Balancing agricultural trade between Vietnam and the US: Transparency and harmonized standard

Vietnam is a key export market for the United States

According to data from the General Department of Customs, Vietnam ranked among the top 10 largest agricultural export markets for the U.S. in 2024, with a total export value of USD 3.4 billion. This included cotton (USD 680 million), soybeans (USD 464 million), wheat (USD 150 million), and fruits and vegetables (USD 540 million). Vietnamese consumers particularly favor American apples, with more than 2 million boxes imported annually. The U.S. also exported USD 325 million worth of wood and USD 300 million of animal feed to Vietnam, second only to Argentina in this category.

In an interview with the Agriculture and Environment Newspaper regarding the bilateral agricultural trade balance, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reaffirmed that Vietnam has consistently been one of America’s key export markets.

Raw materials from the U.S. serve Vietnam's major export-driven industries: cotton is used in the textile and garment sector; forestry products such as sawn timber, wood pulp, and raw paper from the U.S. support Vietnam’s wood processing industry. Additionally, soybeans are an essential input for the production of animal feed and processed food.

Conversely, Vietnam has also expanded its exports of seafood, coffee, and spices to the U.S. For many years, shrimp and pangasius (catfish) have been flagship products, generating billions of U.S. dollars in export revenue annually. Vietnamese coffee—mainly robusta—meets the demands of the U.S. roasting and processing industry. Furthermore, spices such as pepper, cinnamon, and star anise from Vietnam are favored by American consumers for their high quality and distinctive flavor.

There still technical barriers

According to U.S. Agricultural Attaché in Vietnam, Benjamin Henderson, Vietnam consistently ranks among the top export destinations for U.S. agricultural products, including cotton, forestry products, and soybeans. Similarly, Vietnam has also increased its exports of seafood, coffee, and spices to the United States. Any agricultural trade imbalances are largely sector-specific and influenced by factors such as regulatory policies, consumer demand, and supply chain dynamics. Ensuring reciprocal market access and reducing tariffs remain top priorities to sustain long- term trade growth.

U.S. Agricultural Attaché in Vietnam, Benjamin Henderson, explained that the agricultural trade imbalance largely stems from the fact that each commodity sector is shaped by regulatory policies, consumer demand, and supply chain dynamics. Therefore, the USDA has identified two top priorities to sustain long-term trade growth: ensuring bilateral market access and reducing tariffs.

According to Henderson, expanding market access for U.S. agricultural products in Vietnam still faces numerous challenges, including technical barriers and an evolving regulatory environment.

"Complex import procedures can often create trade frictions, and USDA works closely with Vietnamese counterparts to address these concerns through science-based regulatory discussions, capacity- building programs, and diplomatic engagement to ensure fair and transparent trade policies. Strengthening partnerships with local distributors and increasing consumer awareness of U.S. product quality also remain key strategies,” Henderson emphasized.

Some U.S. agricultural products—especially beef, fresh fruits, and dairy-based processed goods—continue to face strict quarantine regulations. The import licensing process can be lengthy due to multiple stages of food safety approval, making it difficult for American businesses to bring their products to the Vietnamese market in a timely manner.

To boost visibility and consumer demand, the USDA is now partnering with several major supermarket chains and retail networks in Vietnam to promote American products through tasting events and food fairs. One notable event, Food & Hospitality Hanoi, held from March 18 to 20, played a key role in connecting businesses and stimulating demand for agricultural products between the two countries.

At the USDA pavilion during Food & Hospitality Hanoi, U.S. exporters had the opportunity to showcase premium food ingredients, including beef, pork, poultry, raisins, potatoes, cheese and dairy products from California, Washington apples, blueberries, and prunes.

Cooperate to untie bottlenecks in trade

“USDA is committed to strengthening agricultural trade with Vietnam through various initiatives, including trade missions, technical assistance programs, and industry collaboration. We actively engage with Vietnamese authorities to streamline regulatory procedures, improve transparency, and align food safety and quality standards”, the U.S. Agricultural Attaché said.

In September 2024, under the leadership of former USDA Under Secretary Alexis Taylor, the largest-ever U.S. agricultural trade delegation in the history of bilateral relations visited Vietnam. The visit took place as part of the celebrations marking the first anniversary of the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, underscoring the United States’ strong interest in the Vietnamese market.

Moreover, strengthening partnerships with local distributors and raising consumer awareness about the quality of U.S. products remain key strategies in bilateral cooperation. In addition to consistent quality, U.S. agricultural products meet sustainability standards, ensure food safety, and offer clear traceability of origin.

USDA’s commitment

U.S. Agricultural Attaché Benjamin Henderson affirmed: “USDA facilitate networking opportunities, support trade delegations, and foster direct engagement between Vietnamese businesses and U.S. importers. As bilateral economic cooperation deepens, USDA remains committed to expanding trade opportunities, reducing barriers, and fostering a transparent and efficient agricultural trading environment”.