To achieve this breakthrough, businesses need to focus on improving quality, meeting international standards, building strong brands, and leveraging trade agreements to expand export markets.

This performance also demonstrates the ability of Vietnamese agriculture to adapt to changing global consumption trends. Along with traditional advantages in output, local enterprises are increasingly investing in sustainable farming, climate-smart agriculture, and digital technologies. For instance, many companies now deploy blockchain traceability systems to reassure importers about food safety and origin. These innovations not only satisfy growing consumer demand for transparency but also enable farmers to secure better prices.

Moreover, international buyers have shown greater interest in certified organic products, prompting Vietnamese producers to expand organic cultivation areas in coffee, tea, rice, and vegetables. The rise of e-commerce platforms further accelerates direct exports, allowing small and medium-sized enterprises to connect with distributors and retailers worldwide without relying solely on traditional trading channels. Experts argue that the combination of high export turnover and structural reforms is creating a foundation for long-term competitiveness, ensuring that growth is not only quantitative but also qualitative.

The latest report from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment shows that the export value of agro-forestry-fishery products in August was estimated at USD 5.71 billion, bringing the total for the first 8 months of 2025 to USD 45.37 billion.

This is a record number, far exceeding USD 40.5 billion in the same period of 2024, reflecting the strong momentum of Viet Nam’s agriculture amid global economic difficulties.

Exports are forecast to have strong potential at the end of the year, thanks to rising demand, but also face major challenges due to declining purchasing power in key markets and fierce competition. To overcome these, businesses need to promote trade, seek niche markets, apply technology, and comply with market regulations.

Viet Nam’s coffee exports are expected to continue a positive growth trend at the end of 2025, after hitting multiple records in the first half of the year. Coffee exports are sending positive signals.

Beyond export performance, experts highlight the need for a comprehensive coffee value chain upgrade. Cooperatives in the Central Highlands are piloting digital farming solutions such as IoT-based irrigation and satellite monitoring to improve yields. This approach reduces input costs, adapts to climate risks, and strengthens traceability.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, coffee exports in August 2025 were estimated at 95,000 tons worth USD 429.1 million, bringing the total export volume and value in the first 8 months to 1.2 million tons and USD 6.42 billion, up 8.7% in volume and 59.1% in value year-on-year.

This result not only reaffirms Viet Nam’s solid position in the international market but also shows the sector has surpassed the USD 6 billion export target for 2030, five years ahead of schedule.

Experts say the main reason is global supply shortages as Brazil and Indonesia, two major producers, face unfavorable weather and geopolitical instability. Meanwhile, demand from Europe, the US, and Japan remains steady, pushing world coffee prices higher.

Nguyen Van Tho, an agricultural market expert, noted that this year’s coffee market clearly reflects the trend of quality over quantity. Viet Nam, despite exporting less, still achieves higher value.

This is a favorable time to shift from raw exports to processed products, increasing sustainable value. High prices have brought positive results to many exporters. However, the biggest concern remains a shortage of raw materials.

Vuong Thanh Cong Manufacturing and Trading Co., Ltd., a coffee exporter in Dak Lak, signed long-term contracts with European partners, but limited harvests this year restricted its supply. The company must strengthen farmer linkages and provide technical support to secure stable inputs.

High prices are an opportunity, but raw exports alone limit profits. The company is expanding into roasted and instant coffee to serve both export and domestic markets. One kilogram of instant coffee fetches 2–3 times the value of raw beans. This direction forces greater investment.

Currently, processed coffee makes up only about 15% of Viet Nam’s total exports, much lower than Brazil or Colombia, leaving added value below potential. Meanwhile, global markets increasingly prefer branded, traceable, processed coffee. Multinational corporations like Nestlé have long capitalized on this by expanding processing plants in Viet Nam.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Minh Tuan, an agricultural expert, commented that Viet Nam cannot rely only on raw exports. Investment in deep processing, specialty coffee, organic coffee, and sustainable certification will both increase value and meet the strict standards of major markets.

Late 2025 coffee exports present an optimistic picture, with lower volume but higher value, opening opportunities to restructure toward quality. Investment in processing and domestic markets not only boosts profits but also lays the foundation for sustainable growth.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, cashew exports in August 2025 were estimated at 70,000 tons, worth about USD 431 million. In the first 8 months, the sector exported 482,700 tons worth USD 3.24 billion.

Analysts also emphasize that Viet Nam’s cashew sector must avoid dependence on raw nut exports. Value addition through roasting, flavoring, and packaging under Vietnamese brands could significantly increase profit margins. Several firms are exploring ready-to-eat products targeting Europe and the Middle East, where healthy snacking is on the rise. Additionally, building sustainable raw material zones in Cambodia and Laos is being discussed to secure stable inputs and reduce reliance on imported raw nuts from Africa.

Compared to the same period in 2024, export volume dropped slightly by 1.2%, but value rose sharply by 16.4%. The main reason was higher export prices, averaging USD 6,711/ton, up 17.8% year-on-year, the highest in many years, reflecting growing global demand for nutritious nuts.

With this trend, the Ministry said that if the current momentum continues and exports are boosted in the peak months, especially the year-end festive season, the USD 4.5 billion target is within reach.

To reach this, the cashew sector needs about USD 1.26 billion in the last 4 months. This period usually sees demand surge, as nuts are consumed during holidays and given as gifts.

Bach Khanh Nhut, Vice Chairman of the Viet Nam Cashew Association (VINACAS), noted that China’s market has recently surged, driven by preparations for the Mid-Autumn Festival and growing healthy-eating trends.

Statistics show China, the US, and the Netherlands were the top three markets in the first 8 months, accounting for 21.7%, 20%, and 9.4% of total exports. Notably, exports to China jumped 47%, the Netherlands 20.1%, while the US dropped 11.7%. Among the top 15 markets, Latvia grew the fastest at 57%, while the US fell the most.

Though the US shows signs of slowing in raw cashew demand, its processed cashew imports are rising. This highlights opportunities for Viet Nam to boost deep processing, add value, and align with global consumption trends.

VINACAS projects the global cashew market will grow 4.6% annually from 2022–2027. With consumers preferring healthy snacks, Viet Nam’s cashew industry has favorable conditions to break through.

The Ministry will continue supporting the industry with solutions including transparent origins, digital traceability, clean raw material zones, and building a national cashew brand. With rising values, shifting markets, and favorable trends, the USD 4.5 billion export target for 2025 is moving from expectation to reality.

In the first 8 months of 2025, Viet Nam exported 6.3 million tons of rice worth USD 3.17 billion. The average export price was USD 504.9/ton, down 19.3% year-on-year, due to falling demand and fierce competition from India, Thailand, and Pakistan.

Experts stress that to maintain competitiveness, Viet Nam must invest in high-quality rice varieties, including fragrant and organic rice. Partnerships with research institutes are already yielding drought-resistant and low-emission strains.

With the Philippines suspending imports of regular and well-milled rice for 60 days (excluding specialty rice), the Ministry of Industry and Trade urged provinces, the Viet Nam Food Association (VFA), and exporters to adjust production and diversify markets.

Despite difficulties, Viet Nam has opportunities to sustain growth, as international partners including the US, Singapore, and Brazil value Viet Nam’s role in the global rice supply chain, particularly in high-quality rice.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien said Viet Nam contributes significantly to global food security. “To cope with the current situation, businesses should stockpile rice to support farmers while strictly complying with Government Decree 107/2018/ND-CP on rice exports. Expanding new markets will spread risks, improve adaptability, and strengthen Viet Nam’s position,” he affirmed.

Though exports to the Philippines are temporarily disrupted, domestic rice prices in early September 2025 remained stable. The Ministry also urged traders to stay calm, avoid rash decisions, and carefully monitor policy changes in global rice markets.

Along with maintaining traditional markets, businesses should actively seek new markets to diversify risks and boost resilience.

According to the General Department of Viet Nam Customs, seafood exports in August 2025 reached USD 1.07 billion, up 9.4% year-on-year. In the first eight months, seafood exports totaled USD 7.15 billion, up 13.5%, showing strong recovery.

Sustainability is becoming the decisive factor in seafood competitiveness. Enterprises are accelerating certification under ASC, BAP, and MSC standards to access high-end markets. Several provinces are implementing smart aquaculture with automated feeding systems and AI-driven disease control, reducing antibiotic use and environmental impact.

At the same time, processing firms are diversifying into high-value products like collagen and gelatin from fish skin, which opens new revenue streams beyond traditional frozen exports.

Notably, many markets posted double-digit growth in August. Exports to Thailand surged 32.6%, while China, Japan, the Netherlands, and Taiwan also grew strongly.

China remained the largest market, accounting for nearly 20% of total exports, followed by the US (17.28%), Japan (15.17%), and South Korea (7.54%). Other markets like the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands also recorded increases, diversifying markets and reducing dependence on traditional partners.

Experts said seafood demand is recovering globally, creating favorable opportunities for Viet Nam to accelerate exports in the final months of the year. Leveraging FTAs like EVFTA, CPTPP, and UKVFTA will be key to boosting competitiveness.

With the current pace, the seafood industry is expected to maintain its role as a leading export sector, with exports projected to reach USD 10 billion in 2025.

In August, fruit and vegetable exports hit USD 951 million, up 24.4% from July and 13% from August 2024, the highest monthly figure ever. The previous record was USD 917 million in September 2024.

Market experts suggest that deep processing of tropical fruits into juices, purees, and dried products will help mitigate risks from fresh produce oversupply. For example, Vietnamese dragon fruit and mango powders are gaining popularity in the EU as ingredients for functional foods.

In addition, the expansion of cold storage logistics in border provinces is enabling smoother exports to China and beyond. This infrastructure investment ensures product quality, reduces post-harvest losses, and strengthens competitiveness against rivals like Thailand and the Philippines.

Thanks to this growth, fruit and vegetable exports rebounded from negative growth earlier. In the first 7 months, exports fell 0.3% year-on-year to nearly USD 3.9 billion, but by the end of August they rose 2% to USD 4.82 billion.

Durian contributed significantly. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Viet Nam Fruits and Vegetables Association (Vinafruit), said durian exports remain strong, bringing in USD 1.7 billion by the end of August, thanks to abundant supply and no warnings of cadmium residue.

Other products such as coconuts, passion fruit, and processed mangoes also grew impressively, showing Viet Nam’s export diversity.

China’s market recovery contributed greatly, with exports to China in August reaching USD 678.3 million, up 41% from July and 15% from August 2024. China still leads, accounting for 58% of fruit and vegetable exports in the first 8 months.

Meanwhile, exports to other markets also grew strongly: the US up 59.8%, Japan 20.4%, Taiwan 12.6%, and the Netherlands 38.5%. Stable growth in these markets, especially for processed products, adds value and reduces risks from market fluctuations.

With continuous growth since June, the Agency of Foreign Trade (Ministry of Industry and Trade) assessed that fruit and vegetable exports are recovering strongly, opening prospects for robust growth in late 2025.

With USD 4.8 billion already achieved by the end of August, if the current pace continues, annual exports could reach USD 8 billion.