Processing coffee at the Vietnam National Coffee Corporation's factory in Tan Uyen City, Binh Duong Province.
Vietnam's total agro-forestry-fishery trade was estimated at USD 57 billion in the first half of 2025, with exports reaching USD 33.5 billion, up 14.3 per cent year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE).
Imports rose 12.8 per cent to USD 23.5 billion during the same period.
The MAE noted that 2025 continues to be marked by global political and economic volatility, including shifts in US tariff policies, which have impacted the country's key export sectors.
To reach its annual target of USD 65 billion in agro-forestry-fishery exports, the ministry has developed specific quarterly targets. It aims to generate USD 14 to 15 billion in the third quarter and more than USD 16 billion in the final quarter, capitalising on peak seasonal demand during year-end holidays.
Key export commodities such as coffee, tea, pepper, cashew nuts, rubber and livestock products are expected to maintain momentum and contribute significantly to overall growth.
The coffee sector posted a strong performance, reaching USD 5.5 billion in export value in the first half of the year, already meeting its full-year target. Despite limited output in the second half due to the seasonal harvest from December to April, exports are on track to hit USD 7.5 billion for the year, up 36.9 per cent from 2024.
Vietnamese exporters are targeting new markets, particularly in the EU, Middle East and Asia. Northeast Asia is also seen as a strategic market that could offset any decline in US demand.
The cashew industry has set a target of USD 4.5 billion, a 2.7 per cent increase from last year. While the US and China remain key destinations, the industry is exploring opportunities in the Middle East, especially the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The EU, Vietnam’s third-largest cashew market, continues to expand but imposes stringent sustainability and food safety regulations. Exporters must improve production to meet these standards.
Rubber exports are expected to reach USD 3.3 billion, slightly down 4.6 per cent year-on-year. Amid weakening demand in traditional markets, exporters are focusing on countries like India, Russia, Turkey, Indonesia and South Korea. The sector also aims to strengthen shipments to FTA partners such as Brazil, Japan, Germany and Malaysia, and expand into mid- and high-end product segments serving fashion and interior design industries in the EU. The MAE is supporting brand-building and certification processes, including FSC standards.
Livestock exports have room for growth as more markets reopen. Vietnamese products have entered high-demand markets, including processed chicken in Japan and Hong Kong, frozen suckling pigs in Hong Kong and egg products in Singapore, Japan and Taiwan.
To expand market access, the MAE is identifying more export-ready markets and working to meet technical requirements. Negotiations are ongoing to open major markets such as China, Malaysia and Singapore to Vietnamese poultry, pork and egg products.