Vietnam agri news update - May 2026

Viet Nam named among world’s top 30 exporters in 2025

Viet Nam ranked 18th place among the world’s 30 largest exporting economies in 2025, with export turnover reaching nearly US$473 billion, according to the latest data from the World Trade Organization (WTO) compiled by Statista. 

Viet Nam's export turnover valued US$470 billion for the first time last year, up more than 16 percent year on year, with a trade surplus of over US$20 billion, contributing significantly to maintaining macro. 

The export growth has been driven by key export products such as electronics, computers, phones and components, machinery and agricultural products including seafood, coffee and wood products.
Source: Viet Nam named among world’s top 30 exporters in 2025

Fruit and vegetable exports surge on global demand

Việt Nam’s fruit and vegetable exports have made a strong start to the year, with rising shipments and tighter compliance with international standards helping producers tap robust global demand, according to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetables Association. 

The association reported export earnings of nearly US$532 million in April, bringing total export value to $2.06 billion in the first four months of the year, up 22 per cent year-on-year. Key export items included durian, jackfruit, coconut, passion fruit, pomelo and longan.

China remained the main growth driver, with first quarter exports reaching nearly USD 778.8 million. Meanwhile, several European and Southeast Asian markets saw sharper growth, including the Netherlands up more than 50 per cent.

Source: Fruit and vegetable exports surge on global demand

Government continues to suspend Decree 46

The Government issued Resolution No. 15/2026/NQ-CP temporarily suspending the application of Decree No. 46/2026/ND-CP dated January 26, 2026 detailing the implementation of a number of articles and measures to organize and guide the implementation of the Law on Food Safety and Resolution No. 66/13/2026/NQ-CP dated January 27, 2026 regulating the announcement and registration of food products until the Law on Food Safety (amended) and the Decree guiding the Law on Food Safety (amended) take effect.

Source: Government continues to temporarily suspend the application of Decree 46 on food safety

New Minister of Agriculture and Environment

On April 8, continuing the First Session, with 481/481 National Assembly deputies participating in the vote in favor, the 16th National Assembly voted to approve the Resolution approving the Prime Minister's proposal on the appointment of Ministers and other members of the Government for the 2026-2031 term.

More information at:

Mr. Trinh Viet Hung holds the position of Minister of Agriculture and Environment

Các nhiệm vụ của ngành nông nghiệp và môi trường thời gian tới

Pepper exports soar in Q1 despite shipping challenges

The U.S. and China maintained their positions as Vietnam’s largest buyers in March. Other markets, including Egypt, the Netherlands, Canada and the Philippines, also posted triple-digit month-on-month growth.

Vietnam also recorded a sharp rise in pepper imports as businesses boosted purchases for processing and re-export amid tightening domestic supply. Cambodia remained Vietnam’s largest supplier, accounting for 55.1% of imports, followed by Brazil and Indonesia.

Meanwhile, exporters are grappling with mounting logistics pressures linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have driven shipping costs up three to four times. 

Source: Pepper exports soar 31% in Q1 despite supply, shipping challenges - VnExpress International

Agro-forestry-fishery exports up in first four months

Vietnam’s export turnover of agro-forestry-fishery products topped 23 billion USD in the first four months of 2026, up 5.4% year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. In April alone, export value was estimated at around 6 billion USD.

Asia remained the largest export market, accounting for 44% of total turnover, followed by the Americas and Europe with shares of about 21% and 15%, respectively.

Export markets are evolving rapidly, marked by the proliferation of technical barriers and green standards. Major markets now impose stringent requirements not only on quality and price but also on traceability, carbon emissions, circular economy practices and social responsibility. For example, in addition to its strict food safety regulations, the EU is introducing a series of new policies concerning packaging, the environment and chemicals.

More information at: Agro-forestry-fishery exports up in four months | Vietnam News