The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is determined to achieve more than 4% sector growth and exceed US$65 billion in combined agricultural, forestry and fishery exports in 2025.

Acting Minister Tran Duc Thang announced the target at the conference on promoting exports from the sector  in 2025 held on August 13.

“Based on our analysis, we believe this goal is fully achievable with strong participation from government agencies, industry associations, and the business community,” he said.

Local workers at the Garco 10 factory. Photo: Khac Kien/Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper

Thang said that the ministry will work closely with the ministries of Foreign Affairs, and Industry and Trade to organize effective, non-overlapping trade promotion activities that deliver maximum value for businesses.

"Industry associations and enterprises, as direct producers, are encouraged to proactively request support when needed," he noted.

In October, the ministry will submit a bill to amend 15 laws, with a broader overhaul of 17 related legal documents starting in 2026 to adapt to new realities. It will also address business concerns, improve standards and regulations, and develop raw material zones.

The acting minister said that each export market will have a tailored approach. For the US, currently imposing countervailing duties, Vietnam will negotiate measures to share the financial burden of duties with businesses.

Thang said that while US tax measures apply to all exporters, demand for high-quality Vietnamese products like shrimp and coffee remains strong, especially when deeply processed.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Minh Hang, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, urged the agriculture ministry to report sector-specific impacts to the government and propose appropriate countermeasures.

She also stressed the importance of maintaining growth in major markets, diversifying export destinations, and tapping further into EU opportunities.

Agricultural production in Soc Son District, Hanoi. Photo: Trong Tung/Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper

In addition, Nguyen Anh Son, Director of the ministry’s Import-Export Department, highlighted ongoing efforts to open new markets in the Gulf region, Halal markets, and Egypt, working closely with the Foreign Ministry. Recent joint trade fairs, such as the Fruit Fair in Beijing, have been successful, and monthly promotion conferences with overseas trade counselors are now routine.

The department is also developing two projects, titled “Diversifying Import Sources”, and “Leveraging Free Trade Agreements in the Context of US Countervailing Duties,” to provide practical recommendations to businesses.

“Trade defense measures, anti-smuggling controls, and strict rules on product origin will be strengthened, especially in light of the US’ 20% countervailing duties,” he noted.

In the first seven months of 2025, the sector’s export value reached US$39.7 billion, up 14.7% year-on-year.

Agricultural goods accounted for $21.5 billion (up 17%), forestry output $10.4 billion (up 8.6%), seafood $6.1 billion (up 13.8%), and livestock products $339.2 million (up 22.1%).

Major markets, including the US, China, and Japan, maintained growth, while exports to Europe surged 49% to $4.3 billion, the Middle East rose 10.9%, and Africa grew 8.9%.

Tran Van Cong, Vietnam’s Agricultural Counselor to the EU

To secure better access for Vietnamese products in the EU, Vietnam must develop raw material zones that meet EU standards and establish disease-free production areas.

Equally important is building strong national and corporate brands so our products are recognized and trusted.

The country needs to penetrate the EU market more deeply, diversify its offerings in distribution networks, and implement a long-term communication strategy to counter negative narratives.

At the same time, Vietnam’s food safety and sustainability standards must be fully aligned with EU benchmarks.

Nong Duc Lai, Vietnam’s Trade Counselor in China

Exporters must thoroughly understand and comply with China’s import requirements on quality, packaging, and traceability.

They should invest in processing and preservation technologies to raise product value, diversify product lines, and improve packaging design in line with market preferences.

Branding is critical - register your trademarks before entering the market.

Businesses should also expand their trade promotion to northern and northwestern Chinese provinces to reach untapped demand.