Vietnam agri news update - March 2026

Vietnamese agricultural export threatened by Middle East conflict

Escalating tension involving the US, Israel and Iran is posing heightened risks to global transportation, trade flows and supply chains, creating mounting challenges for Vietnamese exporters as agricultural shipments gain traction in the Middle East, requiring them to proactively adapt in order to reduce risks and maintain growth.

With numerous carriers diverting around southern Africa to bypass the Suez Canal, Asia-to-Europe transit times have extended by 10–14 days, imposing substantial strain on supply chains, most acutely for perishable agricultural goods.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade recommends diversifying markets, securing comprehensive insurance, and embedding force majeure clauses to mitigate long-term supply chain instability.

More information at:

Vietnamese exporters adapt to escalating Middle East conflict

Iran Conflict and Vietnam’s Economy: Early Impacts

Middle East conflict could drive sharp rise in fertiliser prices

Escalating Middle East conflict threatens Vietnam’s seafood supply chain - VnEconomy

Vietnam targets 74 billion USD in agro-forestry-aquatic export earnings in 2026

Despite global uncertainty in 2025, the agriculture sector reached 3.78% growth, with agro-forestry-aquatic export turnover totalled more than 70 billion USD. Alongside traditional partners, exports to Europe and Africa have recorded strong growth. In 2026, implementation of international commitments on green growth, nature conservation and low-emission agriculture will place significant pressure on resources and governance capacity. The ministry will deploy solutions across the value chain from raw-material zones to deep processing to be standardized in line with markets’ demand, tighter control of inputs, food safety and traceability. 

According to Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien, expanding and diversifying export markets remains a key priority in 2026. In January 2026, agro-forestry-fishery export turnover reached nearly 6.51 billion USD, up almost 30% year-on-year, underscoring clear signs of recovery and the sector’s strong adaptability.

More information at: Vietnam targets 74 billion USD in agro-forestry-aquatic export earnings in 2026 | VietnamPlus

Vietnam Responds to EU "Tax Haven" listing

On February 17, 2026, the European Union added Vietnam to its list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. The decision follows a review by the OECD Global Forum, which found that Vietnam did not meet international standards for the exchange of tax information upon request.

In response, Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Phạm Thu Hằng, emphasized that the country is a "responsible member" of the international community. She noted that Vietnam has already updated laws - including the Law on Tax Administration and Law on Enterprise, and is implementing a National Action Plan to meet OECD recommendations by 2027.

More information at:

Foreign ministry defends Việt Nam’s tax transparency record after EU listing | Vietnam News

EU Adds Vietnam to its List of Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions

Ministry of Agriculture and Environment puts data at the heart of transformation

The ministry plans to develop common digital platforms and applications from central to local levels, supporting comprehensive State management while meeting the growing demands of citizens and businesses.
By 2030, the target is for 100% of national and specialised databases in agriculture and the environment to be established, standardised and cleaned, forming a unified data ecosystem centrally managed and synchronised through the ministry’s data centres. One national database has already been established, the National Land Database, while a National Climate Change Database is being proposed.

More information at: Agriculture sector puts data at the heart of digital transformation | Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)