Overall trade surplus for entire sector is expected to reach approximately $20.72 billion.
2025 was a particularly difficult year. Globally, armed conflicts and trade competition were complex; domestically, implementation of a two-tier government model required amendments to many legal documents. Agricultural sector, in particular, suffered heavily from natural disasters, storms and floods, causing serious damage to people and property.
Natural disasters this year have claimed over 420 lives, with total economic losses estimated at approximately 109 trillion VND. Aquaculture was severely affected, with about 1,500 hectares of damaged farmland; livestock suffered a double impact from disease and extreme weather; and crop and forestry were also significantly affected.
In this context, with decisive direction of Central Party Committee, the Government and the Prime Minister, agricultural sector still achieved many outstanding results. Notably, December 2025 saw agricultural, forestry and fisheries exports reach US$6.21 billion, creating a significant breakthrough, bringing total export value for the year to US$70.09 billion, a 12% increase compared to 2024, far exceeding the US$65 billion target and setting an all-time high.
According to Mr. Tran Gia Long, Deputy Director of Planning and Finance Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), export growth was recorded in almost all product groups. Of that total, agricultural products reached US$37.25 billion, an increase of 13.7%; aquatic products reached US$11.32 billion, an increase of 12.7%; forestry products reached US$18.5 billion, an increase of 6.6%; and livestock products reached US$627.8 million, an increase of 17.4%. Production inputs reached US$2.38 billion, an increase of 27.1%; and salt exports increased sharply by 84.9%.
By 2025, Vietnam continued to maintain 10 agricultural, forestry, and aquatic product groups with export value exceeding US$1 billion; of which 3 groups will surpass the US$8 billion mark: wood products, coffee and fruits and vegetables. Main export markets remain China, the United States and Japan, while expanding market share in many regions, especially Africa, with a growth rate of 67.4%.
Not only did agricultural, forestry, and fisheries exports reach record levels, but they also generated a large trade surplus, with the entire sector achieving a trade surplus of approximately US$20.72 billion, a 16.6% increase compared to the previous year. Around 90% of the targets for the agriculture and environment sector were met or exceeded, further affirming its role as a pillar of the economy.
Aiming for $74 billion in exports
According to Mr. Tran Gia Long, in context and demands of the new era, especially 2026, foundation year for achieving 2026-2030 export target of $73-74 billion, it is necessary to continue strategic orientation of opening up markets and promoting the effective export of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products.
Entering 2026, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment identifies the focus as continuing to improve institutions, policies, standards and technical regulations in a way that harmonizes with international practices; creating a favorable environment for people and businesses to invest in and develop high-quality agricultural value chains, ensuring food safety.
Along with that, promoting development of private economy in agriculture; encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation; Developing processing, preservation, mechanization and application of high technology industries, increasing proportion of deep processing to enhance product value.
The industry will also promote reorganization of production associated with digital transformation, strengthen the linkage between raw material areas and processing and consumption; build high-quality, safe, and environmentally friendly Vietnamese agricultural product brands. At the same time, focus on removing technical barriers, negotiating market access, diversifying approaches, improving traceability, logistics, and e-commerce capabilities. Through this, goal of maintaining Vietnam's position among the top 15 agricultural, forestry, and fisheries exporting countries in the world will be realized.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn