Vietnam agri news update - August 2026

Vietnam, Netherlands to deepen cooperation, elevate Comprehensive Partnership

Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten discussed and agreed on new directions to deepen bilateral relations during their high-level phone talks on August 11. 

PM Jetten praised the Vietnamese community’s contributions to the Dutch society, and welcomed Vietnam’s visa exemption for Dutch tourists and Vietnam Airlines’ launch of direct flights between the two countries in June 2026, saying that these measures have contributed to facilitating travel, people-to-people exchanges and tourism cooperation between the two nations. 

The Dutch PM affirmed the Netherlands’ strong commitment to accelerating the ratification of the EVIPA. Vietnamese PM called for more effective use of Strategic Partnership Arrangement on sustainable agriculture and food security.

Vietnam revises food safety law

In August, the Ministry of Health drafted the Law on Food Safety (amended) and called for comments from organizations and individuals. 

More information (only available in Vietnamese) at: Dự án Luật An toàn thực phẩm | Government Portal

FAO roadmap to be adopted for Vietnam’s food system reform

The Food and Agriculture Organization's Global Roadmap has been found to be highly compatible with the goals set out in the national action plan for transforming the food system until 2030.

The roadmap is an action framework designed to help countries ensure food and nutrition security amid constant climate change, while controlling carbon emissions to make sure global warming stays within limits.

More information at: FAO roadmap to be adopted for food system reform

MAE deputy minister charged over bribery in durian export

The Ministry of Public Security has launched criminal proceedings against Hoàng Trung, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, and ordered his detention on charges of accepting bribes under Article 354 of the Penal Code.

The police said the move forms part of an expanded investigation into a case involving the Centre for Testing, Certification and Quality Services, NhoNho Technology Co., Ltd., Thủy Fruit One Member Co., Ltd., and other organisations and individuals linked to the export of durians to China.

More information at: Deputy minister charged over alleged bribery in durian export scandal

Vietnamese coffee exports shine in EC’s agri-food trade report

The EU’s imports of agricultural and food products from Vietnam rose 9% in value in the first five months of 2026, driven primarily by higher coffee imports, according to the European Commission’s (EC) latest agri-food trade report released on July 30.

Vietnam was among the few bright spots in the EU’s import landscape, underscoring the country’s growing role as a key supplier of agricultural products to the bloc.

More information at: Vietnamese coffee exports shine in EC’s agri-food trade report

EU tightens food safety rules to exporters

Agricultural exporters need to adapt proactively to diverging sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements as the European Union (EU) tightens food safety controls. The EU is drafting new rules to tighten maximum residue limits for eight pesticide active ingredients. The regulation is expected to be published in March 2027 and take effect six months later.

Analysis by the Vietnam SPS Office indicates that some proposed residue limits would be reduced significantly. For example, Việt Nam currently allows a maximum residue level of 10 parts per million (ppm) for the active ingredient profenofos in tomatoes, while the EU is proposing to lower the limit to 0.01-0.05 ppm. Under the EU's latest import control regime, four Vietnamese plant products remain subject to increased border inspections: durian, dragon fruit, okra and chilli peppers.

EU requirements now extend beyond traditional SPS standards to include digitalisation, data transparency and sustainability.

More information at: Exporters urged to adapt as EU tightens food safety rules