-based sourcing platform like VinaSources, which connects buyers directly with verified Japonica rice suppliers and guides you through every step of the import process.

Instead of searching through dozens of websites or contacting random suppliers online, you can rely on a curated network of exporters who have already been verified for:

• Legal business registration and export licenses
• Consistent product quality and milling standards
• Certifications such as ISO, HACCP, or Organic
• Reliable production capacity and export experience

This helps reduce the risk of running into unreliable suppliers, unclear quotations, or inconsistent rice quality.

Here’s how VinaSources works to help you source Vietnam Japonica rice:

1. Send your request: You can start by browsing Japonica rice products on VinaSources or simply submitting your sourcing request. Just describe what you need, such as rice grade, packaging type, quantity, and destination market.
2. Receive matched supplier options: VinaSources then connects you with suitable exporters that match your requirements. Each supplier profile includes real background data, production details, and related certifications.
3. Full export support: Our staff will support you for the rest of the importing process once you are ready to proceed, from shipping and paperwork to warehousing.

Below are the Japonica rice specifications currently available on VinaSources.

#	Specifications	Details
1	Broken	5% max
2	Moisture	14% max
3	Foreign Matters	0.1% max
4	Red Kernels	0.5% max
5	Yellow Kernels	0.5% max
6	Damages Kernels	0.5 max
7	Immatured Kermels	0.1 max
8	Chalky Kernels	10.0% max
9	Average grain length	5.5-5.8 mm
10	Paddy	1 grains/kg max

Start your rice import journey today and explore trusted suppliers on VinaSources to ensure a smooth and successful import process!