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 , the poultry population increased by 3.6% in the first eight months of 2025.

Numerous challenges from the global economy and trade.

According to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in August 2025, the global economy continued to face numerous difficulties and challenges. Trade tensions increased, notably with the US imposing a 50% retaliatory tariff on India, while US-China trade negotiations remained deadlocked. Military conflicts and political instability in several countries and regions such as Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar continued to negatively impact global trade.

Furthermore, strict regulations regarding the origin, source, and food safety of agricultural products have created many new obstacles. Natural disasters and extreme weather events occurring on a large scale in the US, China, and India have caused price fluctuations, increased input costs for production, and threatened global food security.

In this context, many major economies have shifted towards easing monetary and fiscal policies to support growth. This presents both opportunities and challenges 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 complex developments of natural disasters, storms, floods, and landslides, the agricultural sector has maintained its growth momentum, ensuring domestic supply and meeting demand." Exports make a significant contribution to the overall trade surplus of the economy.

In terms of production, crop cultivation achieved positive results. The whole country planted 6.72 million hectares of rice, an increase of 1% compared to the same period last year; the harvested area reached 4.7 million hectares, with a yield of over 30 million tons, an increase of 1.6%. It is projected that the total rice production for 2025 will reach 44 million tons, approximately 0.5 million tons higher than in 2024.

Livestock farming remained stable: the pig herd increased by 0.5%, and the poultry flock increased by 3.6%. The fisheries sector achieved a production of over 6.4 million tons, an increase of 3%, with aquaculture increasing by 4.8%. Forestry also recorded positive results with 177.78 thousand hectares of planted forest, an increase of 20.5%, and timber production reaching 14.15 million m³, an increase of 12.1%.

Overview of the regular press conference for September 2025, held on September 4th.

Regarding the market, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment prioritizes both exploiting the domestic market and promoting export opportunities. In the first eight months of the year, the import and export turnover of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products reached US$77.7 billion, of which exports reached US$45.37 billion, an increase of 12.8%, completing nearly 70% of the annual plan. The trade surplus reached US$13.07 billion, an increase of 10.2% compared to the same period last year, higher than the overall trade surplus of the economy.

Among the product groups, agricultural products reached US$24.42 billion, an increase of 13.8%; forestry products US$11.9 billion, an increase of 6.6%; aquatic products US$7.03 billion, an increase of 11.5%; and livestock products US$410.7 million, an increase of 24.5%. Export prices of many key commodities increased sharply: coffee reached US$5,580/ton (up 46.4%), pepper US$6,740/ton (up 40.7%), and cashew nuts US$6,710/ton (up 17.8%).

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

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien affirmed that these positive results were achieved thanks to the decisive leadership of the Party and Government, and the coordination of the National Assembly in resolving obstacles related to mechanisms and policies. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will continue to manage decisively, linking agricultural development with environmental protection, not sacrificing the environment for growth, striving to complete the targets for 2025 and create a foundation for the 2026-2030 period.

Key tasks for September and the remaining months of the year.

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

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien delivered a speech giving directions at the meeting.

Firstly, it is necessary to improve the institutional framework and policies serving the growth and export of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will continue to review, amend, and supplement legal documents to ensure consistency and suitability with local governments at both levels. Simultaneously, it will coordinate with relevant agencies to submit to the Central Government and the National Assembly amendments and supplements to the Land Law, the Geology and Mineral Law, and the draft Resolution approving the investment policy for national target programs for the period 2026-2030.

Secondly, we need to accelerate the restructuring of the industry, improving productivity, quality, and added value. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will summarize the pilot project on building standardized agricultural and forestry raw material areas for the period 2022-2025, and simultaneously develop a project for the period 2026-2030. Alongside this, we will organize a conference on IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing chaired by the Prime Minister, and prepare the agenda for the 5th EC inspection visit to Vietnam.

Thirdly, strengthen inspection and supervision of forest fire prevention and control in key areas; organize working groups to support production development and import/export activities. Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.

Fourth, support localities in effectively implementing the two-tiered 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 resource and environmental law, meteorology and hydrology, climate change, and support the development of reports and environmental protection plans at the provincial level.

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

Sixth, expanding domestic and international markets. In response to the impact of the US retaliatory tariffs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has issued an adaptation action plan, focusing on technological solutions, policies, economic diplomacy, and promoting industry linkages to help businesses expand exports.

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

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

Ninth, strengthen communication on agricultural development linked to environmental protection; replicate effective production and business models; and promptly address misinformation affecting production and consumption.

With decisive and coordinated solutions, the agriculture and environment sector aims not only to achieve the 2025 targets but also to create a solid foundation for a new development phase, making a positive contribution 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