The potential for fruit exports between the United States and Vietnam

The trade delegation from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), led by Ms. Alexis M. Taylor, Under Secretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, began a series of activities promoting American agricultural products in the Vietnamese market from September 9 to 13.

The delegation includes 58 businesses, agricultural organizations, and representatives from 9 states, showcasing the diversity of U.S. agriculture.

Attending the launch ceremony of the "United Tastes - Discover the Flavors of the U.S." program at MM Mega Market (An Phu, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City) on the afternoon of September 9, Ms. Alexis M. Taylor, Under Secretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, shared that this is the third year the USDA has collaborated with MM Mega Market to organize the "Discover the Flavors of the U.S." event.

According to Ms. Alexis M. Taylor, programs like "United Tastes - Discover the Flavors of the U.S." are crucial in raising consumer awareness and understanding of the quality, reliability, and safety of carefully selected food, beverages, and agricultural products from the United States. These programs introduce these products to Vietnamese consumers, as well as restaurants and hotels in the food and beverage industry.

"This is also an opportunity for trade delegations to establish relationships and introduce U.S. products on retail shelves in Vietnam and globally. Additionally, it serves as a chance for stakeholders in the agricultural sector between the U.S. and Vietnam at all stages of the supply chain," said Ms. Alexis M. Taylor.

Ms. Alexis M. Taylor, Under Secretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs of the United States, stated that the U.S. has remained an important trade partner for Vietnam over the years. In 2023, the U.S. exported $3.1 billion worth of agricultural products to Vietnam, becoming the third-largest exporter of items such as cotton, soybeans, grains, seeds, wheat, poultry, dairy products, as well as fresh fruits like apples, grapes, and cherries.

In 2023, Vietnam and the U.S. signed agreements to export Vietnam's green-skinned pomelos to the U.S. and U.S. golden pomelos to Vietnam.

"There are many complementary food products between the two countries. Specifically, many types of Vietnamese fruits are not available in the U.S. Meanwhile, U.S. products like livestock, poultry, and cotton have great potential in the Vietnamese market. There is still significant market space for us to explore further," Ms. Alexis M. Taylor said.

Vietnam is currently exporting eight types of fruits through official channels to the U.S., including pomelos, mangoes, dragon fruit, longans, rambutans, lychees, and star apples.

In return, Vietnam has opened its market to U.S. fruits such as apples, grapes, oranges, cherries, pears, blueberries, peaches, and nectarines. Meanwhile, three types of U.S. fruits—mandarins, lemons, and plums—are in the negotiation process for official export to Vietnam in the near future.

According to Caroline Stringer, Director of Trade at the California Fresh Fruit Association, Vietnamese people consume more fruit than Americans.

"We are pleased to see that Vietnamese consumers appreciate the sweetness and high quality of fruits from California," said Caroline Stringer, adding that peach and nectarine growers in California have invested in their own exclusive varieties that cannot be found anywhere else, which gives these products a competitive advantage.

According to the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, through this trade promotion trip, businesses and participants in the U.S. Department of Agriculture trade delegation will connect with key importers to meet with companies and learn about market conditions in Vietnam and the region.

At the "United Tastes - Discover the Flavors of the U.S." event, consumers across Vietnam have the opportunity to purchase fresh products with discounts of up to 30%. These products include Tyson chicken, premium beef, Envy apples, Jazz apples, Fuji apples, grapes, cherries, oranges, chocolate, wheat, nuts, wine, and juice.

In addition, the event features special promotions, food tastings, and cooking demonstrations every weekend.