Rice Fever in Vietnam

Upon request, here is a short blog entry about the current 'Rice Fever' in Vietnam.

Last weekend the price for rice doubled due to speculation from many rice sellers in Saigon.  Was there really a shortage of rice?  Well, it turns out, rice is still plentiful in the country.  The Mekong Delta and other rice growing region had a really good harvest this year.  The Vietnamese government is even halting rice exports until June of this year but they insisted that they had enough stored.

Much of the rice shortage fears may be the result of some shop owners trying to make a quick profit.  I remember reading a news report of stores refusing to sell their bags of rice until the price increased higher.

Do I personally care about what is going on with the rice prices here lately?  One of my majors was in global political economic theory.  The next growing season rice growers around the world will just plant more rice than normal.  Next year prices may be cheaper (well we hope at least).  I guess I just need to eat less rice from now on :-)

Here are some English news stories about the current "Rice Fever' in Vietnam:

• Rushing to buy rice, prices skyrocketing


• Vietnam authorities act to temper rice rush


• Rice fever to be stamped out in some days


• Food supplies sufficient for both consumption and export, assures PM

(Source: VietnamNet Bridge News)