The information was given at a press conference on tasks and solutions to implement Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation and digital transformation organized by Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on the afternoon of May 5, in Hanoi.
In 4 months, agricultural sector has a trade surplus of 5.18 billion USD
Sharing at the press conference, Mr. Tran Gia Long - Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Finance (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) - said that in April 2025, agricultural, forestry and fishery exports reached 5.47 billion USD, up 5.4% over the same period last year; In which, main agricultural product exports reached about 3.1 billion USD, up 11.6%; main forestry product exports reached nearly 1.36 billion USD, down 6.6%; aquatic product exports reached 774 million USD, down 0.2%; livestock product exports reached 50.2 million USD, up 20%; production input exports reached 190 million USD, up 33.1%. In the first 4 months of 2025, all export groups increased compared to the same period last year, bringing total export turnover of the industry to 21.15 billion USD, up 10.7%. In which, agricultural product exports reached 11.6 billion USD, up 11.7%; forestry product exports reached 5.56 billion USD, up 11.2%; aquatic product exports reached 3.09 billion USD, up 13.7%; Livestock product exports reached 178 million USD, up 16.8%; production input exports reached 722 million USD, up 20% over the same period last year.
In the first 4 months of the year, there were 6 items with export value of over 1 billion USD, 2 items reached over 3 billion USD and most of the key items had higher export value than the same period last year.
Specifically, wood and wood product exports reached 5.2 billion USD, up 5.8%; coffee exports reached 3.78 billion USD, up 51.1%; rubber exports reached 862 million USD, up 18.9%; shrimp exports reached 1.24 billion USD, up 28.4%. Rice exports alone reached 1.75 billion USD, down 14.3% and fruit and vegetable exports reached 1.62 billion USD, down 14.2%.
Average export price of some agricultural products increased by more than double digits. Specifically, the price of coffee reached 5,698 USD/tonne, up 67.5%; the price of rubber reached 1,935 USD/tonne, up 30.2%; the price of pepper reached 6,893 USD/tonne, up 62.5%; the price of cashew nuts reached 6,808 USD/tonne, up 27%. The price of rice alone reached 514 USD/tonne, down 20%; the price of tea reached 1,608 USD/tonne, down 2.2%;... Regarding market, in the first 4 months of 2025, export value of agricultural, forestry and fishery products to some continents and markets increased sharply. Of which, exports to the Americas reached 4.83 billion USD, up 12.6%; Europe reached 3.48 billion USD, up 37.7%; Africa reached 648 million USD, up 78.4%; Asia alone reached 8.82 billion USD, down 1.3% and Oceania reached 263 million USD, down 2.6%.
The United States, China and Japan continued to be the three largest export markets, of which export value to the United States accounted for 20.5%, up 10.2%; China accounted for 17.1%, down 1.1% and Japan accounted for 7.5%, up 23.3%.
On other hand, import turnover in the first 4 months of the year of the agriculture and environment sector reached 15.97 billion USD, up 16.6%. Of which, agricultural products reached 10.17 billion USD, up 18.4%; livestock products reached 1.39 billion USD, up 27.8%; aquatic products reached 1.02 billion USD, up 29%; forestry products reached 943 million USD, up 20.2%; production inputs reached 2.44 billion USD, up 0.3%; salt reached 10.6 million USD, down 12.3%. Thus, the whole industry had a trade surplus of about 5.18 billion USD, down 4.1% compared to the same period last year.
In terms of markets, import value of agricultural, forestry and fishery products from the Americas increased by 13.5%, reaching 3.995 billion USD; Asia increased by 12.5%, reaching 4.738 billion USD; Europe increased by 11%, reaching 665 million USD and Africa increased by 87.9%, reaching 403 million USD; Oceania increased by 2.1%, reaching 556 million USD.
7 key tasks and solutions
In order to achieve growth target as well as the export turnover of agriculture, forestry and fishery that the agriculture and environment sector has set for this year, Mr. Tran Gia Long said that the ministry will implement 7 key tasks and solutions. First, perfecting institutions and policies to serve growth of the sector and export of agriculture, forestry and fishery; synchronously and effectively implementing resolutions, strategies, programs, projects, planning and development plans for the sector.
Second, continuing to promote implementation of the sector's structure, improving productivity, quality, added value of products and efficiency of production and business of agriculture, forestry and fishery.
Third, promoting administrative procedure reform to serve people and businesses. Fourth, strengthening digital transformation, making breakthroughs in the application of science, technology transfer, and innovation.
Fifth, promoting development of domestic markets and exports. Sixth, strongly promote industries and fields that support agricultural, forestry and fishery production. Seventh, strengthen communication on agricultural development and environmental protection.
Regarding the fifth task and solution, Mr. Tran Gia Long said that the ministry will promote trade, open markets, negotiate to remove technical barriers, trade barriers and open official exports of more agricultural products to traditional markets, markets with large total export turnover such as: China, the United States, the EU, Russia, Brazil, Japan, Korea....
At the same time, open new markets with much potential (Halal food from Muslim countries, the Middle East, Africa...) with motto of diversifying products, diversifying markets, contributing to gradually reducing informal exports across the northern border. Improve effectiveness of negotiations, open markets, promote trade and handle issues in trade.
For the domestic market, the ministry will have a clear roadmap and plan to promote domestic consumption of highly seasonal products (such as vegetables, flowers, fruits), which are easily affected by natural conditions and weather, reducing quality and grade. There will be solutions to stabilize the market, control price fluctuations of some agricultural products, aquatic products, animal feed, and agricultural materials.
At the same time, strengthen measures to ensure food safety for both domestic and export markets. Ensure the quality of agricultural products throughout the supply chain from production, processing, and trade to domestic consumers and foreign markets.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn