Solutions to increase export value of agricultural sector

After recording more than US$70.6 billion in agricultural, forestry and fishery exports in 2025, Vietnam’s agricultural sector has set a target of US$74 billion for 2026. The target reflects a cautious outlook amid growing uncertainties in global markets and increasingly stringent import requirements imposed by trading partners.

Durian is a major export fruit of Dong Nai City. Photo by Binh Nguyen.

At the Vietnam Agriculture and Biotechnology Exhibition 2026, recently held in Ho Chi Minh City, scientists, experts, businesses and domestic and international trade promotion organizations discussed solutions to further boost exports of agricultural products.

Maximizing opportunities from free trade agreements

According to Le Thanh Hoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Quality, Processing and Market Development under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam’s agricultural sector has undergone remarkable transformation, becoming one of the world’s leading exporters of agricultural, forestry and fishery products. Export turnover in 2025 exceeded US$70.6 billion, up 12% compared with 2024 and surpassing the target set for the year. Vietnamese agricultural, forestry and fishery products are now present in nearly 200 countries and territories, including key markets such as the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, the European Union, ASEAN and the Middle East.

Similarly, Phung Van Thanh, former Commercial Counselor at the Vietnam Trade Office in the Philippines, noted that Vietnam’s agricultural imports and exports maintained strong growth momentum throughout the 2020–2025 period. Vietnam boasts a diverse agricultural ecosystem, with a number of products ranking among the world’s leading exports, including rice, coffee, pepper, cashew nuts, rubber, fruits and vegetables, shrimp and pangasius. New-generation free trade agreements such as the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have created significant competitive advantages for Vietnamese agricultural products through tariff preferences and broader market access opportunities.

International visitors explore the booth of Ma Da Xanh Agricultural Technology and Tourism Cooperative (Tri An ward, Dong Nai City) at the Vietnam Agriculture and Biotechnology Exhibition 2026.

For businesses, the application of advanced technologies in production, preservation and processing is increasingly being promoted to optimize resource efficiency while enhancing product quality and value.

According to Nguyen Hoang Dat, Director of Vinahe Co., Ltd. in Phuoc Binh ward, Dong Nai City, the company’s cashew products are currently exported to markets including the United States, Europe and the Middle East. The company has continuously invested in research and development to create value-added cashew products that better meet evolving consumer demand. However, Dat noted that rising international shipping rates have increased logistics costs and affected delivery schedules as well as export operations.

Enhancing competitiveness through quality

Experts believe that export growth in Vietnam’s agricultural, forestry and fishery sector in recent years has been supported by rising global demand and favorable commodity prices. However, maintaining high growth rates over the long term will not be easy. However, sustaining high growth rates over the long term is becoming increasingly challenging as major export markets tighten requirements on traceability, origin certification, emissions reduction and sustainable production practices. In addition, geopolitical uncertainties continue to affect global supply chains, logistics costs and consumer purchasing power in many markets.

Dinh Thi Nga (left), representative of Ma Da Xanh Agricultural Technology and Tourism Cooperative in Tri An ward, Dong Nai City, introduces products to customers.

Therefore, a key challenge is identifying solutions to expand markets and maximize opportunities offered by free trade agreements. Meanwhile, businesses need to increase investment in technology, deepen processing activities and adopt greener production practices.

Vu Cuong, Vietnam’s Agriculture and Environment Counselor in Japan, said there remains significant room to expand exports to the Japanese market. However, Japan is known for its rigorous food safety and product quality standards, requiring exporters to continuously update compliance requirements and maintain strict quality control throughout the production, processing and distribution chain.

To achieve the US$74 billion export target in 2026, businesses must maintain their foothold in traditional markets while actively expanding into new destinations. At the same time, production should continue to be restructured in line with market demand. Strengthening linkages between production, processing and consumption, investing in deep processing, improving product quality and enhancing traceability will be key to increasing the value and competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural exports.

Sharing a similar view, Bui Hai Nam, Vietnam’s Agricultural Counselor in South Korea, said enterprises need to shift from the mindset of “selling what they produce” to developing products based on market demand. Accordingly, businesses should thoroughly assess target customer segments, technical requirements and distribution channels before developing products. They should focus on products with strong competitive advantages and pursue concentrated, long-term investment strategies rather than spreading resources too broadly.

By V. The – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha