Vietnam has earned a strong reputation as one of the world’s most competitive food exporters, carving out a space in global markets with its diverse and high-quality products. From coffee and cashew nuts to rice, seafood, and tropical fruits, Vietnam food exports have grown into a vital part of the international supply chain. According to Vietnam export customs data, the country achieved record-breaking growth in 2024, with food exports reaching $62.5 billion, a 19% increase from the previous year.
By the first eight months of 2025, the momentum continued, with export values topping $45 billion—up 12% year-on-year. This consistent growth places Vietnam as the 15th largest food and agricultural exporter globally and the second-largest in Southeast Asia, behind only Thailand. Despite global uncertainties, fluctuating prices, and tighter import regulations, Vietnam has demonstrated adaptability, making its food sector one of the nation’s economic powerhouses.
This article explores the performance of Vietnam food exports, leading export products, major markets, key companies, opportunities, and challenges shaping the future of the industry.
Overall Vietnam Food Exports Performance
The year 2024 marked a turning point in Vietnam’s food export journey. Total agricultural, forestry, and fishery exports reached $62.5 billion, generating a trade surplus of nearly $18 billion, according to Vietnam shipment data. Agriculture alone contributed over $30 billion, reinforcing the country’s role as a global food supplier.
The first half of 2025 continued this upward trend, recording $33.5 billion in total exports from agricultural and food-related sectors, a 14–16% year-on-year growth. Key product categories, including seafood, coffee, and forestry goods, maintained robust demand in international markets.
Rankings of Vietnam’s Key Food Exports
Cashew Nuts: Largest exporter worldwide, with over 75% of global market share.
Coffee: Largest exporter of Robusta coffee globally.
Rice: Second-largest rice exporter after India and Thailand.
Spices: Third-largest exporter worldwide.
Seafood: Third-largest global seafood exporter.
This broad product portfolio ensures resilience even when one category faces regulatory or demand challenges.
Vietnam Food Exports by Country (2024–25)
Vietnam’s food exports span across diverse global destinations, with strong demand from both Asian neighbors and Western economies. According to Vietnam export customs data, the top 10 markets for 2024–25 include:
United States – $10 billion (16% share)
China – $9.5 billion (15%)
Japan – $3.2 billion (5%)
South Korea – $2.7 billion (4%)
Netherlands – $2.5 billion (4%)
Germany – $2.1 billion (3%)
Philippines – $2 billion (3%)
Thailand – $1.8 billion (3%)
United Arab Emirates – $1.5 billion (2%)
Indonesia – $1.4 billion (2%)
The United States recently overtook China as Vietnam’s largest market, driven by high demand for wood products, seafood, cashews, and coffee. Meanwhile, China remains vital for rice, fruits, and vegetables despite new phytosanitary standards slowing some shipments. Japan and the EU have become increasingly attractive markets, thanks to free trade agreements like EVFTA and KVFTA, which reduce tariffs and boost competitiveness.
Vietnam’s Top 10 Edible Food Exports by HS Code
Breaking down Vietnam’s export strengths further, customs and shipment data highlight the following major categories in 2024:
Seafood (HS Code 03) – $10.07 billion
Fruits & Vegetables (HS Codes 07 & 08) – $7.12 billion
Rice (HS Code 1006) – $5.75 billion
Coffee (HS Code 0901) – $5.47 billion
Cashew Nuts (HS Code 0801) – $4.37 billion
Cassava Products (HS Code 0714) – $1.5 billion
Pepper (HS Code 04) – $1.2 billion
Spices (HS Code 0910) – $400 million
Tea (HS Code 0902) – $250 million
Other Nuts & Seeds (HS Code 0802) – $200 million
Among these, fruits and vegetables recorded the sharpest growth in 2024, largely driven by durian exports to China. However, 2025 saw a dip due to stricter import rules, highlighting the risks of overreliance on single-product categories.
Top Food Export Companies in Vietnam
The strength of Vietnam’s food exports rests heavily on its leading corporations. These top food export companies in Vietnam dominate the market through their scale, technology, and global networks. According to Vietnam food exporters data, the top 10 companies in 2024 were:
Minh Phu Seafood Corp. – $600 million (shrimp & seafood)
Intimex Group JSC – $582 million (rice)
Vinafood 1 – $546 million (rice)
Mekong Food – $501 million (rice)
Vinh Hoan Corp. – $450 million (pangasius fish)
Quoc Viet Seafood Co. Ltd. – $350 million (seafood)
Sao Ta Foods (Fimex VN) – $300 million (shrimp & seafood)
Nha Trang Seafood JSC – $250 million (seafood)
Hung Vuong Corp. – $200 million (pangasius, shrimp)
Thuan Phuoc Seafoods & Trading Corp. – $180 million (seafood)
These companies highlight how Vietnam’s export industry is heavily concentrated in seafood and rice, but also demonstrate growing opportunities for diversification into high-value processed goods.
Challenges in Vietnam Food Exports
Despite its global success, Vietnam’s food exports face several ongoing challenges:
Commodity Price Volatility: Coffee, rice, and rubber prices fluctuate sharply.
Market Access & Tariffs: U.S. tariffs, EU sustainability rules, and China’s safety standards add costs and risks.
Logistics & Infrastructure: Cold chain limitations and port congestion hinder perishable shipments.
Climate Change: Drought, flooding, and salinity intrusion threaten output in the Mekong Delta.
Global Competition: Countries like Thailand, Brazil, and India compete in similar segments.
Strategic Moves and Opportunities
To overcome these hurdles, the government and Vietnam food exporters are taking proactive measures:
Market Diversification – Expanding beyond China and the U.S. to Middle East, ASEAN, and niche European markets.
Value-Added Products – Moving from raw commodities to processed foods (e.g., roasted coffee, packaged seafood).
Sustainability & Branding – Investing in certifications (organic, fair trade, FSC) and branding Vietnamese specialties.
Improved Logistics – Developing cold chain storage and processing facilities near farms and fishing hubs.
Policy Targets – The government aims to achieve $64–65 billion in food exports in 2025, sustaining its competitive edge.
Vietnam Food Exports Outlook for 2025–26
Looking ahead, Vietnam food exports are projected to sustain strong momentum. The U.S. and Japan will remain growth engines, while China will continue to be an essential but volatile market. The focus will increasingly shift toward sustainability, product diversification, and value addition.
Processed and branded products are expected to outperform bulk commodities, as global buyers demand traceable and certified goods. By deepening processing capacity and moving up the value chain, Vietnam can capture higher margins while reducing vulnerability to commodity price swings.
Conclusion
The story of Vietnam food exports in 2024–25 reflects both impressive achievements and pressing challenges. Record-breaking revenues demonstrate the nation’s ability to meet global demand, while disruptions in fruits, rice, and durian highlight the fragility of overdependence on a few markets.
For long-term resilience, Vietnam must continue diversifying markets, strengthening logistics, and promoting value-added products. Backed by strong Vietnam food exporters and the top food export companies in Vietnam, the country is well-positioned to solidify its place as one of the world’s leading food suppliers.
By aligning with global trends in sustainability, traceability, and quality assurance, Vietnam can ensure that its agricultural and food exports remain competitive in the years ahead.
