Vietnam – Ohio boost agricultural trade ties, seal over 600 million USD in deals

During the visit, Minister Do Duc Duy held a bilateral meeting with Ohio Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge, paving the way for promising agricultural cooperation between the two sides.

Complementary, not competitive

In the meeting, Director Brian Baldridge highly appreciated the relationship between Vietnam and the United States, particularly the growing agricultural ties between Vietnam and Ohio. He emphasized that the two sides do not compete directly but complement each other, creating ideal conditions to strengthen bilateral trade.

"We are proud to work with our Vietnamese partners to expand opportunities for Ohio's farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities," Baldridge stated.

Both sides agreed to propose that their respective governments maintain fair tariff policies and avoid retaliatory duties that could disrupt supply chains. Minister Do Duc Duy affirmed: "Avoiding tariffs of up to 46% not only benefits Vietnamese producers but also brings significant advantages to American workers in the value chain."

Vietnam excels in tropical agricultural products such as coffee, cashews, pepper, fruit, and wooden furniture. Meanwhile, Ohio and the broader U.S. supply temperate products like soybeans, beef, corn, raw timber, milk, and dairy products - items not widely produced in Vietnam. This complementarity forms a solid foundation for sustainable cooperation, benefiting consumers and promoting diversity and transparency in the agricultural supply chains of both nations.

Over 600 million USD in trade agreements signed

The Vietnam - Ohio Agricultural Business Networking Forum was held as part of the visit, with 50 companies from each side in attendance. Delegates agreed that there is ample room to expand cooperation, particularly in importing agricultural raw materials from Ohio and exporting tropical products from Vietnam.

Minister Do Duc Duy stated: "The key goal of the Forum and the Vietnam - U.S. economic relationship is to move toward a more balanced trade dynamic, grounded in mutual benefit."

At the forum, businesses from both sides signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth over $600 million. The agreements cover imports of livestock feed ingredients, raw timber, fruits, and meat products from Ohio into Vietnam.

These deals received strong support from U.S. agricultural organizations. Patty Mann, President of the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association, noted: "This is a huge win for Ohio corn growers. Vietnam is a reliable and growing market and a key partner for us."

Mr. Ryan LeGrand, President and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), commented: "The MoUs just signed are the result of years of nurturing a strategic relationship. They clearly show the growing agricultural trade ties between our two countries."

Promoting market access, ensuring mutual benefits

In the context of rising production costs, volatile commodity prices, and the pressing need to expand export markets, the agreements with Vietnam are seen as a vital opportunity for Ohio's farmers and agribusinesses.

Mr. Owen Niese, Chairman of the Ohio Grain Trade Association, shared: "These agreements not only provide motivation for growers but also energize the rural economy across our state. We're especially excited that Ohio wheat and small grains are entering new supply chains with Vietnam."

Associations and businesses from both countries expressed a shared desire for their governments to continue facilitating favorable mechanisms, policies, and tariffs to strengthen the agricultural ecosystems' interconnectivity.

Following Ohio, the Vietnamese delegation will continue its mission in Washington, D.C., discussing trade and tariff policies with U.S. federal agencies, working toward the shared goals of expanding exports, deepening cooperation, balancing mutual interests, and contributing to global food security.