In the first two months of 2026, exports of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products reached US$11.3 billion, an increase of 17.1%. However, the industry still faces many challenges from the market, logistics, and climate risks.

According to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment , total exports of agricultural, forestry, and fisheries products in the first two months of 2026 reached US$11.3 billion, an increase of 17.1% compared to the same period last year. This result shows the positive growth momentum of the industry right from the beginning of the year, in the context of many volatile global markets.

In the export structure, agricultural products continued to play a leading role with a value of over 6 billion USD, an increase of 17.1%. Exports of livestock products reached 140.7 million USD, contributing to maintaining the stability of the agricultural supply chain. In addition, the forestry sector also recorded positive results, with the total export value of wood and wood products in the first two months of the year reaching over 2.6 billion USD, an increase of 5.8% compared to the same period last year.

According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien, 2026 will be a period of both opportunities and challenges for the agricultural sector. International market demands for quality standards, traceability, and green development are becoming increasingly stringent. At the same time, the sector faces the risk of drought and saltwater intrusion during the dry season, as well as disruptions to supply chains and logistics due to regional tensions.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien chaired the regular press conference for March.

According to assessments by regulatory agencies, the Middle Eastern market currently accounts for about 2% of Viet Nam's total agricultural export turnover, but is predicted to be significantly impacted if the situation in the region remains unstable. Meanwhile, the value of exports to Europe and North Africa could decrease by up to 50% in some unfavorable scenarios. Traditional commodities such as fruits and vegetables, cashews, coffee, and seafood are expected to be directly affected.
Besides market factors, logistics costs are also at risk of increasing. Seafood and vegetable export businesses may face rising prices for refrigerated containers, transportation, and insurance due to fluctuating oil prices.

The Department of Processing Quality and Market Development has developed response scenarios in case of prolonged conflict. Accordingly, if the situation lasts only about a month, the export value of the industry could decrease by about $1 billion. In the case of a longer period than three months, the decrease could reach $3-3.5 billion. However, strengthening the exploitation of traditional markets and shifting to new markets could compensate for about 2% of direct export turnover from the Middle East.

From a domestic production perspective, after the Tet holiday, many agricultural sectors maintained stable growth. Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien stated that food production remained basically stable, with planted area increasing compared to the same period last year. The total pig herd nationwide by the end of February was estimated to have increased by 1.58%, while the total poultry flock increased by approximately 1.9% compared to the same period last year.

In the forestry sector, the area of newly planted forests nationwide is estimated at 21.7 thousand hectares, an increase of 4.5%. Timber production reached over 2 million cubic meters, an increase of 0.9% compared to the same period last year, continuing to make a positive contribution to the export of timber and wood products.

The early-year growth momentum raises expectations for agricultural, forestry, and fisheries exports in 2026, but the challenge of adapting to market fluctuations, logistics costs, and climate risks still requires the agricultural sector to remain proactive and more flexible in its management.

Source: VTV

• USTR Makes Findings and Proposes Action in 60 Section 301 Investigations Relating to Failures to Take Action on Trade in Forced Labor Goods
• [VCCI] The US officially initiates a Section 301 Investigation into Vietnam on Intellectual property
• General Secretary and President To Lam's working visit to three ASEAN countries: Demonstrating the stature of proactive and constructive diplomacy.
• Viet Nam accelerates innovation drive as skilled workforce becomes key to science and technology growth
• The US is increasing controls on AI chip exports