Vietnam has emerged as a powerful player in the global agricultural landscape, with Vietnam food exports experiencing remarkable growth over the last few years. From coffee and cashews to rice and seafood, the country’s diverse food portfolio has made it a vital supplier to markets across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. According to Vietnam import customs data and the Vietnam export data 2024–25, the total value of Vietnam food exports reached a record high of $62.5 billion in 2024, marking an impressive 19% increase from 2023.
By mid-2025, the country’s agricultural, forestry, and fishery exports had already crossed $33.5 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of around 14–16%. This performance highlights Vietnam’s ability to maintain momentum even amid global uncertainties, positioning itself among the top 15 food exporters in the world and the second-largest in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam’s Food Export Overview
Vietnam’s agricultural exports have been the backbone of its economy. In 2024, these exports generated a trade surplus of nearly $18 billion, underscoring the sector’s contribution to national income. The Vietnam import customs data shows that agriculture alone contributed over $18 billion in the first half of 2025, proving that the sector continues to thrive despite challenges like price fluctuations and weather disruptions.
Among Vietnam’s key export products, cashews, coffee, rice, seafood, and spices stand out. The country ranks:
#1 in Robusta coffee exports
#1 in cashew kernel exports (over 75% of global share)
#2 in rice exports
#3 in seafood and spices exports
This dominance highlights the diversity and competitiveness of Vietnam food exports, backed by robust supply chains, skilled labor, and government support.
Vietnam Food Exports by Country: Top 10 Destinations
An analysis of Vietnam Food Exports by Country reveals how diverse and global the nation’s trade network has become. According to Vietnam customs data 2024–25, the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, and the Netherlands are the leading destinations.
United States – $10 billion (16%)
The U.S. is the largest importer of Vietnamese food products. High demand for seafood, cashews, and coffee has made the U.S. a strategic market for Vietnam food exporters. Vietnamese cuisine’s growing popularity among American consumers further supports this trend.China – $9.5 billion (15%)
China remains a key partner, especially for rice, fruits, and cassava. Its geographical proximity and shared culinary preferences make it a natural trading partner.Japan – $3.2 billion (5%)
Japan’s preference for quality and food safety has led to strong demand for Vietnamese seafood and premium fruits.South Korea – $2.7 billion (4%)
Korean consumers have developed a strong appetite for Vietnamese flavors, driving imports of shrimp, coffee, and fresh produce.Netherlands – $2.5 billion (4%)
Serving as an entry point to Europe, the Netherlands is crucial for distributing Vietnamese food products across the EU.
Other key markets include Germany, the Philippines, Thailand, the UAE, and Indonesia — each contributing between 2–3% of total Vietnam food exports.
Top Vietnam Food Exporters and Their Global Reach
The success of Vietnam food exports owes much to its leading companies that have mastered global supply chains and international standards. The Vietnam Food Exporters Database 2024–25 highlights top-performing enterprises driving this success:
| Company Name | Export Value (USD) | Top Exports | Main Markets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minh Phu Seafood Corp. | $600M | Shrimp, seafood | U.S., China, Japan, EU |
| Intimex Group JSC | $582M | Rice | Philippines, Malaysia, Africa |
| Vinafood 1 | $546M | Rice | China, Philippines |
| Vinh Hoan Corporation | $450M | Pangasius fish | U.S., China, EU |
| Quoc Viet Seafood Co., Ltd. | $350M | Seafood | U.S., China, Japan |
| Sao Ta Foods (Fimex VN) | $300M | Shrimp | U.S., EU, Japan |
These Vietnam food exporters uphold strict quality standards and sustainability measures to meet international requirements. They not only supply raw goods but increasingly focus on value-added, processed exports—such as roasted coffee, packaged seafood, and certified organic products—to capture higher margins.
Vietnam Food Exports by Product Category (2024–25)
According to Vietnam import customs data and HS Code-based export analysis, the major food categories and their export values are:
Seafood (HS 03): $10.07 billion
Including shrimp ($3.8B), pangasius ($1.8B), and tuna ($1.1B).Fruits & Vegetables (HS 07 & 08): $7.12 billion
Dominated by durian, dragon fruit, mango, and banana exports.Rice (HS 1006): $5.75 billion
Major markets include the Philippines, China, and Ghana.Coffee (HS 0901): $5.47 billion
Primarily Robusta beans exported to the EU, U.S., and Japan.Cashew Nuts (HS 0801): $4.37 billion
Vietnam continues to lead global cashew processing.Pepper & Spices (HS 0910): $1.2 billion
Vietnam supplies over half the world’s pepper exports.
This data illustrates how Vietnam exports cover a diverse range of food commodities that appeal to multiple global markets.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its success, Vietnam food exports face notable challenges:
Commodity Price Volatility: Fluctuating coffee and rice prices affect earnings.
Trade Barriers: Stricter U.S. and EU regulations on food safety and sustainability.
Logistical Issues: Limited cold storage capacity and rising shipping costs.
Climate Change: Droughts and saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta threaten long-term productivity.
However, opportunities are also expanding. Vietnam is focusing on market diversification, value-added processing, and branding initiatives to elevate its global presence. Enhanced logistics, sustainability certifications (like FSC and organic labels), and digital traceability systems are being promoted to meet global buyer expectations.
Country-Level Insights
United States: The largest and fastest-growing market, with increasing demand for seafood, wood, and coffee.
China: Still critical for fruit and rice exports, though tightening phytosanitary rules require adaptation.
Japan & South Korea: Growing markets for premium, certified food products.
European Union: Stable but highly regulated; compliance remains key to success.
Middle East & ASEAN: Rapidly growing, with strong potential in premium fruits and seafood.
Future Outlook for Vietnam Food Exports
The outlook for Vietnam food exports in late 2025 and beyond remains positive. While bulk commodities like rice and raw fruit may face headwinds, processed and branded goods are expected to see faster growth. The government’s target of $65 billion in agricultural exports by 2025 reflects confidence in the sector’s resilience.
Future trends will likely focus on:
Sustainability and Compliance: Meeting EU and Japan’s eco-standards.
Product Diversification: Reducing overreliance on a few commodities like durian or coffee.
Value Chain Upgrades: Boosting processing and packaging capabilities for higher profit margins.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vietnam food exports represent a success story of strategic growth, diversification, and adaptability. Despite global market uncertainties, the country has continued to expand its agricultural and food trade footprint. The strong performance in 2024 and early 2025 proves that Vietnam’s exporters are not just suppliers—they are innovators shaping the future of global food trade.
With continuous improvements in quality, traceability, and value addition, Vietnam food exporters are well-positioned to sustain long-term growth. As global demand for safe, sustainable, and diverse food products continues to rise, Vietnam’s role as a reliable supplier in the international marketplace will only strengthen further.
For detailed data insights, live trade analytics, and verified exporter databases, visit VietnamExportData or contact info@tradeimex.in for customized reports and verified trade information based on Vietnam import customs data.
