Vietnam and the US have reached the finalization of technical discussions, clearing the way for Vietnam to export passion fruits to the US, and the initiation of market access procedures for other Vietnamese fruits such as seedless limes, guavas, and jackfruit.

These were the outcomes of a working session between Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Hoang Trung and US Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Hafemeister on August 28 in Washington D.C.

Mr. Trung is on a working visit to the US to accelerate market access for Vietnamese fruits, enhance plant protection collaboration, and advance sustainable agricultural practices.

At the meeting, the two sides also agreed on pest control measures and the next steps for US mandarins, plums, lemons, pomegranates, and others.

Their discussions also covered new approaches to phytosanitary measures, with both sides agreeing to adhere to international trade commitments while adapting to evolving trade and disease management trends. The US side pledged to assist Vietnam in implementing projects related to fertiliser management and biological protection.

Vietnam’s exports of agro-forestry and aquatic products to the US earned $7.23 billion in the first seven months of 2024, surging 21.6% year-on-year. The export revenue from this product group in 2023 hit $10.96 billion.

Meanwhile, exports of Vietnamese fruit and vegetable to the US gained $216 million in the first eight months of the year, up 31% year-on-year and ranking the second after China.