Agro-forestry-fishery exports surpass $45 bln in first eight months

On the morning of September 4, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien chaired a regular meeting to review the performance of the first eight months of 2025.

According to the report, agro-forestry-fishery export turnover in August 2025 was estimated at USD 5.71 billion. Cumulatively, exports in the first eight months reached USD 45.37 billion, up 12% compared to the same period last year. This is considered a positive signal, particularly in the context of the sector affected by market fluctuations and abnormal natural disasters.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien emphasized, "Under the drastic direction of the Party Central Committee, the Government, and the National Assembly, many legal bottlenecks have been resolved, paving the way for a more favorable corridor for the sector's economic development."

Market outlook brightens

Vietnam's agro-forestry-fishery export market structure has undergone significant shifts. Asia continues to hold the largest share at 43.1%, followed by the Americas at 23.2% and Europe reaching 14.6%. Although still accounting for a smaller proportion, exports to Africa and Oceania have both increased and accounted for 3.1% and 1.3%, respectively.

Compared to the same period in 2024, agro-forestry-fishery exports to Europe surged by 38.7%, those to the Americas grew by 10.6%, while exports to Africa doubled. In individual markets, the U.S. recorded an 8.1% increase, and China rose by 2.6% with substantial room for growth. According to the Deputy Minister, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) is also pushing to diversify exports by expanding to ASEAN markets such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

The livestock industry has remained stable in terms of production organization. As of the end of August, the national pig herd grew by 0.5% over the same period, while the poultry flock increased by 3.6%. The MAE has issued nearly 90 directives, organized five thematic workshops, and coordinated with the Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health to establish more than 70 working delegations to inspect and guide disease prevention and control.

According to Mr. Phan Quang Minh, Deputy Director of the Department of Livestock Production and Veterinary Services, the overall disease situation is on a downward trend, with 32 provinces and cities still within the 21-day monitoring period. "In addition to penalizing the illegal dumping of pig carcasses, we must decisively address backyard slaughtering and strictly control the trade, transportation, and slaughter of pigs of unknown origin," spoke the Deputy Minister.

In crop production, the total rice cultivation area nationwide reached 6.72 million hectares, up 1% compared to the same period. The output was estimated at 30 million tons, increasing by 1.6%. This provides an important foundation for ensuring national food security and contributing to exports.

The fisheries sector continues to play a key role, with production in the first eight months estimated at around 6.4 million tons. The forestry sector also had positive growth, with exploited wood volume reaching nearly 15.5 million m³, up 7.4% compared to last year.

Mr. Tran Gia Long, Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Finance, emphasized, "To achieve the export target of USD 65 billion in 2025, each sector must demonstrate strong determination, complete the legal framework, develop concrete implementation plans for key resolutions, proactively adapt to reciprocal tariffs, and mobilize investment resources."

Focusing on the environment in parallel to development

Major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have issued numerous guidelines on waste sorting at the source and developed technical procedures and standards for the collection, transportation, and treatment of domestic solid waste, most recently with Decision No. 50/2025/QD-UBND. The Ministry has also finalized a circular on treatment technologies, environmental criteria, and methods for pricing related services.

According to Mr. Ho Kien Trung, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Environment Administration, as of June 30, 2025, the total volume of domestic solid waste generated nationwide was approximately 69,400 tons per day, with a treatment rate reaching 91%. Notably, the landfill rate has dropped to 59.3%, a significant decrease from over 80% before enforcing the Law on Environmental Protection.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien affirmed, "The agriculture and environment sector will continue to maintain its growth momentum and the USD 65 billion target without exchanging the environment for economic development, while creating a solid premise for the 2026–2030 period. The Ministry has received numerous opinions, particularly regarding procedures for controlling waste incineration activities, including food waste."

On September 1, the U.S. Congress announced its equivalency determination under the 2025 Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Under this regulation, all seafood products imported into the U.S. must comply with protection measures equivalent to those applied to U.S. fisheries.

In addition to the 89 countries granted full export eligibility, 34 countries, including Vietnam, have achieved partial equivalency. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will drastically and synchronously implement 12 groups of tasks, aiming to secure full equivalency recognition and prevent any disruption to seafood export activities.