Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment announced that agricultural, forestry, and fishery export value for January–May 2026 reached US$30.69 billion (about 4.75 trillion yen), up 9.2% year on year. Livestock grew the most of all sectors at 43.2%, while, uniquely among the major markets, exports to the United States fell 3.6%. Exports to China led the whole at up 28.4%, and the makeup of export destinations is shifting. Exports to Japan were also solid at up 3.5%—a phase in which tailwinds and headwinds cross for the procurement side.
US$30.69 billion in five months—up 9.2% year on year
According to the ministry, export value for January–May was US$30.69 billion, up 9.2% from the same period a year earlier. Imports were US$22.28 billion (up 12.6%), and the trade surplus was US$8.41 billion (up 1.1%). By sector, agricultural products were US$16.38 billion, forestry products US$7.65 billion, and fishery products US$4.65 billion, continuing a pattern in which agricultural products account for more than half of the total. The government has set a target of 4% growth for the full year 2026 and rates the current situation a "positive signal."
Background: a surge in livestock and a reshuffling of markets
The biggest feature is the 43.2% growth in livestock exports. Exports of production inputs also expanded sharply, up 83%, hinting at Vietnam broadening its base from a supplier of primary products into processing and related fields. By market, China showed overwhelming presence with a 20.5% share and 28.4% growth, and the EU (up 4.2%) and Japan (up 3.5%) grew as well. Against this, exports to the United States fell 3.6%, the only one of the major markets to sink into negative territory.
In fisheries, adding higher value to byproducts is also progressing. adding higher value to catfish byproducts As this shows, efforts to turn parts that used to be discarded into sources of revenue are lifting export value.
The January–May exports in data (yen conversion)
| Item | Amount (USD) | Yen conversion (1 USD ≈ 155 yen) | Year on year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total exports | US$30.69 billion | about 4.757 trillion yen | +9.2% |
| Crop | US$16.38 billion | about 2.539 trillion yen | — |
| Forestry products | US$7.65 billion | about 1.186 trillion yen | — |
| Fishery products | US$4.65 billion | about 721 billion yen | — |
| Trade surplus | US$8.41 billion | about 1.304 trillion yen | +1.1% |
Local reaction
An official at the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment rates near-double-digit growth amid global economic headwinds as solid. From exporters comes the view that "as long as exports to China keep growing, the total can be maintained, but the drop in the United States cannot be ignored." A livestock-industry figure said, "Overseas demand for fresh meat and processed products is rising further. Expansion of the production system cannot keep up," underscoring the strength of demand.
Impact on Japanese buyers and agriculture stakeholders
That exports to Japan grew 3.5% is a positive sign in terms of stable supply of Vietnamese products. However, as exports to China surge, popular items are easily drawn in volume into the Chinese market. For flagship items such as coffee, fruit, and seafood, Japanese buyers too will need to secure volume and negotiate prices early. Growth in the livestock and processing fields is also worth watching as a new option for OEM and raw-material sourcing.
Ripple effects on the industry
That imports are growing at 12.6%, outpacing exports, reflects expanding domestic demand for raw materials for processing and livestock in Vietnam. If the structure of importing raw materials to process and re-export strengthens, on top of exporting primary products, the competition over added value across the whole supply chain will intensify. The 83% rise in production inputs shows that this investment is running ahead.
Practical information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Period covered | January–May 2026 |
| Largest market | China (20.5% share, +28.4%) |
| Only declining market | United States (-3.6%) |
| Fastest-growing sector | Livestock (+43.2%) |
| Full-year target | +4% growth |
Summary
Vietnam's agricultural, forestry, and fishery exports held firm at US$30.69 billion in January–May, up 9.2%, with livestock surging 43%. As dependence on China deepens while exports to the United States decline, the market picture is fluid. Japanese buyers need to use the growth in exports to Japan as a foothold while building early sourcing strategies for popular items whose volume is easily taken by China.
Source: VOV
