Hanoi (VNA) -🧜 Vietnam’s agro-forestry-fishery export turnover in 2025 is expected to reach 60-62 billion USD, reinforcing its role as a key pillar of the economy.

This growth will be driven by the effective utilization of free trade agreements (FTAs), market expansion, and increased added values through deep processing and the application of modern technology.

Bringing Vietnamese agricultural products to the world

Vietnam’s agricultural exports hold promising opportunities, opening up a bright future for the country’s agriculture sector. Free trade agreements (FTAs) such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), not only serve as a bridge bringing Vietnamese agricultural products closer to demanding markets, but also create conditions for made-in-Vietnam products to shine globally. From golden rice fields, and lush fruit orchards to abundant fish and shrimp farms, Vietnamese agricultural products not only carry material value but also embody the diligence and creativity of farmers. Vietnamese rice, a symbol of wet rice civilization, or the aromatic coffee beans have been conquering consumers across five continents. Particularly, products such as durian, dragon fruit, shrimp, and pangasius fish are not only a source of pride, but also proof of the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products on a global scale. Following the impressive export results of 2024, key sectors such as rice, coffee, fruit, seafood, and processed wood all aim to maintain their growth momentum in 2025. Rice exports could reach 6-6.5 billion USD, focusing on high-quality and specialty products, while fruits and vegetables are estimated to bring in 8.5-9 billion USD thanks to key items such as durian, banana, and dragon fruit. The aquatic export turnover is expected to reach 10.5-11 billion USD, with major contributions from shrimp, pangasius fish, and high-value processed products. Forestry products, particularly processed wood, may reach 17-18 billion USD, benefiting from the sustainable consumption trend in major markets such as the EU and the US.

“On the global seafood export map, Vietnam is currently the third-largest player, only after China and Norway. This demonstrates that the Vietnamese seafood industry is on the right track in terms of sustainable development and enhancing the added value of its products.”

Nguyen Hoai Nam, Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP)

Nguyen Hoai Nam, Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), predicts that the seafood industry in 2025 is expected to continue its strong growth, potentially returning to the 11-billion-USD export milestone achieved in 2022. Affirming that Vietnam is gradually becoming a major center for fruit and vegetable production and exports in the region, Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, noted that thanks to a stable supply, improving quality, and effective utilisation of opportunities provided by free trade agreements (FTAs), the fruit and vegetable industry has successfully penetrated into major markets such as the US, Europe, China, the UK, and Japan. Forecasts for 2025 show positive trends in international markets, presenting significant opportunities for Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports, which are expected to sustain record levels with a projected growth rate exceeding 10% compared to 2024. The agricultural sector has set a target export revenue of 64-65 billion USD for 2025. To achieve this, the industry must focus on improving product quality, expanding markets, and leveraging signed free trade agreements. However, global market fluctuations, trade barriers, and emerging technical standards pose significant challenges for the agricultural sector in 2025. According to Nguyen Quang Hieu, Deputy Director of the Plant Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the agricultural sector is encountering challenges in market access, especially as many countries are raising quality standards. Due to small-scale, fragmented production and weak linkages in the supply chain, meeting new market requirements will be more difficult and time-consuming. He said the major challenge in the coming period lies in growth. After three years of rapid expansion, the risk of regulatory violations regarding standards is becoming evident, as businesses race to expand production and increase exports while neglecting quality control. He cautioned that even minor violations could jeopardize entire shipments or impact the industry as a whole. Therefore, in 2025, the focus must be on sustainable development solutions and quality enhancement. Regarding the direction and tasks of the agricultural sector, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien stated that in 2025, the sector aims to create development spaces and generate new growth drivers. It will continue to promote sectoral restructuring, enhance productivity, improve the quality of agricultural products, and increase production and business efficiency, striving to exceed the highest possible growth targets.

“The major challenge in the coming period lies in growth. After three years of rapid expansion, the risk of regulatory violations regarding standards is becoming evident, as businesses race to expand production and increase exports while neglecting quality control. Therefore, in 2025, the focus must be on sustainable development solutions and quality enhancement.”

According to Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will focus on innovating and developing new models for agricultural production and business, promoting cooperative production and value-chain linkages, strengthening global distribution networks, and advancing scientific and technological applications. In addition to the advantages brought by free trade agreements, shifting global consumer preferences toward organic, sustainable, and traceable products has opened up vast opportunities for Vietnam. Deep-processed, well-packaged products that reflect Vietnam’s cultural heritage are gaining recognition in major markets. Vietnamese businesses, driven by determination and innovation, are not just selling products - they are telling the story of Vietnam and its people. Despite ongoing challenges such as trade barriers, technical requirements, climate change, and intense competition, Vietnamese agricultural products continue to achieve remarkable milestones, further elevating Vietnam’s position on the global trade map.