Vietnam Food Exports Report 2024-25: Exploring Vietnam Food Exports by Country & Top Food Exporters

Introduction

Vietnam has built a reputation as one of the world’s most dynamic agricultural exporters. From coffee to rice, from cashews to seafood, Vietnamese food products have carved out a space on dining tables across the globe. According to the Vietnam export data and the food export data of Vietnam, the total value of Vietnam food exports reached a record high $62.5 billion in 2024, a 19% increase from the previous year. According to the Vietnam customs data, in terms of specific food exports, Vietnam is the world's largest exporter of Robusta coffee, the second-largest exporter of rice, and the largest exporter of cashew nuts. In the first 8 months of 2025, Vietnam’s agricultural exports & food exports reached over $45 billion, with a 12% increase from the previous year. 

Vietnam is the 15th largest exporter of food and agricultural products globally, and the second-largest food exporter in Southeast Asia, as per the global trade data and Asia trade data. The last two years, 2024 and 2025, have been particularly remarkable. Despite global uncertainty, Vietnam’s agricultural, forestry, and fishery exports not only broke records but also showcased the country’s adaptability and competitiveness in a tough market. This blog report offers a comprehensive, data-driven examination of Vietnam’s food exports for 2024 and 2025, highlighting key product categories, major export destinations, top performers, challenges, and opportunities.

Overall Vietnam Food Exports Performance

In 2024, Vietnam’s agricultural, forestry, and fishery exports reached an all-time high of about 62.5 billion USD, an increase of nearly 19% compared to 2023. This robust performance resulted in a trade surplus of nearly 18 billion USD, underlining the sector’s strength as a key driver of Vietnam’s economy, as per the Vietnam customs data. The upward momentum carried into 2025. In the first half of the year, Vietnam recorded about 33.5 billion USD in exports from these sectors, reflecting year-on-year growth of roughly 14–16%. Agriculture alone contributed more than 18 billion USD in this period, demonstrating that the sector continues to expand its footprint despite uneven performance among some commodities. The following are the important rankings for particular food exports from Vietnam

• Cashew Nuts: With more than 75% of the world's cashew kernel exports, Vietnam is the biggest cashew exporter in the world. 

• Coffee: The world's largest exporter of Robusta coffee is Vietnam. 

• Rice: The nation is expected to export the second-most rice in the world. 

• Spices: Vietnam is the world's third-largest exporter of spices. 

• Seafood: Vietnam is the world's third-largest exporter of seafood.

Vietnam Food Exports by Country 2024-25: Where Does Vietnam Export Food? 

Vietnam's food exports reveal a diverse array of destinations, showcasing its robust presence in the global food trade market. The top countries where Vietnam exports its food products include the United States, Japan, China, South Korea, and Malaysia, indicating a strategic focus on both regional and international markets. With its reputation for high-quality rice, seafood, coffee, and tropical fruits, Vietnam continues to solidify its position as a key player in the global food export industry. The top 10 export destinations for Vietnam food exports by country, as per the Vietnam shipment data and Vietnam food export data for 2024-25, include: 

1. USA: $10 billion (16%)

The United States stands out as the largest importer of Vietnamese food products, accounting for a substantial 16% of Vietnam's total food exports, as per the customs data on Vietnam food exports to the US. Vietnamese cuisine, known for its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, has captured the taste buds of many Americans, with popular dishes like pho and banh mi gaining widespread popularity across the nation.

2. China: $9.5 billion (15%)

China ranks second on the list of countries importing food from Vietnam, with a significant share of 15% in total food exports, as per the data on Vietnam food exports to China. The proximity between the two countries makes trade between them seamless, with Chinese consumers enjoying Vietnamese staples such as spring rolls and seafood dishes.

3. Japan: $3.2 billion (5%)

Japanese cuisine is revered for its attention to detail and delicate flavors, and Vietnamese food has found a welcoming market in Japan. With $3.2 billion worth of food exports, Japan holds a 5% share of Vietnam's total food exports, showcasing the popularity of Vietnamese dishes like bun cha and com tam among Japanese consumers.

4. South Korea: $2.7 billion (4%)

South Korea's dynamic food scene has embraced Vietnamese cuisine with open arms, leading to $2.7 billion worth of food imports from Vietnam. The unique blend of flavors and textures in Vietnamese dishes has resonated with South Korean consumers, making dishes like goi cuon and bun bo nam bo a hit in the country.

5. Netherlands: $2.5 billion (4%)

The Netherlands serves as a vital entry point for Vietnamese food products into the European market, with $2.5 billion worth of food exports coming from Vietnam. Vietnamese herbs and spices have found a place in Dutch kitchens, enriching local dishes and adding a touch of Vietnamese flair to European cuisine.

6. Germany: $2.1 billion (3%)

Germany's diverse culinary landscape has been enriched by Vietnamese food exports, valued at $2.1 billion. The fusion of Vietnamese and German ingredients has led to the creation of unique dishes that cater to the diverse tastes of German consumers, creating a gastronomic experience that blends the best of both worlds.

7. Philippines: $2 billion (3%)

The Philippines has developed a taste for Vietnamese flavors, with $2 billion worth of food imports from Vietnam. Vietnamese street food favorites like banh xeo and banh trang tron have become popular choices among Filipino food enthusiasts, adding a touch of Vietnamese delight to their culinary repertoire.

8. Thailand: $1.8 billion (3%)

Thailand's vibrant food culture has welcomed Vietnamese food products with enthusiasm, resulting in $1.8 billion worth of imports from Vietnam. The shared love for fresh ingredients and aromatic spices has created a harmonious blend of Vietnamese and Thai cuisine, offering a fusion of flavors that appeals to both locals and tourists alike.

9. United Arab Emirates: $1.5 billion (2%)

The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a prominent market for Vietnamese food exports, with $1.5 billion worth of products making their way to the country. Vietnamese delicacies like banh canh and pho bo have gained popularity among UAE residents, reflecting the growing demand for Vietnamese cuisine in the Middle East.

10. Indonesia: $1.4 billion (2%)

Indonesia rounds out the list of top destinations for Vietnam's food exports, with $1.4 billion worth of products reaching the Indonesian market. The rich and aromatic dishes of Vietnam, such as ca kho to and banh bao, have found a receptive audience in Indonesia, showcasing the universal appeal of Vietnamese cuisine across borders.

List of Top Food Exporting Companies in Vietnam: Vietnam Food Exporters Data

The list of top food exporting companies in Vietnam, known as the Vietnam Food Exporters Database, showcases the elite players in the Vietnamese food industry. These companies demonstrate excellence in exporting high-quality products worldwide, making significant contributions to Vietnam's economic growth and global market presence. With a diverse array of food products ranging from coffee and seafood to fruits and spices, these export companies uphold stringent quality standards and innovative practices to meet international demand. The top 10 leading food export companies in Vietnam, as per the Vietnam food exporters data & Vietnam food suppliers list for 2024-25, include: 

Vietnam Food Exports in the Last 10 Years: Yearly Vietnam Food Export Data

Vietnam’s Top 10 Edible Food Exports: Vietnam Food Exports by HS Code

1. Seafood (All types) (HS Code 03): $10.07 billion USD

• Includes shrimp, pangasius (catfish), tuna, and others, as per the Vietnam seafood export data by HS code. 

• Shrimp alone: $3.8 billion.

• Pangasius: $1.8 billion.

• Tuna: $1.1 billion.

• Remaining seafood (squid, crab, mollusks, etc.): balance of the total.

2. Fruits and Vegetables (HS Code 07 & 08): $7.12 billion 

• Driven by durian, dragon fruit, bananas, and mangoes.

• China was the dominant buyer, though markets expanded to Japan, Korea, and the EU.

3. Rice (HS Code 1006): $5.75 billion 

• Vietnam remained the world’s third-largest rice exporter, as per the Vietnam customs export data of Rice by HS code. 

• Main markets: Philippines, China, Ghana, and Indonesia.

4. Coffee (HS Code 0901): $5.47 billion 

• Mostly Robusta beans; demand surged with global shortages of Arabica, as per the Vietnam coffee export data 2025.

• Key buyers: EU, U.S., Japan, and Korea.

5. Cashew Nuts (HS Code 0801): $4.37 billion 

• Vietnam exported processed kernels to more than 90 countries.

• The U.S. and the EU were the top importers.

6. Cassava and Cassava Products (HS Code 0714): $1.5 billion 

• Mostly starch and dried chips; important for food and feed industries.

• China was the largest buyer.

7. Pepper (HS Code 04): $1.2 billion 

• Vietnam supplied nearly 60% of the world’s pepper exports.

• Main buyers: U.S., EU, India, Middle East.

8. Spices (Cinnamon, Star Anise, Ginger, etc.) (HS Code 0910): $400 million 

• Cinnamon and anise in particular grew rapidly, meeting demand in India, the Middle East, and the EU.

9. Tea (HS Code 0902): $250 million 

• Exported to more than 70 markets, with Pakistan, Russia, and Taiwan being the top destinations.

10. Other Nuts & Seeds (e.g., sesame, macadamia, peanuts) (HS Code 0802): $200 million 

• Emerging category with growth potential in Asian and Middle Eastern markets.

Product Category Breakdown

1. Forestry and Wood Products

• 2024 performance: Around 16.2 billion USD, up over 20% from 2023, making it the single largest export earner among agriculture-related categories.

• 2025 outlook: The strong trajectory continues, supported by high demand in the U.S., EU, and Japan. Compliance with sustainability certifications (FSC, PEFC) and traceability requirements is critical, especially for EU markets.

2. Seafood and Aquatic Products

• 2024 performance: Vietnam Seafood exports generated about 10 billion USD, rising by over 12% from the previous year. Shrimp alone contributed nearly 3.8 billion USD.

• 2025 trends: Growth is steady but less explosive than forestry or some crops. Vietnam is focusing on higher-value seafood products, improved cold chain logistics, and certifications to access stricter markets like the U.S. and EU.

3. Agricultural Crops

Vietnam’s identity as a global food supplier rests largely on its crops.

• Rice: Exports reached 5.75 billion USD in 2024, with Vietnam holding its position as the world’s third-largest exporter after India and Thailand. However, in the first half of 2025, rice exports by value dropped nearly 10% due to pricing pressure and softer demand from key buyers.

• Coffee: Vietnam remains the world’s leading exporter of Robusta coffee. In 2024, coffee exports hit 5.47 billion USD. Despite fluctuations in global coffee prices, volume and value both improved. Early 2025 showed strong continuation thanks to rising Robusta demand.

• Cashew Nuts: About 4.37 billion USD in 2024. Vietnam continues to dominate the global cashew kernel supply, though the industry faces margin pressure from rising processing costs.

• Fruits & Vegetables: This category soared to 7.12 billion USD in 2024, fueled by booming durian exports to China. But in early 2025, the value plunged by over 17% as durian exports dropped sharply (down more than 50%) due to oversupply & stricter import requirements. By mid-2025, however, recovery signs emerged, with total exports in the first seven months already above 3.8 billion USD.

• Pepper and Spices: Though not always crossing the multi-billion mark annually, Vietnam remains the world’s largest pepper exporter. Pepper, cinnamon, and star anise are showing growth in niche, high-value markets.

Major Export Destinations

Vietnam’s food exports are highly diversified, though certain markets dominate.

1. United States

The U.S. overtook China in 2024 as Vietnam’s largest export market for agricultural, forestry, and fishery products. Growth in 2025 has been especially strong, exports rose by about 16% in the first half of the year. Demand for wood, seafood, and processed agricultural goods is robust. However, tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers remain a significant risk.

2. China

China remains an essential market, particularly for fruits, vegetables, and rice. Durian exports in 2023–24 drove exceptional gains, but tighter phytosanitary standards and fluctuating demand led to a contraction in 2025. Overall, exports to China dipped slightly in early 2025, though they remain at very high absolute levels.

3. Japan

Japan has become one of Vietnam’s most reliable markets, with agricultural and seafood exports rising more than 25% in the first half of 2025. Japan values high-quality, traceable products, pushing Vietnam to upgrade packaging, cold storage, and compliance standards.

4. European Union

The EU continues to be a top destination, especially for coffee, cashews, and seafood. Vietnam’s participation in the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has provided preferential tariffs, but exporters must meet strict sustainability and safety requirements.

5. South Korea

South Korea is another steady growth market, importing seafood, fruits, and beverages. The Korea-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (KVFTA) provides competitive advantages compared to some other exporters.

6. Emerging Markets

Vietnam is increasingly expanding into the Middle East, Australia, and ASEAN neighbors. For example, the UAE has become a growing buyer of fruits and vegetables. Smaller European markets such as Italy have shown eye-catching growth rates (e.g., triple-digit increases for certain fruit categories).

Challenges in Vietnam Food Exports

Despite record numbers, several headwinds complicate Vietnam’s export performance:

1. Commodity Price Volatility: Global fluctuations in coffee, rice, and rubber prices can swing export values significantly, regardless of volumes shipped.

2. Market Access and Tariffs: U.S. tariffs and EU regulations are tightening. Phytosanitary and safety standards have already reduced fruit and vegetable exports to China and Europe.

3. Logistical Constraints: Cold chain capacity, port congestion, and rising shipping costs affect perishable exports like seafood and fruit.

4. Climate Change: Erratic weather patterns, droughts, floods, and saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta threaten supply reliability.

5. Competition: Countries such as Thailand (rice, durian), Brazil (coffee), and India (seafood, rice) compete fiercely in overlapping markets.

Strategic Moves and Opportunities

To address these challenges, Vietnam is taking proactive steps:

• Diversification of Markets: Increasing focus on Japan, Korea, the Middle East, and niche European markets to reduce reliance on China and the U.S.

• Value Addition: Shifting from raw exports to processed products, for example, roasted coffee instead of green beans, packaged seafood instead of raw shrimp.

• Branding and Certification: Pushing for geographical indications, organic certifications, and sustainable forestry or fishery labels.

• Improved Logistics: Expanding investment in cold storage and processing facilities near production zones to cut losses and extend shelf life.

• Policy Targets: The government aims for 64–65 billion USD in agricultural, forestry, and fishery exports in 2025, setting the stage for continued growth if structural challenges are addressed.

Country-Level Performance Snapshot of Vietnam Food Exports (2024–25)

• United States: Largest market, rising strongly in 2025; demand driven by wood, cashew, coffee, and seafood.

• China: Slight contraction in 2025 due to stricter rules and falling durian demand; remains critical for rice and fruit.

• Japan: Double-digit growth; premium products and seafood exports rising.

• EU: Stable with growth potential, but compliance costs are high.

• South Korea: Increasing demand for seafood, processed foods, and fruit.

• Middle East & ASEAN: Fast-growing segment, particularly the UAE and Singapore, where Vietnamese products are being repositioned as premium.

Key Numbers at a Glance

• 2024 Total: 62.5 billion USD in exports; 18 billion USD trade surplus.

• Top food products exported by Vietnam in 2024:

  • Fruits and vegetables: 7.12 billion USD

  • Rice: 5.75 billion USD

  • Coffee: 5.47 billion USD

  • Cashews: 4.37 billion USD

  • Shrimp: 3.8 billion USD

• 2025 H1 Total: 33.5 billion USD; agriculture alone contributed 18.3 billion USD.

Outlook for Late 2025 and Beyond

Vietnam’s agricultural export sector is expected to maintain momentum, but growth will not be evenly distributed across products. Bulk commodities like rice and raw fruits face headwinds, while processed and branded goods show more resilience. The U.S. and Japan are set to remain growth engines, while China’s role will be more volatile but still pivotal.

Looking toward 2026, the emphasis will shift further toward:

• Sustainability and compliance, especially for exports to the EU and Japan.

• Product diversification, reducing overreliance on a single commodity like durian.

• Deepening processing capacity, enabling Vietnam to move up the value chain and capture higher margins.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Vietnam’s food export performance in 2024–25 illustrates both strength and fragility. The record-breaking numbers of 2024 show the country’s capacity to serve as a global food powerhouse. But the declines in some categories in 2025 highlight how vulnerable agricultural exports remain to price volatility, regulatory hurdles, and shifting consumer demand. The future will depend not only on expanding volume but also on capturing greater value. By diversifying markets, adding processing capacity, and meeting international sustainability standards, Vietnam can sustain and expand its role as a key player in global food trade.

For more insights into the latest Vietnam import-export data, or to search live data on Vietnam food exports by country, visit VietnamExportdata. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in for customized trade reports, market insights, and a verified database of the top food exporters in Vietnam, as per your business needs.