AGRO-FORESTRY-FISHERY EXPORTS EXCEED US$58 BILLION IN 10 MONTHS

Workers process tra fish fillets at a seafood plant in Vietnam -PHOTO: ARCHIVES

HCMC – Vietnam’s agricultural, forestry, and fishery exports reached more than US$58 billion in the first 10 months of this year, up nearly 13% year-on-year, driven by strong growth in key products such as coffee, fruits and vegetables, wood, and seafood.

Data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment showed that agricultural, forestry, and fishery export revenue in October alone approached US$6 billion. Coffee exports earned US$7.41 billion, up almost 62% from a year earlier, as average export prices hit a multi-year high of US$5,653 per ton. Prices surged amid tight global supplies and rising demand in Europe, particularly in Germany, Italy, and Spain.

Fruit and vegetable exports rose 15% to US$7.09 billion, with China accounting for more than 60% of total export value. Shipments to the U.S. and other high-end markets also grew as domestic producers improved quality control, traceability, and quarantine compliance.

Wood and forestry product exports rebounded after a period of stagnation, reaching nearly US$15 billion, up 5.4%. Orders from the U.S. and Japan have returned, while manufacturers are shifting toward higher-value products to stabilize production.

Seafood exports climbed nearly 13% to US$9.3 billion, with stronger demand from China, the U.S., and Japan. Key products such as shrimp, tra fish, and tuna posted double-digit growth in the third quarter.

In contrast, exports of cashew nuts, pepper, and rubber grew modestly due to lower global prices, while rice exports—buoyant in the first half of the year—slowed as several Asian countries boosted domestic output and reduced imports.

Asia remained Vietnam’s largest export market, accounting for almost half of total value. Shipments to Europe and Africa increased by 37.5% and over 80%, respectively.

The ministry attributed the positive results to high global commodity prices, greater investment in value-added processing, market diversification, and effective use of free trade agreements. With current momentum, Vietnam’s agricultural, forestry, and fishery exports are projected to surpass US$65 billion in 2025.

Source: The Saigon Times