HCM City (VNA) – Although Vietnam’s agro-forestry-fishery exports posted strong growth in the first seven months of 2025, industry experts warned of increasing challenges for the remainder of the year, especially with the upcoming implementation of the US’s reciprocal tax measures.

Speaking at a conference in Ho Chi Minh City on August 12 to seek ways to promote the products’ exports in 2025, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Thanh Nam noted that despite global political instability and a slowdown in economic growth, Vietnam’s agro-forestry-fishery export has shown notable resilience.

Between January and July, the sector generated over 39.7 billion USD in export value, a year-on-year rise of 14.7%. Agricultural exports rose 17% to 21.5 billion USD, while forestry products increased 8.6% to 10.4 billion USD, and revenue from aquatic products hit 6.1 billion USD, up 13.8%. Livestock exports grew 22.1%, totalling 339.2 million USD.

The US, China, and Japan remained Vietnam’s top export markets, all showing continued growth despite uncertainty. Meanwhile, exports to Europe surged 49% to 4.3 billion USD, with the Middle East and Africa also growing by 10.9% and 8.9%, respectively.

Nam attributed this success stems to the proactive strategies of industry associations and exporters, who have preserved and expanded shipments across product lines.

He commended businesses for expediting fulfilment of signed US contracts during the reciprocal tariff extension period, while also diversifying exports to underutilised but traditional markets such as China and the EU. This two-pronged approach is expected to cushion the impact of upcoming tariffs and unlock new growth avenues, he added.

In the rice sector, Do Ha Nam, Chairman of the Vietnam Food Association, reported that 5.5 million tonnes were exported in the first seven months, earning 2.8 billion USD. Although average prices fell 19% due to global market declines, export volume rose by 3.1%. Vietnam is projected to export around 8.8 million tonnes in 2025, maintaining its position as the world’s second-largest rice exporter after India.

The coffee industry also performed strongly. The Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association reported record prices in the 2024–2025 season, at times exceeding 5,850 USD per tonne. From January to July, Vietnam exported 1.1 million tonnes of coffee, a 66% year-on-year increase.

In fisheries, To Thi Tuong Lan, Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), said seafood exports hit 6.22 billion USD during the same period, up 17.2%.

Despite this momentum, exporters face headwinds, especially in the US. Nguyen Thanh Binh, Chairman of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, noted that the US, now accounting for 8.42% of Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports, is a fast-growing market. However, most products currently cater to Asian communities, with minimal penetration into the mainstream US market. The upcoming 20% reciprocal tax will severely limit further growth.

Binh proposed negotiating reduced or zero tariffs for Vietnamese fruit and vegetables, citing their exclusive Vietnamese origin and lack of competition with US-grown produce. Vietnam still runs a trade deficit in this segment, importing 560 million USD worth in 2024 and exporting only 360 million USD.

To improve competitiveness, the sector must invest in developing convenient, health-focused processed products tailored to local tastes, he held.

Acting Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang said that despite global headwinds, the ministry remains committed to achieving over 4% annual sector growth and surpassing 65 billion USD in export turnover in 2025, with the goal of reaching 70 billion USD.

Thang described the current period as both a challenge and an opportunity. He emphasised the need for joint efforts among ministries, local authorities, and businesses to maintain export momentum. The ministry, in coordination with the Ministries of Industry and Trade and Foreign Affairs, will roll out targeted trade promotion campaigns tailored to each market, he said.

🐓 He emphasised the need for a distinct strategy for each export destination, as well as the establishment of internationally certified raw material zones, focus on quality, integrate high-tech processes, and improve packaging, along with stronger investment in deep processing and innovation./.