Vietnam’s agro-forestry-fisheries exports posted a strong start in January 2026, supported by robust orders across key sectors, setting a positive tone for the year.
According to the General Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance, three commodity groups recorded export values exceeding USD 1 billion in the month: wood and wood products at USD 1.6 billion, coffee at USD 1.08 billion and seafood at USD 1.01 billion. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has set a target of USD 74 billion in export turnover for 2026, while seeking to expand into new potential markets.
Broad-based growth
Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable sector reported strong gains. After attending the 2026 Fruit Logistica trade fair in Berlin, Nguyen Dinh Tung, chief executive of Vina T&T Group, said the company’s booth attracted strong interest from international buyers from the first day, raising prospects for new export contracts this year. The company’s fruits are produced under strict quality control and supported by integrated logistics systems to ensure consistent standards throughout the supply chain.
According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, the country’s fruit and vegetable exports reached about USD 750 million in January 2026, nearly doubling from the same period last year. The sector is aiming for USD 10 billion in exports this year, focusing on key markets such as China, the United States and the European Union while also exploring new destinations.
Coffee exports continued their upward trajectory following a strong performance in 2025, reaching USD 1.08 billion in January. Stable export demand has kept domestic coffee prices elevated at around 101,000-102,000 dong (USD 3.95-USD 4.00) per kilogram. Higher prices have boosted farmer incomes and strengthened linkages between growers and processing firms to secure export-quality supply.
Seafood exports also exceeded the USD 1 billion mark in January. The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) said growth was driven largely by demand from China, Japan and ASEAN markets, particularly for pangasius, squid and octopus. Many exporters accelerated shipments to China ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, while lobster sales surged in the premium segment during the festive season. Shipments of shrimp to the United States were also brought forward to reduce potential risks ahead of the announcement of anti-dumping duty results in mid-February.
Processed products key to growth
The expansion of value-added processed products is increasingly seen as a key driver for Vietnam’s agricultural exports. In 2025, exports of processed coffee reached USD 1.78 billion, up more than 50% from the previous year as companies stepped up investment in instant, roasted and other higher-value products. However, processed coffee currently accounts for just over 10% of total exports, suggesting significant room for further growth.
Other sectors such as wood, seafood and fruit and vegetables are also moving toward higher-value processing. In 2025, exports of processed fruit and vegetable products reached about USD 2 billion as companies expanded product lines including dried fruit to meet growing demand for convenient and healthy foods.
The wood sector has also shifted increasingly from raw material exports toward processed products. Exports of wood pellets reached USD 1.17 billion in 2025, up 47.5% year-on-year, highlighting the sector’s move toward circular economy models by utilizing wood by-products. Meanwhile, handicraft wood products also recorded strong growth, reflecting rising global demand for artisanal goods with cultural value.
The strong performance in the first month of 2026 suggests Vietnam’s agro-forestry-fisheries exports are maintaining momentum across multiple sectors. With orders and markets continuing to expand, export growth is expected to remain solid in the months ahead.
VFM
