Agricultural exports reached 15.71 billion USD in Q1/2025

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien addressed the media earlier this week regarding the sector's growth results in the first quarter of the year and the direction for future development.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien has stated that Vietnam has faced a challenging first quarter, particularly in the agricultural and fishery sectors.  The country has maintained its momentum and growth in agricultural exports, despite encountering numerous challenges from international circumstances, particularly the strains in trade relations between the United States, China, Russia, and Ukraine-related issues.

The agriculture sector of Vietnam achieved an impressive export outcome during January and March, particularly in the context of an international trade situation characterized by fluctuations, under the close guidance of the Government and Prime Minister.

In particular, the export value of our agricultural products has increased by 13.1% compared to the same period last year, reaching 15.72 billion USD.  "We are reasonably confident in our ability to achieve our objective of 64–65 billion USD this year, as a result of the groundwork established in the first quarter, despite the numerous obstacles that lie ahead," stated Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment's leadership also provided additional information regarding the requirements of international markets and changes in tax policies.  It is important to note that the U.S. market is presently implementing new tariff measures on a variety of goods, including agricultural products.

Vietnam has implemented meticulous and adaptable plans in response to these changes, such as the proactive development of response scenarios and the collaboration with pertinent ministries and sectors.  In addition, specialized agencies have engaged in discussions with international partners to mitigate adverse effects and identify the most effective solutions for Vietnam's agricultural sector.

The initial quarter also yielded noteworthy accomplishments in the field of exports. The total value of seafood exports was 2.29 billion USD, representing an 18% increase. Forestry product export value reached 4.21 billion USD, up 11.2%; production material export value reached 549.5 million USD, up 19.6%; salt export value reached 2.3 million USD, up 2.4 times, etc.

The Deputy Minister has stated that certain commodities, such as rice, have experienced an increase in output but a decrease in value. Additionally, commodities have experienced an increase in both output and bote value.  As per Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien, certain commodities, such as rice, have experienced an increase in output but a decrease in value, while others have experienced growth in both output and value.  Additionally, there are sectors, such as coffee, that have experienced a decrease in production, despite a value increase of up to 46%.  This suggests that Vietnam is progressing in its efforts to increase the value of its agricultural products.

The implementation of coordinated measures to manage product quality and traceability is a critical contributing factor.  Vietnamese agricultural products have been subjected to strict testing by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with localities to guarantee that they satisfy the stringent standards of international markets.

Deputy Minister Tien underscored that Vietnam will persist in transforming the agricultural sector in a sustainable manner, in accordance with international standards and requirements, when discussing the country's future development strategy.  “The goal is not only to increase production but also to improve added value and product quality.  This will ensure that Vietnamese agricultural products are not only popular in traditional markets but can also expand into new ones,” he stated.

Additionally, in the context of climate change and global challenges, it is imperative to proactively address concerns regarding environmental protection, efficient resource utilization, and green economic development. The agricultural sector will persist in its efforts to advance research and the application of science and technology, particularly in the areas of plant and animal breeding, as well as post-harvest processing and preservation innovations.

In conjunction with other key ministries and sectors, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will keep up in its tracking of market developments and its recommendation of appropriate changes.  Additionally, the government will continue to provide assistance to businesses in gaining access to international markets through trade promotion programs, while simultaneously fostering sustainable development in Vietnam's agricultural enterprises.