In the first three quarters of 2025, Vietnam saw a 9% year-on-year increase in its imports of U.S. soybeans, reaching a total value of $300 million. This surge has been attributed to ongoing efforts to incorporate these soybeans into the country’s aquaculture sector.
Customs data indicates that the U.S. supplied 670,000 tons of soybeans to Vietnam, marking an almost 30% increase compared to the previous year. These imports accounted for roughly 33-34% of Vietnam’s total soybean imports, which is a slight increase from the previous year.
According to the U.S. Soybean Export Council, Vietnam ranks as the third largest buyer of U.S. soybeans within Southeast Asia and maintains a strong position in the global market. The country’s rapidly evolving food and animal feed sectors, combined with an increasing consumer preference for plant-based products, are expected to stimulate further demand for soybeans.
To further bolster the use of U.S. soybeans in Vietnamese aquafeed, the U.S. Soybean Export Council recently entered into a three-year memorandum of cooperation with the Vietnam Fisheries Association.
Vietnam is among the top five global fisheries producers, with its aquaculture sector contributing 4-5% to the country’s GDP. In June, Do Duc Duy, the Minister of Agriculture and Environment, led a delegation of nearly 50 agricultural businesses and associations on a trip to the U.S. to participate in business dialogues aimed at fostering balanced and sustainable trade. During the visit, approximately 20 memorandums of understanding were signed, amounting to $3 billion in agricultural trade, including soybeans.
What accounted for the rise in Vietnam’s imports of U.S. soybeans?
This increase is largely attributed to efforts to incorporate more U.S. soybeans into Vietnam’s aquaculture sector.
What position does Vietnam hold in the global soybeans market?
Vietnam is the third largest buyer of U.S. soybeans in Southeast Asia and is considered one of the most robust markets for soybeans globally.
What measures have been taken to promote the use of U.S. soybeans in Vietnam?
Recently, the U.S. Soybean Export Council and the Vietnam Fisheries Association entered into a three-year memorandum of cooperation to promote the use of U.S. soybeans in Vietnamese aquafeed.
