Vietnam Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in Vietnam, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals.
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Agriculture
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Overview

Vietnam has emerged as an important market for U.S. agricultural exports in Southeast Asia. The value of U.S. agricultural exports to Vietnam has been steadily rising, driven by increasing demand for a diverse range of agricultural commodities and food products in Vietnam. In 2024, Vietnam was the 10th largest market for U.S. agricultural exports, at $3.4 billion. The rapid economic growth, increasing population, and changing dietary preferences in Vietnam have contributed to the expansion of agricultural trade between the two countries. Vietnam’s demand for high-quality food products, combined with its reliance on imports to meet domestic consumption needs, has created opportunities for U.S. exporters.

Vietnam is a major importer of grains, including corn, soybeans, and wheat. The demand for these commodities is driven by the growing livestock and aquaculture sectors in Vietnam. U.S. exporters can benefit from supplying high-quality grains to meet the feed requirements of Vietnam’s expanding animal production industry.

Vietnam’s rising middle class and changing dietary habits have increased the demand for meat and poultry products. U.S. exporters can tap into this market by supplying products such as pork, beef, poultry, and processed meat items. High-quality and value-added products, including chilled and frozen cuts, are particularly sought after.

Vietnam’s dairy sector is growing rapidly, driven by increasing consumer demand for dairy products. U.S. exporters can supply dairy items such as milk powder, cheese, butter, and other dairy ingredients to meet the country’s growing demand. There are also opportunities for collaboration in areas like dairy farm management and technology transfer.

Vietnam has a strong demand for imported fruits and nuts, including apples, cherries, grapes, almonds, and walnuts. U.S. exporters can leverage their expertise in producing high-quality fruits and nuts to meet the preferences of Vietnamese consumers. Vietnam’s expanding middle class, urbanization, and increased health consciousness contribute to the demand for these products.

The processed food and beverage sector in Vietnam is experiencing growth, driven by changes in lifestyle and consumer preferences. U.S. exporters can offer a range of processed food items such as snacks, sauces, condiments, beverages, and ready-to-eat meals. Products with unique flavors, health benefits, and convenience can find a favorable market in Vietnam.
The convenience, time savings, and wider product selection of online food purchasing have made it increasingly popular among Vietnamese consumers. Younger, tech-savvy demographics and busy urban dwellers are driving this shift toward digital shopping.  

Vietnam has several prominent eCommerce platforms that offer online food purchasing options. These platforms include Shopee, Lazada, Tiki, Sendo, and others. These platforms provide a wide range of food products, including fresh produce, packaged goods, snacks, beverages, and more. Consumers can browse through product listings, compare prices, and make purchases online.

It’s important to note that while online food purchasing is growing rapidly in Vietnam, traditional markets, street food stalls, and physical grocery stores still play a significant role in the country’s food retail landscape. Additionally, factors such as logistics infrastructure, internet connectivity, and consumer trust in online transactions continue to evolve and shape the online food purchasing sector in Vietnam.

On March 31, 2025, the Government of Vietnam (GOVN) issued Decree 73/2025/ND-CP, amending Decree 26/2023 to revise tariffs, effective immediately. The new Most –Favored Nation (MFN) tariff reductions apply to corn, soybean meal, ethanol, frozen chicken drumsticks, in-shell pistachios, almonds, fresh apples, cherries, and raisins, with tariffs eliminated on corn and soybean meal, benefiting all trading partners without preferential agreements, including the United States, under the Word Trade Organization’s (WTO) MFN principle. It is essential for U.S. exporters to understand Vietnamese market preferences, import regulations, and consumer trends when exploring these export opportunities. Engaging with local partners, trade associations, and leveraging the support of organizations like the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) can aid in navigating the Vietnamese market successfully.

It can be a challenge for any food exporter to fully understand the complex environment caused by overlapping and frequently changing food standards and food safety regulations in Vietnam. U.S. exporters, especially those new to the Vietnamese market, are advised to refer to the following reports for an overview of food regulations and required export certificates:  

U.S. exporters can access other FAS reports by navigating the Global Agricultural Information Network GAIN website. 
Additionally, new-to-market U.S. exporters are advised to check export requirements for Vietnam updated by U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies, including the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).

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