Positive signals from Vietnam–U.S. trade negotiations are opening up major opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural goods. If two parties approve reciprocal tariff reductions many key products will gain additional competitive advantages. This will help Vietnamese agricultural businesses expand their market share. It will also strengthen their position in one of the world’s most demanding markets.
In the first ten months of 2025, Vietnam’s agricultural, forestry, and fishery exports reached $58.13 billion. They went up by 12.9% compared to the same period in 2024.
Vietnamese agricultural goods
The United States remains Vietnam’s second-largest market for Vietnamese agricultural goods, after China. This market accounted for 20.4% of total export value, equivalent to $11.85 billion. Notably, it still rose 6.2% despite a slowdown in growth.
Recently, certain products the United States does not produce—such as coffee and spices—may be included on the list eligible for reciprocal tariff exemptions. This information has created favorable conditions for Vietnamese spice businesses.
The United States currently maintains a 20% reciprocal tariff on goods originating from Vietnam. However, the U.S. is reviewing the list of goods in Appendix III of Executive Order No. 14356, issued on September 5, 2025. The review aims to consider tariff adjustments for partners with aligned trade orientations. Products included in this list could enjoy a 0% tariff in the near future.
Vietnamese enterprises hope that negotiations for a Fair and Balanced Reciprocal Trade Agreement will finish soon. This would pave the way for the implementation of preferential tariff policies.
Vietnamese cashew nuts
Mr. Ngô Minh Phương is the Director of Viet Truong Co., Ltd. (Hai Phong). He shared: “In the past, Vietnamese tilapia enjoyed a zero import tariff, which then increased to 10% and later 20%. If the tariff returns to 0%, it would truly feel like a huge relief for us.”
Beyond seafood, Vietnamese fruits and vegetables are also likely to gain easier access to the U.S. market.
Mr. Nguyễn Đình Tùng is the Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit). According to him, Vietnamese fruits have now expanded beyond Asian communities. Also, they are appearing in many U.S. states and earning strong preference from local consumers.
“If Vietnamese products are exempt from tariffs while competitors continue to face high duties, our competitive advantage will be overwhelming,” Mr. Tùng emphasized.
Not only fruits and vegetables, but rice and rice-based products also have significant potential. The United States mainly imposes high tariffs on goods producing domestically. This means imported agricultural products—such as Vietnamese rice—could benefit substantially.
For the coffee industry, the outlook is also highly positive. Mr. Thái Như Hiệp, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association (VICOFA). He said the President Trump has expressed a desire to prioritize Vietnamese coffee to help supplement supply, as imports from Brazil have dropped sharply due to a 50% tariff.
“If the United States reduces tariffs on Vietnamese coffee to 0% while other suppliers continue to face high duties, Vietnam will gain a tremendous advantage. This could significantly boost the competitiveness of Vietnamese coffee in the U.S. market.,” Mr. Hiệp affirmed.
Vietnamese seafood
However, it will still take two to three years for U.S. consumers—who are familiar with the flavor profile of Brazilian Arabica—to gradually shift toward Vietnamese Robusta. Nonetheless, positive signs have already emerged: Vietnam’s coffee exports to the U.S. have surged in recent months, with new orders continuing to increase.
In the seafood sector, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) reported that the United States has temporarily lifted its import ban on crab from Vietnam, along with three other countries. At the same time, certain chilled and frozen tuna products may soon be subject to a 0% tariff. This would serve as a major boost to the competitiveness of Vietnamese seafood products in the world’s largest tuna-consuming market.
Experts note that the rapidly expanding two-way trade relationship not only helps Vietnamese goods reach further. It also reinforces Vietnam’s role as a key partner in the global agricultural supply chain.
If the new tariff policies are implemented, this will be a “golden opportunity” for Vietnamese agricultural goods to enhance their values. It will also help them expand their market share and strengthen their brand presence in the U.S. market. The U.S. is widely regarded as the benchmark for international product quality and credibility.
Vietnamese source: https://thuehaiquan.tapchikinhtetaichinh.vn/co-hoi-vang-cho-nong-san-viet-tai-thi-truong-hoa-ky-102353.html