BERNAMA/VNA/VNS – Vietnam’s agriculture, forestry and fisheries exports rose 9.2 per cent year-on-year to nearly USD30.7 billion in the first five months, helping the sector generate a trade surplus of USD8.4 billion despite stronger import growth, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment reported.

According to the Vietnam News Agency, imports increased 12.6 per cent from a year earlier to nearly USD22.3 billion in the January-May period, while the trade surplus edged up 1.1 per cent, according to ministry data released at a press briefing.

The figures underscore the resilience of one of Vietnam’s key economic sectors as authorities seek to maintain growth, strengthen food security and expand export markets amid an uncertain global trade environment.

Agricultural products remained the largest export category, generating almost USD16.4 billion, up 6.1 per cent from a year earlier.

Forestry products brought in USD7.65 billion, up 4.5 per cent, while seafood exports rose 10.6 per cent to USD4.65 billion.

Exports of production inputs rose 83 per cent to USD1.7 billion, while livestock product exports climbed 43.2 per cent to USD308 million and salt exports increased 45.8 per cent to USD6.7 million.

China remained Vietnam’s largest export market for agricultural, forestry and fishery products, accounting for 20.5 per cent of total export turnover and posting growth of 28.4 per cent from a year earlier.

The United States ranked second, representing 18.5 per cent of exports, although shipments to the market declined 3.6 per cent. The European Union accounted for 11.8 per cent of exports and recorded growth of 4.2 per cent, while Japan represented 6.8 per cent and expanded 3.5 per cent.

The ministry attributed the export growth to trade promotion efforts, market diversification and the effective use of free trade agreements, which helped businesses expand overseas sales while reducing dependence on individual markets.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Dang Ngoc Diep said the sector was targeting growth of 3.7 per cent this year and striving to reach four per cent. “Key indicators are broadly in line with the plan, creating favourable conditions for achieving this year’s growth target,” Diep said.

Published Date: June 3, 2026