In the first quarter of 2025, the United States spent $111 million importing fruits and vegetables from Vietnam, marking a 66% increase compared to the same period last year. However, Vietnam’s total fruit and vegetable export revenue during this quarter reached over $1.16 billion, a 9.2% decrease year-on-year. This decline is primarily due to a 27.4% drop in exports to China—Vietnam’s largest market—attributed to stricter quarantine measures and new regulations for durians. Additionally, logistical disruptions and increased transportation costs contributed to delays in fulfilling orders.

Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, noted that although the U.S. recently announced high retaliatory tariffs of up to 46% on various imported goods (currently suspended for 90 days), Vietnamese fruits and vegetables are unlikely to be affected, as the U.S. remains a net importer of these products. In 2024, Vietnam exported $360 million worth of fruits and vegetables to the U.S., while importing $540 million from the U.S. In the first quarter of this year alone, Vietnam imported over $160 million from the U.S.​

Mr. Nguyen also cautioned that the low rate of deep processing limits the presence of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables in demanding markets like the EU, the U.S., and South Korea, where there is a high demand for processed products. Without improvements in this area, growth potential may be constrained.​

Experts believe that the target of $8 billion in fruit and vegetable export revenue for 2025 is still achievable, but only if Vietnam enhances quality standards and strictly adheres to international regulations.