According to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the agricultural sector’s total production value in 2024 increased by 3.3% compared to 2023. This includes a 1.7-1.9% increase in crop production, a 5.3-5.5% rise in livestock farming, a 5.0-5.2% surge in aquaculture, and a 4.0-4.2% growth in forestry. The total export turnover of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products in 2024 is estimated at a record high of USD 62.4 billion, up by 18.5%; with a trade surplus of USD 18.6 billion, a 53.1% increase compared to 2023.
Evaluating the performance of the agricultural sector in 2024, Mr. Nguyen Anh Phong, Vice President of the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development, attributed this success to the efforts in shifting mindset and restructuring the agricultural industry towards higher value and greener practices. It is also a result of successful negotiations and market access for key agricultural products.
The forestry sector made a significant contribution to this achievement, with an impressive export turnover of USD 17.2 billion. Of this, wood and wood products accounted for an estimated USD 16.5 billion, with the remaining being non-wood forest products. In the export structure of wood and wood products: indoor/outdoor furniture accounted for 70%; wood panels for 7%; wood chips for 17%; wood pellets for 5%, and the remaining 1% comprised other products.
AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTRY EXPORTS IMPRESS
Despite facing numerous challenges, especially the severe impact of Storm No. 3, the crop production sector ended 2024 with notable achievements, particularly in exporting key products such as fruits, rice, coffee, and cashew nuts.
Specifically, regarding rice exports, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Manh, Deputy Director of the Plant Protection Department, attributed the record export volume of 9 million tons, valued at USD 5.8 billion in 2024, to careful preparation and production guidance implemented over the years. This included a shift towards producing high-quality rice and adopting technical advancements. This demonstrates that Vietnam’s sustainable development strategies in rice production are on the right track.
“In 2024, Vietnam’s fruit exports also achieved impressive results, reaching a record high of USD 7 billion, thanks to programs such as ‘staggered fruit harvesting,’ which enhanced export growth and created a distinct competitive advantage. This program was initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development more than a decade ago, transforming the Mekong Delta into a region capable of harvesting fruits all year round. This has not only elevated the value of fruits but also helped Vietnam’s agricultural sector access demanding markets.”
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Manh, Deputy Director of the Plant Protection Department.
Along with these achievements, Mr. Manh also pointed out some issues to be mindful of in the future, particularly the rapid expansion of certain crops like durian. While the durian cultivation area has increased rapidly, this tree is highly sensitive to saltwater intrusion. Therefore, it is essential not to expand durian cultivation in areas prone to saltwater intrusion to avoid potential risks.
In the long term, Mr. Manh believes that the crop production sector needs sustainable development solutions, focusing on enhancing product quality rather than merely expanding cultivation areas. Sustainable development will enable the Vietnamese agricultural sector to maintain its competitive position in the international market while also protecting natural resources and effectively responding to climate change.
AQUACULTURE SECTOR: A MIX OF OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
Mr. Nguyen Hoai Nam, Vice Secretary-General of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), shared that the celebration of Vietnam’s seafood export turnover reaching USD 10 billion on December 23, 2024, was a remarkable milestone. This event reflected the relentless efforts of businesses and relevant authorities in market expansion and enhancing the quality of Vietnamese seafood products.
According to Mr. Nguyen Hoai Nam, the aquaculture sector’s performance in 2024 had two significant highlights. Firstly, shrimp exports reached approximately USD 4 billion, a nearly 17% increase compared to 2023. This is a remarkable achievement, as shrimp remains the primary export product of Vietnam’s aquaculture industry. Secondly, tuna exports also witnessed robust growth, as Vietnam effectively utilized the annual quota of 11,500 tons from the European market. Tuna export turnover in 2024 is estimated to have reached USD 1 billion, a 15% increase compared to the previous year.
Additionally, regarding marine capture fisheries, implementing regulations against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing posed significant challenges for businesses. For instance, the tuna industry is facing some legal issues, particularly concerning Decree 37/2024/ND-CP on the allowable size of yellowfin tuna for exploitation. According to this decree, only tuna measuring 0.5 meters or longer can be caught, but in reality, only a small percentage of the catch meets this size requirement. This creates difficulties for fishermen, as they cannot sell their catch if it does not meet the specified size.
“Other tuna-fishing nations do not have size regulations but only stipulate fishing seasons. Therefore, amending this decree will motivate fishermen to maintain their trade and increase production,” Mr. Nam suggested. He also emphasized that, moving forward, the aquaculture sector needs to continue innovating and better prepare to meet the stringent requirements of major markets like the US, Europe, and Japan. These markets increasingly demand certifications related to food safety, environmental protection, and social responsibility.
Consequently, adhering to international standards and obtaining sustainability certifications will be crucial for maintaining and expanding Vietnam’s market share in the global aquaculture industry. Only by fully satisfying the rigorous requirements of the international market, from product quality to environmental accountability, can the Vietnamese aquaculture sector sustain and enhance its global position…
The full content of this article was published in the Vietnam Economic Magazine, Issue 53-2024, released on December 30, 2024. Please visit the following link to read the complete article: https://postenp.phaha.vn/chi-tiet-toa-soan/tap-chi-kinh-te-viet-nam
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