According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), a number of Vietnamese rice exporters to the European Union (EU) have reported that ST24 and ST25 rice exported to this market have not yet enjoyed tariff preferences as reported by some domestic media agencies.
After reviewing and inspecting, the MARD said that the information provided by some units about the two fragrant rice varieties ST24 and ST25 having been granted export tax incentives to the EU market is untrue.
According to the MARD, within the framework of implementing the Vietnam – Europe Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) that is being implemented, Vietnam currently has 9 fragrant rice varieties that enjoy tax incentives within the quota when exporting to the EU, including: Jasmine85, ST5, ST20, Nang Hoa 9, VD20, RVT, OM4900, OM5451 and Tai Nguyen Cho Dao. This list was developed before 2015 (when the negotiation of the EVFTA was concluded).
MARD said that up to now, ST24 and ST25 rice are not included in the list of fragrant rice exempted from EU tariffs.
After nearly 4 years of implementing the Agreement, Vietnam is proposing to adjust the list of fragrant rice for export to the EU with a tax rate of 0% according to the quota to suit the reality of Vietnam’s current rice export.
“Negotiations to adjust and supplement the list of fragrant rice are being coordinated by the Department of International Cooperation with the Department of Crop Production to work with the EU. Up to now, there has been no final decision on whether to add any fragrant rice varieties to the list of rice varieties that will enjoy tax incentives in the quota when exporting to the EU market,” said a representative of the MARD.
The MARD requests units to verify information to avoid affecting the negotiation process to adjust and supplement the list of fragrant rice varieties of Vietnam enjoying tax incentives within the quota when exporting to the EU market and causing misunderstandings for businesses.
