Rice exports robust at start of year

Viet Nam exported 1.05 million tonnes of rice, earning almost 480 million USD, during the first two months of this year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Both the amount and value of the rice were more than double the figures recorded during the corresponding period last year. In February alone, the country exported 750,000 tonnes of rice.

However, other agro-forestry-fisheries products experienced a drop in export values over the same period, earning nearly 2 billion USD, or 5.3% lower than the same period last year.

Coffee exports fetched 411 million USD from the sale and shipping of 267,000 tonnes, a fall of 11.5% in value against the first two months of 2008.

Rubber export turnover plummeted by 50% to 85 million USD, due to a steady fall in prices over the past year.

The export of fisheries products also suffered a decline in value, posting a turnover of 415 million USD during January and February, down by 15.5% year-on-year. (VNA)