Growth signals in agri production and trade during the first five months of 2025

On the morning of June 3, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) held a regular meeting to update on the production and foreign trade of agricultural, forestry, and fishery (AFF) products for May and the first five months of 2025.

Stable market, sustained growth in production and exports

At the meeting, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien highly commended the positive developments in the sector, noting that the export of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products has achieved encouraging results. The goal of reaching nearly USD 70 billion in export turnover, as assigned by the Vietnamese Government, is becoming attainable.

In the first five months of this year, the export turnover of AFF products reached USD 28.04 billion, marking a 15.1% increase compared to the same period in 2024. "However, given the unpredictable nature of the market, we need to focus and make stronger efforts in the upcoming period," MAE’s leader emphasized.

Key sectors, including crop production, livestock, forestry, and fisheries, maintained their regular growth momentum. At the same time, environmental protection efforts have been strengthened, including pollution control in craft villages and industrial zones, along with the management of solid and hazardous waste through regulatory legal documents.

Durian has been identified as a key crop that brings significant benefits to Vietnam’s agricultural sector. Under the strong directive of Official Telegram No. 71/CD-TTg dated May 23, 2025 on promoting the sustainable production and export of durian, MAE has taken proactive and effective measures. Specifically, Minister Do Duc Duy chaired a meeting to explore goals and strategies for durian development in Dak Lak (Central Highlands), held discussions with the General Administration of Customs of China, and achieved positive outcomes. China has recognized an additional 829 planting area codes and 131 packing facility codes for Vietnamese durian, and approved the customs clearance of 22 tons of frozen durian to Bac Luan II border gate. 

Looking ahead, the Ministry is committed to focusing on several key measures: reviewing cultivation practices, selecting and breeding crop varieties, inspecting and evaluating packing facilities and planting area codes, implementing traceability systems, assessing fertilizer effectiveness, and intensifying quality management. Customs cooperation will also be enhanced.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien remarked that export activities are expected to remain stable in the coming period. The sector’s core mission is to promote low-emission agricultural production in alignment with circular economy models, expand market access, strengthen disease control, safeguard food security, and ensure the achievement of national economic growth targets.

Strict action against food safety violations

Addressing media concerns regarding food safety violations involving pork products from C.P. Vietnam Corporation, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien affirmed that the Ministry will resolve the case thoroughly and will not tolerate any behavior that compromises public health. “We are determined to coordinate closely with the Ministry of Public Security and resolutely hold accountable anyone who disregards the law and regulatory discipline,” he emphasized.

Mrs. Nguyen Thu Thuy, Deputy Director General of the Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health, reported that the department had directed Sub-Department No. 7 to coordinate with local animal health authorities in Soc Trang, Hau Giang, and Can Tho to conduct comprehensive inspections of slaughterhouses and retail outlets selling C.P. products. During inspections, several facilities were found to be using expired food safety certificates. Authorities ordered temporary suspension of operations, sealed off products, and collected samples for laboratory testing. Notably, the presence of square stamps on the pork, used for certifying slaughter control, was deemed a serious regulatory violation.

According to the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, protecting and supporting businesses is necessary, but it must be based on strict adherence to the law. The Deputy Minister assigned the Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health to promptly draft an official document and implement decisive measures to resolve the incident thoroughly.

The Deputy Minister also emphasized the need to review import activities and synchronize legal documents in line with the food safety chain, ensuring strict control from production to consumption.

In conclusion of the regular meeting, the MAE leader affirmed the importance of internal leadership and close coordination among its departments. Practical challenges can be addressed effectively if agencies work together with determination. The Ministry will continue to address market-related issues to facilitate the export of agricultural, forestry, and fisheries products to key and potential markets.

Of the total, the 5-month export turnover of AFF products reached USD 15.29 billion, up 16.3%; livestock products reached USD 217.2 million, up 11.7%; seafood exports amounted to USD 4.11 billion, up 15.1%; forestry products reached USD 7.48 billion, up 11.7%; inputs for agricultural production reached USD 938.7 million, up 24.3%; and salt exports totaled USD 4.6 million, an increase of 2.4 times.

Asia remained the largest export market for Vietnam's AFF products, accounting for 42% of total export value. The Americas and Europe followed, with respective market shares of 23% and 16.1%.