According to industry experts, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports could hit the $10 billion mark as early as 2026, provided the current pace is sustained and structural issues are resolved. The total exports are projected to be in the range of $8-8.4 billion in 2025, marking a growth of 18% from the previous year, as reported by the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association.
The resilience and growth of Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable export sector in spite of ongoing global trade instability underscore the enhanced competitiveness of the nation’s agricultural products in global markets. This remarkable performance can be attributed to an array of beneficial conditions, including substantial recovery of demand in major markets such as China, the U.S., South Korea, Japan and the European Union. Furthermore, an increase in official export approvals for Vietnamese fruits to high-demand markets has created new avenues for growth.
Nguyen Thanh Binh, chairman of the association, indicated that the growth in exports in recent years has evolved from seasonal peaks into a consistent upward trend. An increased emphasis on quality, traceability, and compliance with market standards has aided Vietnamese produce in establishing a more stable presence within global supply chains.
Despite being the largest market and accounting for a significant proportion of shipments, China also poses the greatest challenges to the industry, as Binh noted.
While there has been a robust increase in export value, market volatility and policy changes continue to cause disruptions in shipments to China. Dr. Nguyen Dinh Bich, an expert in agricultural economics, pointed out that the sector’s greatest vulnerability is seen in production organization. Despite the speedy growth, it lacks a firm grounding and without stronger connections from raw material sources to processing and distribution, the industry could be susceptible to changes such as tightened standards or altered regulations by major markets.
Learning from past instances of congestion at border gates remains crucial, particularly as importing countries continue to elevate their requirements regarding quarantine, food safety, and sustainability.
Despite these challenges, the long-term prospects remain favorable. Riding on the wave of consistent double-digit growth in recent years and Vietnam’s position among the world’s top 25 trading nations, the association is confident that exports could reach $10 billion by 2026.
Many businesses deem this target achievable if existing roadblocks are overcome. A representative from the Tien Giang Vegetables and Fruits Joint Stock Company said that there remains potential for processed goods and premium fresh fruit. However, businesses require stable policies regarding raw material zones, logistics, and market access.
Logistics costs, particularly those related to cold-chain logistics, constitute a substantial portion of expenses, compromising competitiveness with regional counterparts.
Experts emphasize the necessity for comprehensive, long-term solutions, including focused farming zones, standardized production unit codes, and packing facilities certified in line with market demand. Diversifying export markets and increasing the share of processed goods are also seen as essential.
Binh further underscored that continued government support in areas such as market access, standardization, and credit and logistics infrastructure will be crucial to ensuring sustainable growth.
What are the main challenges to Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable export industry?
The main challenges include market volatility, policy changes, high logistics costs, and the need for stronger connections from raw material sources to processing and distribution.
What are the proposed solutions to these challenges?
Proposed solutions include the creation of concentrated farming zones, standardization of production unit codes, certified packing facilities, diversification of export markets, and increased government support in various areas.
What is the projected value of Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports in the near future?
Industry experts believe that Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports could reach $10 billion as early as 2026, given the current pace of growth and provided structural issues are properly addressed.
