US Bound: Minister Đỗ Đức Duy Leads Delegation to Strengthen Agricultural Ties
Vietnam aims to intensify imports of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products from the United States
In informal, approachable language, let's delve into the recent agriculture-focused trip by Minister Đỗ Đức Duy to the US.
MINISTER ĐỖ ĐỨC DUY AND THE DELEGATION'S US CRUSADE
Minister of Agriculture and Environment Đỗ Đức Duy, accompanied by nearly 50 government officials, businesses, and agricultural associations, embarks on a mission in America from June 1 to 7, visiting Iowa, Ohio, and Washington D.C. This trip aims to boost trade relations and explore import opportunities for US agro-forestry-fishery products, aiming for a more balanced trade scenario between both nations. Additionally, our Vietnamese delegates seek tech solutions to strengthen the agricultural value chain.
A MATCH MADE IN AGRICULTURE HEAVEN?
While Vietnam and the US have distinct strengths in agriculture, their products generally complement each other rather than compete directly. Minister Duy emphasizes that active cooperation between governments will enhance the agricultural sectors' interconnectedness, improving supply chains, competitiveness, and ultimately benefitting farmers and consumers.
OUR WEBSITESE BUSINESSES IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT
Our Vietnamese entrepreneurs are eager to import key American agricultural products, contributing to balanced trade, fostering a stronger connection between the two countries' agricultural supply chains, and working towards international food security. In the past two years, 18 memorandums of understanding have been signed for our Vietnamese enterprises to acquire US agricultural, forestry, and seafood products, with a combined value of US$6 billion, with $3 billion already expended.
BOTH COUNTRIES LEAP FORWARD IN FRUIT EXPORTS
The US, being among the first eight Asian countries to accept Vietnamese biotech crop varieties, and Vietnam's compliance with Decree No 73/2025/NĐ-CP, which slashes tariffs on key US agro-forestry-fishery exports to zero, has boosted bilateral trade in these sectors by about 10% per year over the last decade. Now, both nations are aiming to open up markets for bilateral fruit exports.
TRADE TARIFF TANGLES
The recent US decision to impose a tariff of 10% on Vietnamese exports effective April 2 and potential reciprocal tariffs starting July 9 could hurt both nations. According to Nguyễn Đỗ Anh Tuấn, Director General of the International Cooperation Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, these tariffs may reduce profit margins and competitiveness for both American and Vietnamese businesses. Moreover, these affects may disrupt the agricultural and forestry supply chains that both sides have labored to build.
ENRICHMENT INSIGHTS:- Sustainability efforts: The agriculture and aquaculture sectors are moving towards developing certification standards for eco-friendly and organic products. However, water pollution and disease outbreaks in aquaculture remain challenges for the eco-friendly future of food production.- Economic growth: Strong trade relations in agriculture, aquaculture, and fisheries are a significant contributing factor to Vietnam's economic growth, with the nation's GDP projected to increase in the upcoming years.- Regulatory Challenges: While stricter regulations contribute to quality and safety assurance, they may pose challenges for smaller-scale producers in Vietnam, affecting their ability to competitively enter the US market.
Minister of Agriculture and Environment Đỗ Đức Duy leads a delegation to the US. - Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment
- Minister Đỗ Đức Duy and the delegation are seeking AI-powered tech solutions to strengthen their agricultural value chain.
- In government discussions, the importance of a balanced trade between Vietnam and the US is highlighted, focusing on markets in agriculture, finance, and business.
- The culture of environmental sustainability is being prioritized in the agriculture and aquaculture sectors, with the development of certification standards for eco-friendly and organic products.
- The latest round of tariffs imposed by the US Government on Vietnamese exports could potentially disrupt the agricultural and forestry supply chains, impacting both countries' businesses and economies.
