Vietnam agri news update - October 2026

Vietnam’s agro-forestry-fishery exports rise 7.8% in nine months

Vietnam’s agro-forestry-fishery exports maintained growth momentum in the first 9 months of 2026 despite continued volatility in global markets, reaching 56.3 billion USD, up 7.8% year on year. The sector posted a trade surplus of 16.9 billion USD, an increase of 7.4%. 

By region, Asia was the largest export market for Vietnam's major agricultural, forestry and fishery products, accounting for 49.4% of the market share. The next two largest markets were the Americas and Europe, with respective market shares of 22.2% and 13.5%. Exports to Europe rose 2.6%. However, several major agricultural commodities (coffee, rice, rubber, tea) faced pressure from lower prices or weaker demand.

More information at:  Vietnam’s agro-forestry-fishery exports up 7.8% in nine months

MAE Crop Production and Plant Protection has a new Director General

On 15 September, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) held a conference to announce the the appointment of Mr. Duong Duc Huy, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Head of the Propaganda Department of Lao Cai Province, to the position of the Director of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection. 
Mr. Duong Duc Huy holds a PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding, a Master's degree in Agricultural Science, and a Bachelor's degree in Crop Science. He has a long career and scientific research background in agriculture, with numerous works and technical solutions in plant breeding.
Notably, he researched and developed several rice varieties, bearing the Lao Cai brand; and successfully transferred the bacterial blight resistance gene into rice varieties.

The new Director shared that in the coming time, the Department will focus on strengthening state management regarding crop varieties, fertilizers, and plant protection agents, to ensure high-quality facilities, meeting the needs of farmers and markets. 

More information at: TS Dương Đức Huy nhậm chức Cục trưởng Cục Trồng trọt và Bảo vệ thực vật - Tuổi Trẻ Online

Vietnam prepares for widespread drought and saltwater intrusion from November

A strong El Nino event will likely cause severe drought and saltwater intrusion across Vietnam’s southern and Central Highlands regions from November, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. They were told to prioritize water distribution for essential needs such as domestic use, industry, livestock, and key crops, while operating reservoirs carefully to avoid shortages later in the dry season.

More information at: Vietnam braces for widespread El Nino-driven drought, saltwater intrusion from November

Vietnamese exporters face tighter EU rules on environmental claims

Vietnamese exporters of textiles, footwear, food, coffee, electronics, wood products and other consumer goods face tighter requirements for environmental claims under new European Union rules that took effect on September 27. 

The requirements stem from Directive (EU) 2024/825, known as the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition directive, which strengthens consumer protection in the green transition and aims to curb greenwashing by requiring environmental information to be clearer, more specific and supported by appropriate evidence. 

The new rules are particularly relevant to Vietnamese businesses exporting to the EU, as environmental claims appearing on product packaging, labels, websites, catalogues, advertising materials and e-commerce platforms may need stronger supporting data and documentation. 
More information at: Vietnamese exporters face tighter EU rules on environmental claims

Vietnam welcomes EU removal from tax non-cooperative list

Vietnam welcomes the European Union’s decision to remove the country from its list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said last weekend.

These measures aim to create a transparent, stable, and favorable business and investment environment in line with international standards, thereby safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises and investors, thus stepping up international economic cooperation, and improving national competitiveness.

More information at: The EU removes Vietnam from the list of countries that are not cooperating on tax matters.