US Farm Exports to Vietnam See Unprecedented Growth

Vu Minh Duc, a prominent importer and trade representative in Vietnam for the California Raisin Association, highlights the increasing demand for US produce such as raisins, potatoes, avocados, and chicken. According to Thanh Nien newspaper, Duc attributes this trend to the high-quality standards of US products, which have won the favor of Vietnamese consumers.

Tariff Reductions Fuel Market Expansion

A recent government decree in Vietnam, reducing tariffs on American products like cherries, raisins, and frozen chicken thighs, is expected to make these goods more accessible and affordable. This policy change is seen as a significant factor behind the 55.4% growth in US farm exports to Vietnam, which now account for 26.5% of the country's total imports.

Competitive Pricing and Quality Drive Demand

Analysts point to Vietnam's participation in free trade agreements and the competitive pricing of US agricultural products as key drivers of this surge. With China and the US leading as the top suppliers, Vietnamese consumers enjoy a wider range of competitively priced options.

Blueberries: A Success Story

Francis Lee of the US Highbush Blueberry Council shares the success of US blueberries in Vietnam, with shipments increasing by 64% to 100 tons last year. The council plans to further introduce these products through promotional events across retail locations.

Future Prospects

Dang Phuc Nguyen, Vinafruit general secretary, predicts "explosive" growth for US fruits and vegetables in Vietnam, thanks to their quality, competitive pricing, and the strong affinity for American goods. Ongoing negotiations for reciprocal tariff reductions between Vietnam and the US are expected to further benefit imports.