Vietnam agri news update - September 2026

Circular 22 of Ministry of Agriculture and Environment

From 1^st September, the Circular 22/2026/TT-BNNMT on the decentralization, reduction, and simplification of administrative procedures under the state management scope of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment went into effect.

Under the new arrangement, the decentralization of state inspection of food safety for imported plant-based goods will be implemented by assigning the task to local authorities, while clearly defining the responsibilities of the assigned agencies. This is a significant development for localities involved in the import and export of agricultural products through border gates.

One of the issues of concern to businesses is the time taken to process state administrative procedures. They are requesting increased staffing and coordination among relevant agencies to shorten processing times for applications.

More information at: Guidelines on new regulations for food safety inspection of imported agricultural products.

The full document of Circular 22 is available (in Vietnamese) at: Thông tư số 22/2026/TT-BNNMT

Vietnam wood exports top USD 10 billion as Europe demand surges

Vietnam's wood and furniture exports exceeded USD 10 billion in the first seven months of the year, with shipments to the Netherlands and Germany recording particularly strong growth.Vietnam exported USD 10.2 billion worth of wood and wood products in the first seven months of the year, up 5.6 per cent from the same period in 2025, according to data from the General Department of Customs.

The sector was among Vietnam's seven largest export categories during the period.

More information at: Vietnam wood exports top USD 10 billion as Europe demand surges | DTiNews

Vietnamese coffee exports poised for strong finish toward year-end

Vietnamese coffee has favourable prospects for a strong increase in both export volume and prices in the final months of the year, as low inventories, weather-related disruptions to global supply and higher product standards among importers create supportive conditions, with the quality and brand of Vietnamese coffee increasingly established.

The EU and the US continue to be the main export markets for Vietnamese coffee. Currently, nearly 40% of Vietnam's coffee supply is capable of meeting EUDR requirements. As a result, many buyers are focusing on purchasing EUDR-compliant Vietnamese coffee for contracts to be signed from October. This could help increase export volume by 8-10%. In particular, EUDR-compliant shipments are expected to command prices approximately 50 USD per tonne higher than conventional coffee, helping significantly boost export turnover.

More information at: Vietnamese coffee exports poised for strong finish toward year-end

Government Decree No. 342 clarifies conditions for business licences for foreign-invested firms

The Government has issued a decree detailing the Law on Commerce and the Law on Foreign Trade Management regarding goods trading and related activities by foreign investors and foreign-invested economic organisations in Vietnam.

The decree also sets out conditions for the issuance of business licences. On the issuance of business licences, the decree gives a detail list of activities for which business licences may be issued to foreign-invested economic organisations, including managing and operating intermediary e-commerce platforms, social networks engaged in e-commerce and integrated e-commerce platforms.

More information at: Decree clarifies conditions for business licences for foreign-invested firms

New Decision no. 3445 by Ministry of Agriculture and Environment

Decision 3445/QD-BNNMT was issued on August 28, 2026, by Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE). It formally updates and amends specific administrative procedures within the cultivation and plant protection sectors under the ministry’s jurisdiction.

Sources (in Vietnamese language only):

3445/QĐ-BNNMT  

Quyết định 3445/QĐ-BNNMT 2026 công bố thủ tục hành chính sửa đổi lĩnh vực Trồng trọt

Agricultural, forestry and fishery exports reach nearly $49.3 billion after 8 months

Vietnam’s agricultural, forestry and fishery exports totalled nearly US$49.3 billion in the first 8 months of this year, up 7% year on year, maintaining growth momentum despite divergent trends among major product groups.

Fruit and vegetables, seafood, pepper and several other commodities posted positive results, while coffee, rice, rubber and tea came under pressure. Abundant domestic supply and favourable market conditions are also expected to support durian exports in the final months of the year.

More information at: Agricultural, forestry and fishery exports reach nearly $49.3 billion after eight months

50% interest rate subsidy applies for corporate technology innovation loans

Enterprises borrowing funds to invest in technology transfer, application or innovation are eligible for a 50 per cent interest rate subsidy from the Ministry of Science and Technology’s National Technology Innovation Fund (NATIF).

According to a NATIF’s announcement, the subsidy covers 50 per cent of the interest rate specified in the credit contract between the enterprise and the bank; but is capped at 6% per annum for a maximum period of 5 years. Enterprises with eligible investment projects or plans having already secured bank loan approval and signed a credit contract may submit applications for the interest rate subsidy. This policy applies to loans supporting projects involving technology transfer, application, and innovation. The loans may be utilised for purchasing machinery, equipment, and production lines; acquiring technology usage or ownership rights; conducting pilot production; hiring experts; training personnel to operate and master the technology; or carrying out product testing and verification activities.

More information at: 50% interest rate subsidy applies for corporate technology innovation loans