U.S. Agricultural Products Strengthen Presence in Vietnam: Potential for Sustainable Cooperation
The USDA recognizes Vietnam as a high-potential market for U.S. agricultural exports, with impressive growth across premium food categories.
On September 17, the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Sheraton Hanoi Hotel co-hosted the 'Great American BBQ Festival 2026', showcasing a diverse range of high-quality U.S. agricultural and food products to the capital's consumers.
According to the latest USDA report, Vietnam remains one of the U.S.'s most vital agricultural export markets. Strong economic growth, a burgeoning middle class, and rising demand for premium food products have fostered favorable conditions for U.S. goods. Currently, the U.S. is the second-largest agricultural supplier to Vietnam, holding a 13.4% market share.
In 2025, U.S. fresh fruit exports reached $91.1 million, led by apples, cherries, and grapes. Dairy exports grew by 18% to $149.2 million, positioning the U.S. as the third-largest dairy supplier in Vietnam. Notably, U.S. poultry continues to lead the market, with further growth expected due to favorable import tariff policies.
Regarding industrial raw materials, data from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS) indicates that Vietnam imported approximately 1.35 million metric tons of soybeans in 2025, valued at $581.25 million, reaffirming Vietnam's status as a key strategic partner for U.S. soybeans globally.
The Great American BBQ Festival 2026, running until October 1, features a rich array of products ranging from beef, pork, and poultry to Alaska seafood and dried nuts and fruits like Washington apples, blueberries, and walnuts. Cristian Vera, Director of Food & Beverage at Sheraton Hanoi, noted that the culinary team has creatively incorporated these ingredients, specifically Cosmic Crisp® apples, into menus to deliver a premium dining experience.
Duyên Lê, representing U.S. agricultural associations in Vietnam, highlighted the impressive growth of Washington apple exports from 50,000 boxes in the early stages to approximately 2 million boxes today. Meanwhile, representatives from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute emphasized the sustainable harvesting processes and strict quality controls for seafood exported to Vietnam.
Mark Petry, Agricultural Minister-Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, expressed optimism regarding the outlook for agricultural trade between the two nations. Potential commodities including corn, livestock, forest products, and bio-based raw materials will continue to be promoted. A U.S. agricultural trade mission is scheduled to visit Ho Chi Minh City in November 2026 to further enhance business-to-business connections.