Diversification leads to enhanced turnover progression

Vietnam's agro-forestry-fishery sector is experiencing a significant boom, with exports reaching impressive heights in the first seven months of the year. According to recent reports, the sector's export turnover has surged by 14.7% year-on-year, amounting to $39.7 billion.

Aquatic products have seen a notable increase of 13.8%, reaching $6.1 billion, while livestock products have surged by 22.1% to $339.2 million. The sub-sector of agricultural products has also experienced a 17% increase, totalling $21.5 billion.

One of the key contributors to this growth is the rice industry. Vietnam is preparing to export 2,500 tonnes of ST25 and Japonica rice to Japan in October, following the successful export of "Viet Green Low Emission Rice" earlier this year. The Trung An High-Tech Agriculture JSC, a pioneer in this field, plans to export an additional 3,000 tonnes of low-emission certified rice to Japan in 2025.

Forestry products have also grown by 8.6%, reaching $10.4 billion. Other agricultural products, such as cashew nuts, dragon fruit, coconuts, fresh lychees, and dried fruits, are widely available in major Japanese retail chains. Approximately 200 tonnes of fresh lychees were exported to Japan during the 2025 lychee season.

The UAE, with a total annual agro-forestry-fishery trade volume of around $200 billion, currently accounts for less than 10% of this figure from Vietnam. To increase exports to the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), exporters must prioritise quality control and ensure compliance with food safety and pesticide residue regulations.

The European market also presents considerable potential for increased agro-forestry-fishery exports, but the share of processed goods with high added value remains modest, and Vietnam still lacks sustainable distribution networks. To unlock the EU's potential, it is recommended to expand raw material zones that meet EU standards, establish disease-free production areas, and implement a long-term communication strategy to counter negative publicity and align with EU benchmarks for quality, food safety, and sustainability standards.

State agencies such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Industry and Trade are supporting efforts to promote exports to key and emerging markets. Last month, an action plan was issued to promote domestic and international trade activities for the rest of the year.

Asia Ingredients Group (AIG) is making significant investments in research and development to diversify its deeply processed product portfolio, forge links with global distribution networks, and expand into Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. AIG products are now available in over 50 countries and territories.

Japan, with its high demand for safe and organic food products, including coffee, cashew nuts, tropical fruits, frozen vegetables, and rice, is a significant market for Vietnamese agro-forestry-fishery exports. In the first quarter of 2025, Japan became Vietnam's fourth-largest fruit export market, with a 22.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Vietnam's 634,000 citizens living and studying in Japan represent a significant niche market for Vietnamese agricultural products. The country is currently preparing to export 2,500 tonnes of ST25 and Japonica rice to Japan in October, with further shipments of about 2,500 tonnes of ST25 and Japonica rice also planned for October 2025.

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien has requested specialized units to provide export businesses with updated information on markets, trade policies, consumer trends, and technical requirements of partners in markets with free trade agreements with Vietnam. This proactive approach is expected to further boost Vietnam's agro-forestry-fishery exports in the coming years.