The Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Environment projects an increase in U.S. agricultural imports due to tariff reductions on U.S. products, including agricultural goods. Some tariffs have been reduced to zero in response to previous U.S. tariff policies. As a result, the import of U.S. agricultural products into Vietnam is anticipated to rise this quarter and in the coming months.
In the first quarter, Vietnam imported US$595.6 million worth of fruits and vegetables, marking a 21 percent increase from the same period in 2024. U.S. imports accounted for 27 percent of this, ranking second after China. Compared to last year, U.S. fruit and vegetable imports saw a 53.1 percent increase.
Although many U.S. agricultural products benefiting from tariff reductions have yet to enter the Vietnamese market, demand is growing. Supermarket chains have promoted and discounted these products. At Emart Supermarket and other locations in Ho Chi Minh City, U.S. products occupy prominent shelf space. U.S. fruits like apples and oranges are offered at discounted prices, competing with local and other imported fruits.
Additionally, packaged U.S. foods such as walnuts, chestnuts, and chocolate are prominently displayed. Frozen items like U.S. beef and chicken maintain a stable demand. Cao Anh Tuan, an agricultural exporter, noted a shift towards importing more American goods while reducing U.S. exports. He mentioned, "We are finding ways to export processed fruits to the U.S. market, but from now on, we will focus more on utilizing goods and collaborating with American companies."
Following the U.S. announcement of reciprocal tariffs, Tuan communicated with U.S. partners, who expressed concerns about Vietnam's import tariffs. If reduced, it could enhance access to U.S. products, potentially boosting U.S. exports to Vietnam. Domestic businesses may import U.S. wheat, walnuts, almonds, and other fruits, indicating potential for growth in U.S. agricultural imports.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, American agricultural products are consumed across various sectors in Vietnam. U.S. products are gaining popularity on e-commerce platforms with frequent promotions. In the personal care sector, U.S. products maintain a strong position. Several supermarkets in Ho Chi Minh City have hosted U.S. trade delegations promoting agricultural and seafood products, aiding U.S. companies in understanding Vietnamese consumer preferences.
Source: Tuoi Tre News