In 2026, Vietnam’s agricultural sector faces challenges from climate change and stringent technical standards. However, Vietnam agricultural exports have reached record highs, driven by coffee, fruits and vegetables, and durian. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is focusing on expanding markets. It is also prioritizing improving quality, standardizing raw material zones, and developing a national brand.
According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam’s export turnover of agro-forestry-fishery products in 2025 reached USD 70.09 billion—the highest level ever. Accordingly, this figure is up about 12% in comparison to the previous year. The sector’s trade balance continued to record a surplus of more than USD 20 billion. This demonstrates that agriculture remains a “pillar” of the economy amid global economic volatility. Of this total, agricultural exports reached USD 37.25 billion, up 13.7%.
Two Vietnam agricultural exports recorded values exceeding USD 8 billion for the first time: coffee and fruits and vegetables. In 2025, coffee exports reached 1.5 million tons, generating USD 8.57 billion. This represented an increase of 13.1% in volume and 52.5% in value year on year. Total exports of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables in 2025 reached USD 8.56 billion. This was an increase of 19.8% in comparison to the previous year.
Mr. Nguyen Quang Hieu is the Deputy Director of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection. He said that in addition to strong direction from the government, these results were driven by active efforts from enterprises, associations, and producers. They have been reorganizing production to open markets and comply with regulations.
Vietnam agricultural exports
“When businesses have gained market share, built brands, and established credibility in international markets, we can be fully confident in stronger growth and further expansion in the coming period,” Mr. Nguyen Quang Hieu said.
However, it must be acknowledged that export markets are becoming increasingly demanding. In particular, technical standards are growing stricter.
In 2026, difficulties and challenges are likely to continue increasing. To achieve the target of USD 73–74 billion in agro-forestry-fishery exports—of which around USD 40 billion would come from Vietnam agricultural exports—the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has introduced a range of solutions. These solutions focus on the value-chain approach of “raw material areas – standards – processing – logistics – markets.”
Key priorities include standardizing raw material zones based on “market-driven orders,” and expanding planting area and aquaculture codes. They also include managing input quality and ensuring food safety. Additionally, strengthening traceability and organizing production according to standards can help reduce the risk of warnings and rejected shipments.
Vietnamese pomelo
At the same time, efforts will be made to enhance market access capacity and the national brand. In addition, the ministry aims to accelerate market opening, address trade barriers, and build sectoral brands.
“In 2026, Vietnam will still have many agricultural products with strong export potential, such as citrus fruits, for markets including China, Australia, and Japan,” Mr. Nguyen Quang Hieu emphasized. He warned that if quality is not continuously improved and international regulations are not strictly followed, even a single regulatory change from importing countries can affect production, market access, and competitiveness.
From the perspective of industry associations, Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, proposed that the sector should accelerate deep processing. In 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment also plans to promote green transformation to access higher-value market segments.
Measuring and reducing carbon footprints will be priorities. In addition, obtaining sustainability certifications, promoting circular economy models, and developing low-emission production will serve as “passports” to premium markets and high-end retail chains.
Vietnamese source: https://laodong.vn/kinh-doanh/xuat-khau-nong-san-phan-dau-dat-40-ti-usd-nam-2026-1641412.ldo