Since the Đổi Mới economic reforms in the late 1980s, Vietnam has transformed from a country facing chronic food shortages into one of the world's leading producers and exporters of agricultural commodities such as coffee, rice, peanuts, and tea. Despite the agricultural sector's shifting share of GDP due to Vietnam's transition toward service and manufacturing-based industries, its absolute economic contribution remains stable. Agriculture continues to be the largest employer in the country, with over 13.9 million Vietnamese engaged in the sector as of 2022.

🌱 Major Agricultural Products

Following trade liberalization and agricultural reforms, Vietnam experienced significant growth in both production volume and export value. Since the 1990s, intensive agricultural systems have developed strategically across regions:

• Rice monoculture in the Mekong Delta
• Coffee and pepper cultivation in the Central Highlands

While many agricultural products serve domestic consumption—Vietnam ranks among the world's top rice consumers—the country has emerged as a global export leader in: Coffee| Pepper| Cashew nuts| Rubber| Tea

Beyond crop production, fishery and aquaculture have become vital components of Vietnam's agricultural economy, contributing substantially to export earnings and employment.

📦 Major Export Agricultural Commodities: Facts & Trends

Vietnam's agricultural exports reached US$62.4 billion in 2024, with a target of US$65–70 billion in 2025. The sector achieved 15.5% overall growth in the first half of 2025, but growth is heavily driven by commodity price surges rather than volume expansion. The following commodities are defining this dynamic:The following commodities are driving this growth:

Rice

• Export Value: US$5.7 billion (2024); US$2.54 billion (1st half 2025; -12.2% YoY DECLINE)
• Volume 9+ million tonnes (4.9 million tons 1st half 2025) (+7.6% volume increase)
• Global Position: 2nd largest rice exporter globally
• Price performance: Export prices range from US$397/ton for standard rice to up to US$1,200/ton for premium varieties. (1st half 2025: -18.4% sharp drop in average export price. Export volume increased but revenues fell sharply due to severe pricing pressure.
• Key Trends: Vietnam is shifting focus toward high-quality varieties including ST24, ST25, Japonica, and organic rice.

Coffee

• Export Value: US$5.45 billion (+67.5% YoY)
• Volume Change: +5.3% only
• Price Performance: +59.1% surge in average export price to US$5,700/ton
• Global Position: 2nd largest producer after Brazil
• Key Trends: Coffee prices surged 14–30% year-on-year. Specialty coffee varieties are gaining increasing market traction among international buyers. Global supply shortages and strong international demand drove exceptional price increases despite modest volume growth

Fruits & Vegetables

• Export Value: US$3.05 billion (-8.4% YoY DECLINE) (1st half of 2025)
• Bright Spot: Durian exports tripled compared to H1 2024—the only strong performer in this category
• Status: Requires close monitoring; Chinese market dependency creates vulnerability

Pepper

• 1st Half of 2025 Export Value: US$2.36 billion (+20.4% YoY)
• Volume Change: -2.7% (slight decline)
• Export Volume: 700,000 metric tons (annual target)
• Price Performance: +23.8% rise in export prices
• Key Insight: Strong price momentum more than offset volume losses

Cashew Nuts

• Export Value: US$2.36 billion (+20.4% YoY) (1st half of 2025 )
• Volume Change: -2.7% (slight decline)
• Price Performance: +23.8% increase in average price
• Export Volume: 700,000 metric tons (annual target)
• Key Trends: Vietnam exported 700,000 metric tons with price-driven growth of +20.4%.

Aquatic Products

• 1st Half of 2025 Export Value: US$1.27 billion (+14.4% YoY)
• Volume Change: -6.5% decline
• Price Performance: +22.4% price increase offset volume losses
• Key Trends: Led by shrimp (US$4B) and tra fish (US$2B), though the sector faces ongoing sustainability and tariff challenges. Price momentum providing resilience despite volume challenges

Timber & Wood

• Export Value: US$8.21 billion (1st half of 2025)
• Growth Rate: +8.9% YoY (steady, consistent)
• Key Markets: Strong demand from US, EU, and Japan
• Global Position: Vietnam's premier agri-export category

Tea

• Export Value: ~US$200–250 million (2023)
• Global Position: Among the world's top 10 tea exporters
• Export Volume: Over 120,000 metric tons (2023)
• Key Markets: Pakistan, Taiwan, Russia, and China
• Key Trends: Specialty and organic teas are increasingly popular with international consumers.

🌍 Export Market Highlights

Vietnam's agricultural exports reach diverse markets worldwide:

• Philippines: Largest rice importer, accounting for 46.1% of Vietnam's rice exports in 2024
• China: Key buyer of rice, tea, and fruits
• EU, Japan, South Korea: High demand for premium rice, specialty coffee, and seafood products
• Middle East & Africa: Bulk rice and cashew imports dominate trade flows

🔍 Trends to Watch

• Price-Driven Growth: Coffee, rice, and cashew exports surged due to favorable global commodity prices, though prices remain volatile.
• Climate Impact: Rice and fruit sectors face mounting challenges from droughts, salinity intrusion, and unpredictable weather patterns, particularly in the Mekong Delta.
• Sustainability Push: International certifications such as GlobalG.A.P., Rainforest Alliance, and Organic standards are becoming increasingly essential for market access and consumer preference.
• Digital Transformation: Advanced traceability systems, carbon monitoring technologies, and precision agriculture are critical drivers of future competitiveness in global markets.

🌿 Toward Sustainable Agriculture

Despite Vietnam's agricultural strength, the country faces significant sustainability challenges, particularly from climate change impacts. The Mekong Delta—Vietnam's most critical rice-growing region—confronts growing threats from rising sea levels, salinity intrusion, and erratic weather patterns that threaten both productivity and rural livelihoods. Additionally, income inequality remains a structural concern, with a noticeable gap between rural agricultural workers and those employed in urban, non- agricultural sectors.

To address these multifaceted challenges, the Government of Vietnam has established ambitious goals for 2030, including:

• Improving rural livelihoods and income stability
• Monitoring and reducing agricultural carbon footprints
• Promoting green, responsible, and sustainable production methods
• Integrating digital technologies and data-driven solutions into farming practices
• Vietnam Launches Low-Emission Crop Production Plan (2025–2035): 22/10/25. Ministry of Agriculture and Environment announced the Plan for Low-Emission Crop Production for the period 2025–2035, with a vision to 2050 to  Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in crop production, Accelerate digital technology adoption and smart farming solutions and Ensure sustainable agricultural development aligned with Vietnam’s Net Zero 2050 commitment.

These initiatives position Vietnam to maintain its competitive edge while addressing environmental and social sustainability concerns.

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