Agriculture maintains growth momentum, trade surplus reaches over 13 billion USD

In the context of a volatile world economy, natural disasters, conflicts and increasing trade barriers, Vietnam's agricultural sector has maintained stable production and achieved positive growth. In the first eight months of 2025, the trade surplus of agriculture, forestry and fishery reached more than 13 billion USD, making an important contribution to the overall trade surplus of the economy.

According to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in the first 8 months of 2025, the poultry flock increased by 3.6%.

Many challenges from global economy and trade

According to the report of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in August 2025, the world economic situation continued to face many difficulties and challenges. Trade tensions increased, typically the US imposed a 50% reciprocal tax on India, while US-China trade negotiations remained deadlocked. Military conflicts and political instability in some countries and regions such as Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar continued to negatively impact global trade.

In addition, strict regulations on origin, source and food safety for agricultural products also pose many new barriers. Natural disasters and extreme weather occurring on a large scale in the US, China and India cause commodity prices to fluctuate, increase production input costs, and threaten global food security.

In this context, many major economies have shifted to loosening monetary and fiscal policies to support growth. This is both an opportunity and a challenge for agricultural exporting countries, including Vietnam.

Speaking at the regular September press conference, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien emphasized: "Despite the complicated developments of natural disasters, storms, floods, and landslides, the agricultural sector has maintained its growth momentum, ensuring domestic supply and meeting demand. export, contributing greatly to the overall trade surplus of the economy".

In production, cultivation achieved positive results. The whole country planted 6.72 million hectares of rice, up 1% over the same period; the harvested area reached 4.7 million hectares, the output was over 30 million tons, up 1.6%. It is expected that in 2025, the rice output will reach 44 million tons, about 0.5 million tons higher than in 2024.

Livestock production continued to be stable: the pig herd increased by 0.5%, the poultry herd increased by 3.6%. The aquaculture sector achieved an output of more than 6.4 million tons, up 3%, of which aquaculture increased by 4.8%. Forestry also recorded positive results with 177,780 hectares of planted forests, up 20.5%, and timber exploitation output reaching 14.15 million m³, up 12.1%.

Overview of the regular press conference in September 2025 on September 4.

Regarding the market, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has focused on exploiting the domestic market while promoting export opening. In the first eight months of the year, the import and export turnover of agricultural, forestry and fishery products reached 77.7 billion USD, of which exports reached 45.37 billion USD, up 12.8%, completing nearly 70% of the yearly plan. The trade surplus reached 13.07 billion USD, up 10.2% over the same period, higher than the general trade surplus of the economy.

In terms of commodity groups, agricultural products reached 24.42 billion USD, up 13.8%; forestry products 11.9 billion USD, up 6.6%; aquatic products 7.03 billion USD, up 11.5%; livestock products reached 410.7 million USD, up 24.5%. Export prices of many key products increased sharply: coffee reached 5,580 USD/ton (up 46.4%), pepper 6,740 USD/ton (up 40.7%), cashew nuts 6,710 USD/ton (up 17.8%).

Export markets were also expanded, with many regions recording impressive growth: Europe increased by 38.7%; Africa increased by 100.4%; and the Americas increased by 8.1%. The US, China and Japan continue to be Vietnam's three largest export markets.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien affirmed that these positive results were achieved thanks to the strong direction of the Party and the Government, and the coordination of the National Assembly in removing obstacles in mechanisms and policies. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will continue to operate resolutely, linking agricultural development with environmental protection, not trading the environment for growth, striving to complete the 2025 targets and creating a foundation for the 2026-2030 period.

Key tasks in September and the last months of the year

Based on the achieved results, the agriculture and environment sector has identified nine key tasks to ensure the completion of the 4% growth target and export turnover of 65 billion USD in 2025.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien gave a speech at the meeting.

Firstly, perfecting institutions and policies to serve the growth of the sector and the export of agricultural, forestry and fishery products. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will continue to review, amend and supplement legal documents to ensure consistency and conformity with local authorities at two levels. At the same time, coordinate with relevant agencies to submit to the Central Government and the National Assembly amendments and supplements to the Land Law, the Law on Geology and Minerals, and the draft Resolution approving the investment policy of the National Target Programs for the period 2026-2030.

Second, promote industry restructuring, improve productivity, quality, and added value. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will organize a summary of the pilot project on building a standard agricultural and forestry raw material area for the period 2022-2025, and at the same time develop a project for the period 2026-2030. Along with that, organize a Conference on IUU chaired by the Prime Minister, prepare working content with the 5th EC Inspection Delegation in Vietnam.

Third, strengthen inspection and supervision of forest fire prevention and fighting in key areas; organize working groups to support production development and import and export. agriculture, forestry and fishery

Fourth, support localities to effectively implement the two-level government model; promote administrative reform, remove procedural barriers associated with digital transformation and Project 06. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has transferred 184 State management tasks to localities and sent officials to directly support 34 provinces and cities. In the coming time, the Ministry will continue to organize training on laws on natural resources, environment, hydrometeorology, climate change, and support the development of reports and environmental protection plans at the provincial level.

Fifth, strongly promote digital transformation, application of science and technology, and innovation. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will effectively implement resolutions of the Central Committee, the National Assembly, and the Government on science and technology development and digital transformation, in order to enhance the application of technology in the production and processing of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products.

Sixth, expanding domestic and international markets. Faced with the impact of the US's reciprocal tax policy, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has issued an adaptation action plan, focusing on solutions on technology, policy, economic diplomacy and promoting industry chains to help businesses expand exports.

Seventh, promote the role of sectors and fields supporting agricultural production such as irrigation, natural disaster prevention, land, hydrometeorology. The goal is to effectively exploit resources, minimize damage caused by natural disasters and epidemics, and create momentum to promote large-scale commodity production.

Eighth, focus on disbursing public investment capital, especially key projects, ensuring progress, quality and efficiency.

Ninth, strengthen communication on agricultural development associated with environmental protection; replicate effective production and business models; promptly handle false information affecting production and consumption.

With drastic and synchronous solutions, the agricultural and environmental sectors aim not only to complete the 2025 targets but also to create a solid foundation for a new development stage, actively contributing to the country's sustainable growth.

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/nganh-nong-nghiep-duy-tri-da-tang-truong-xuat-sieu-dat-hon-13-ty-usd-3374426.html