Exports of agricultural products reach over 19 billion USD in four months

The export of agricultural products has exceeded 19 billion USD over a span of four months. As stated by Deputy Minister of MARD Phung Duc Tien, due to effective planning and accurate forecasting, the overall agricultural export revenue exceeded 19 billion USD (a growth of more than 23%) in the first four months of the year.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien provided a review on the performance of the agricultural sector during the first four months of the year, particularly during April. Despite the adverse effects of climate change and saltwater intrusion, the agricultural sector successfully fulfilled its tasks during this period. However, as a result of careful preparation and precise forecasts, the accomplished results are very positive.

In the initial four months of the year, the total export turnover of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries (AFF) surpassed 19 billion USD, marking a year-on-year growth of over 23%. Additionally, there was a trade surplus of over 4.7 billion USD, which experienced a significant increase of over 71%.

In April alone, the export turnover reached over 5 billion USD (an increase of 19.7%). In which, main agricultural products accounted for nearly 3 billion USD (up 29%), forestry products nearly 1.4 billion USD (up 18%), livestock over 40 million USD (up 6%), input materials for production 157 million USD (an increase of 0.5%). However, seafood was 730 million USD (down 1.5%). In terms of markets, the United States, China, and Japan continue to be the top three export markets (the United States with over 20%; China nearly 19%; Japan nearly 7%).

The Deputy Minister further evaluated that in the foreseeable future, the global economy is anticipated to encounter numerous challenges. The escalation of military confrontations and the absence of any indications of de-escalation have an adverse effect on supply chains, leading to an increase in transportation costs and hindering the import of raw materials. Nevertheless, this presents us with a chance to expand our export of agricultural products to numerous places with greater value-added.

Hence, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development maintains close collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Vietnamese embassies overseas. It provides guidance to the units under its jurisdiction and localities to enhance trade promotion activities, targeting specific market segments and leveraging the advantages offered by these markets.

The domestic market is of significant importance and requires special attention, particularly considering Vietnam's role as a bridge within the ASEAN region. Several nations engaged in trade promotion also seek to import agricultural products from Vietnam.

However, it is essential to maintain a strict approach to quality management. Instead, it is crucial to focus on enhancing development following the value chain, while closely monitoring and managing every stage of the production process. Simultaneously, promoting the investment of firms and cooperatives in processing and advanced processing to boost the competitiveness of their products.

A typical example is the successful export of the first batch of veterinary drugs to the Halal market recently. It is expected that by the end of May, we will continue to export the first batch of chicken meat to this market. If the export activities to the Halal market proceed smoothly, on average, we will consume 100,000 tons of poultry meat per month, which will significantly contribute to promoting the growth of the domestic poultry farming industry.

The successful export of batches to difficult markets such as Halal is not a matter of luck but requires a rigorous process of construction and preparation, with active participation from state management agencies and enterprises. In light of these accomplishments, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with specialized entities, persists in providing guidance, assistance, and incentives to firms in order to foster technological investments and develop goods that are exceptionally competitive in the market.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien addressed the issue of "Good yield, low selling price and the reverse", as many varieties of fresh fruits are reaching their highest production levels in May, June, and July. MARD has instructed relevant units to conduct specialized conferences and activities to evaluate the situation, make predictions, and offer guidance and solutions to ensure seamless production and consumption, based on statistical data and assessments.

Furthermore, local authorities were directed to enforce coordinated scientific and technological measures, as well as staggered planting, in order to alleviate the strain on harvest and consumption simultaneously. Furthermore, there is a transition occurring from a focus on products to a focus on value, which involves finding a balance between market demands and production recommendations, encouraging trade, and improving the process of deep processing.

Many businesses have actively established connections with cooperatives and producers throughout the entire value chain, starting from seed preparation, growing, production, harvesting, and processing. Rigorous management of the entire process has helped ensure production and consumption are conducted smoothly and synchronously, especially for fresh fruits with short harvesting periods, significantly reducing consumption pressures.