Vietnam's agro-seafood exports surge; Deputy PM pushes market expansion

Vietnam's agro-seafood sector delivered robust performance in 2026, with exports climbing to 62.89 billion USD through October, outpacing the prior year's pace by 7.8 percentage points. Imports of agricultural goods similarly accelerated to 44.28 billion USD, up 9.2%, generating a trade surplus of approximately 18.6 billion USD—itself expanding by 4.7% compared to the same period in 2025.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung has signaled the need for deeper market integration to sustain this export momentum. Officials are exploring direct trade corridors to key markets, including strengthened pathways to Italy, while Vietnamese businesses have stepped up promotional efforts at international platforms such as SIAL Paris 2026, a leading food industry showcase.

Policymakers are also prioritizing structural improvements in Vietnam's position within global agricultural value chains. The strategic push reflects a broader effort to move beyond commodity-driven exports toward higher-value production and distribution networks. The establishment of new seafood and agricultural trading platforms is intended to facilitate more efficient price discovery and access to international buyers.

With agricultural exports now representing a significant portion of Vietnam's overall trade performance, government officials have underscored the importance of maintaining competitiveness while pursuing premium market positioning. The combined momentum in exports and imports suggests expanding commercial activity across the sector, though sustained growth will likely depend on securing additional market access and developing supply-chain resilience.