Efforts to boost exports of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products.

In the first four months of 2026, agricultural, forestry, and fisheries production nationwide remained basically stable, creating a solid foundation for supply for consumption, processing, and export.

People in Luong Tam commune, Can Tho city, raise tiger prawns for domestic consumption and processing for export.

The results are promising, but many challenges remain.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MARD), in the first four months of 2026, total exports of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products reached US$23.04 billion, an increase of 5.4% compared to the same period in 2025; imports reached US$17.65 billion, an increase of 12% compared to the same period; and the trade balance continued to maintain a surplus.

Regarding product categories, the first four months of 2026 saw fruit and vegetable exports reach US$2.05 billion, an increase of 21.6%. Seafood exports reached US$3.54 billion, an increase of 10.4%. Pepper exports saw strong growth in both volume and value, further solidifying its role as a leading enterprise in processing and market expansion. Cassava and cassava products increased significantly due to strong demand from China. Wood and wood products reached US$5.34 billion, a decrease of 1.1%; rice exports decreased in both volume and value; coffee exports increased in volume but decreased in value; cashew nuts saw a slight decrease; and tea exports decreased in volume…

According to Mr. Nguyen Hoai Nam, General Secretary of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export, seafood exports in the first four months of 2026 continue to show signs of recovery, estimated at approximately US$3.7 billion, an increase of nearly 15% compared to the same period in 2025. The seafood industry has several opportunities to strive for a growth target of 8-10% and export turnover exceeding US$12 billion in 2026 if it receives timely support and guidance from the Government , ministries, and localities in institutional reform, improving the business environment, reducing compliance costs, and addressing international trade barriers.

Meanwhile, in the first three months of 2026, Vietnam's cashew kernel exports continued to maintain growth compared to the same period in 2025, although there were fluctuations between markets. Specifically, export volume reached 139,865 tons, an increase of 11.75%; export value reached 953.5 million USD, an increase of 10.88%. The average export price was 6,802 USD/ton, a decrease of 1.09% compared to the same period.

According to Mr. Bach Khanh Nhut, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Cashew Association, in the remaining quarters of 2026, the cashew industry is forecast to continue facing a number of difficulties and challenges such as the unpredictable developments of the conflict in the Middle East, the possibility of a continued sharp decline in the Middle Eastern market, affecting the export volume of the entire industry and businesses. High freight rates are also impacting export efficiency.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has identified several key challenges directly impacting agricultural, forestry, and fisheries exports in the second quarter and throughout 2026, including a weak production-processing-export linkage chain; inadequate capacity to comply with new market standards; and potential risks in market and product structure. There is a risk of low export growth due to slow recovery of consumer demand in key markets, while logistics, insurance, and market risks increase under the impact of geopolitical instability, particularly developments in the Middle East. The downward trend in demand and price fluctuations in the international market could affect the export value of key commodities such as rice, fruits and vegetables, seafood, wood, and wood products.

Implement various solutions to boost export growth.

To achieve the target of increasing agricultural, forestry, and fisheries exports in 2026, striving for a total export value of over US$74.2 billion, an increase of over 6% compared to 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment stated that it will closely monitor the market and proactively manage operations flexibly on a monthly and quarterly basis. It will establish mechanisms for updating, forecasting, and providing early warnings about market trends, prices, logistics, the impact of geopolitical conflicts, and changes in import policies, especially for large and traditional markets. It will focus on resolving difficulties for sectors at risk of declining export value. It will also support businesses in responding to fluctuations in logistics, credit, and payment systems.

Focus on implementing mechanisms and policies to remove bottlenecks and build sustainable agricultural supply chains, improving the quality, value, competitiveness, and reputation of Vietnamese agricultural products in domestic and international markets. Strictly manage quality in production, processing, and product certification to ensure compliance with market standards and regulations, and enable product traceability, forming the basis for developing Vietnamese agricultural brands. Continue to promote the restructuring of the crop, livestock, fisheries, and forestry sectors, improving productivity, quality, added value, and the efficiency of agricultural, forestry, and fisheries production and business. Promote the consumption of agricultural products in the domestic market and diversify export markets...

In 2026, Can Tho City aims to achieve an estimated export turnover of 4,685.3 billion USD, an 11% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This includes an estimated rice export of 1,957 million tons, with an estimated turnover of 954 million USD; an estimated seafood export of 289,120 tons, with an estimated turnover of 2.217 billion USD; and an estimated agricultural product and processed agricultural food export of 194 million USD.

According to Mr. Tran Chi Hung, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Can Tho City, to achieve the export growth target in 2026, the city will focus on implementing a comprehensive set of key solutions, including prioritizing the development of standardized raw material areas, strengthening the management of growing areas and packaging facilities, ensuring full compliance with regulations on growing area codes, traceability, and food safety regulations as required by importing markets. The city will promote deep processing, the application of modern technology, and the improvement of quality and branding to enhance product value. It will also strengthen digital transformation in production, processing, and supply chain management to meet the increasingly high demands of the international market.

Text and photos: HOAI THANH

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/no-luc-thuc-day-xuat-khau-nong-lam-thuy-san-a204222.html