In just six months, seven Vietnamese product groups exported over 1 billion USD

According to the General Statistics Office, seven Vietnamese agricultural product groups reached an export value of over 1 billion USD within the first six months of 2023. These items include coffee, rubber, rice, vegetables, cashew nuts, shrimp, and wooden products.

Among the aforementioned categories, exports of fruits and vegetables saw the most significant increase in terms of value and volume. Accordingly, the export turnover of these product groups reached nearly 1 billion USD in June 2023, which is an increase of 2.6 times compared to June 2022. It is estimated that the export turnover of fruits and vegetables reached 2.8 billion USD within the first six months of 2023.

According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, if current trends continue, Vietnamese fruits and vegetables may set a new record with an export turnover of 5 billion USD in 2023.

The Association reported that there are two causes for the rise in fruit and vegetable exports. Firstly, the protocols signed between Vietnam and China in 2022 has significantly boosted commerce between the two countries. Accordingly, the highly populous Chinese market has increased its demand for Vietnamese vegetables and fruits. However, the Chinese government has been increasingly raising requirements on quality, hygiene and food safety.

Secondly, many high-value Vietnamese fruits have seen remarkable growth this year. For example, after protocols signed in 2022 came into effect, the export value of durian has reached over 500 million USD within just the first five months of 2023.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam has shown great interest in this specific agricultural product. During his recent official visit to China, Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam requested the Chinese government to cooperate and facilitate the export of two commodities: vegetables and seafood.

The exceptional growth in fruit and vegetable exports has helped Vietnam's total export turnover of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products reach 24.59 billion USD in the first half of 2023. Although the total export turnover decreased by 11.1% compared to the same period in 2022, the value of the main agricultural products group reached 12.79 billion USD, an increase of 12%; the value of livestock products reached 232 million USD, an increase of 26.5%.

China, the United States and Japan continue to be the three largest export markets for Vietnam's agricultural, forestry and fishery products. Namely, the value of exports to China accounted for 21.4%, an increase of 7.7%; to the United States, 20.2%, a decrease of 32.9%; and to Japan, 7.7%, a decrease of 5.3%.

The growth rate of agricultural, forestry and fishery production value in the first six months of the year was estimated at 3.1%. Most notably, the value of agricultural production rose by 3.14%, that of crops by 2.11%, that of livestock by 4.88%, that of forestry by 3.43%, and that of fisheries by 2.96%. On the other hand, the GDP growth rate of the agriculture, forestry and fishery industry in the first 6 months of the year reached 3.07%; which is slightly higher compared to the GDP growth rate of 2.78% in the first six months of 2022.

For the second half of 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will continue to negotiate the export of fresh coconuts to the United States; discuss with Japan regarding a new stamp system for fresh mango and dragon fruit products starting from August 1.

Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will coordinate with the General Department of Customs of China to finalize the draft Protocol on requirements for importing chili and traditional fresh fruits from Vietnam. The Ministry will also hold an online meeting with the General Department of Customs of China to discuss Orders 248 and 249.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will arrange for the EU inspection team to visit Vietnam in October 2023 in order to evaluate the safety control system for companies that handle seafood and aquatic goods with the goal of eliminating the IUU yellow card.

The official welcome ceremony for Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation was solemnly held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China on June 26. The ceremony was chaired by Mr. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China.

Immediately after the ceremony, both parties discussed their cooperative partnership. Accordingly, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that both countries need to promote their geographical advantages as well as complement one another to promote substantive cooperation in various fields.