Vietnam agricultural exports surge in US market

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), the agricultural sector's total export turnover reached nearly $52 billion in the first 10 months, marking a 20 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

The United States remains Vietnam's largest importer of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products, accounting for 92 per cent of exports to North America.

Wood and wood products continue to play a leading role, with exports to the US reaching $6.5 billion in the first nine months, up 26 per cent on-year.

Photo: baodautu.vn

Nguyen Chanh Phuong, vice chairman and general secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Handicraft and Wood Industry Association (HAWA), has said that the US is Vietnam's largest wood market and plays a crucial role in driving industry growth.

"Thanks to the recovery in US construction and real estate, demand for made in Vietnam furniture has increased, opening up numerous opportunities for the industry," he said.

Similarly, Vietnam's seafood exports have shown strong recovery. In the first nine months, exports to the US reached nearly $1.4 billion, increasing by over 14 per cent compared to 2023.

Beyond wood and seafood, and other agricultural products such as cashews, pepper, and fruits and vegetables have contributed significantly to total export turnover.

Cashew exports exceeded $871 million, up 33 per cent; pepper reached $300 million, up 96 per cent, and fruit and vegetable exports surpassed $254 million, up 35 per cent in the first nine months. Currently, Vietnam has eight types of fresh fruits approved for US import, including dragon fruit, mango, longan, lychee, rambutan, star apple, pomelo, and coconut.

Agreements between Vietnam's MARD and the US Department of Agriculture on September 9 have concluded technical discussions, moving forward with legal procedures to allow Vietnamese passion fruit imports and initiating review processes for new products including seedless limes, guava, and jackfruit.

US market demand is forecast to continue growing with upcoming promotional days and major year-end holidays. Experts anticipate this will create opportunities for Vietnam's key export items such as agricultural, forestry, and fishery products, textiles, and footwear to maintain positive export growth.

However, Phuong warns of potential challenges with Donald Trump re-elected, citing previous anti-dumping investigations and control measures on Vietnamese products during his administration. If such measures recur, the wood and seafood industries must prepare thoroughly to address new trade barriers.

Nevertheless, with strong recovery in US consumer demand, businesses can capitalise on export opportunities. Currently, the US also exports significant raw wood materials to Vietnam, and businesses maintain close relationships with American suppliers.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade recommends that businesses ensure consistent quality for exports to this market. The MARD believes that with proper preparation and adaptability, Vietnam's agricultural, forestry, and fishery sectors can effectively leverage new trends and continue stable development going forward.

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