Vietnam’s agro-forestry-fishery export turnover in December 2025 reached an estimated $6.21 billion, up 9.7% from the previous month and 7.9% year-on-year. This brought the total export value for the full year of 2025 to a record-breaking $70.09 billion, representing a 12% increase compared to 2024.
Speaking at a regular press conference held by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on January 6, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien highlighted that 2025 was a landmark year for the industry. Not only did export turnover surpass the $70 billion milestone for the first time, but the sector also achieved a record trade surplus of over $20 billion.
Asia maintained its position as the largest destination for Vietnamese agro-forestry-fishery products, accounting for 45.2% of the total market share. The Americas and Europe followed with shares of 22.8% and 13.2%, respectively. Meanwhile, Africa and Oceania represented smaller portions of the export market, at 2.7% and 1.4%, respectively.
On a country-specific level, China remained Vietnam's top trading partner with a 22.3% market share. The United States ranked second at 20.6%, followed by Japan at 7.1%. Together, these three markets remain the largest importers of Vietnam's agricultural, forestry, and aquatic goods.
For 2026, Deputy Minister Tien stated that the entire sector is striving to reach a total export turnover of $73–74 billion.
The specific targets for key commodity groups are as follows: agricultural products (approximately $40 billion or a 7.2% increase); seafood (approximately $12 billion or a 7.6% increase); and forestry and wood products (approximately $18.8 billion or a 3.6% increase).
To achieve a breakthrough in export value for 2026, Deputy Minister Tien stated that the ministry will focus on a strategic chain of solutions of "Raw material areas - Standards - Processing - Logistics - Market."
First, standardizing raw material areas based on "market orders." This involves expanding the issuance of growing area and farming pond codes, strictly managing input quality, ensuring food safety, and enhancing traceability. Production will be organized according to international standards (GAP, organic, sustainable) to minimize the risk of technical warnings and product returns.
Second, promoting deep processing and product diversification. Priority will be given to investing in processing, preservation, and packaging technologies. The sector aims to develop refined, convenient, and "ready-to-eat" products while utilizing by-products to create new value chains (such as animal feed, biomaterials, and extracts).
Third, reducing "logistics costs" to increase value margins. The strategy includes developing cold storage, cold chains, and regional logistics centers; optimizing transportation and operations at border gates and ports; and standardizing digital processes to shorten customs clearance times and reduce compliance costs.
Fourth, upgrading market access capacity and national branding. The ministry will step up negotiations to open new markets and address SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) and TBT (Technical Barriers to Trade) barriers. Efforts will also focus on building sector-specific brands, promoting geographical indications, and implementing segmented marketing—shifting strongly from selling "raw materials" to selling "standardized products with a story."
Fifth, pursuing a "green transition" to enter high-value segments. This involves measuring and reducing carbon footprints and obtaining sustainability certifications. Promoting circular economy models and low-emission production will serve as the "passport" for Vietnamese products to enter premium markets and high-end retail chains.
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