Thanh Hoa accelerates exports, expands agricultural markets

It is focusing on addressing challenges and capitalising on agricultural and fishery advantages to achieve export target of US$8.5 billion.

According to a report by the Thanh Hoa Department of Industry and Trade, the province’s export turnover reached US$5.887 billion by the end of September 2026, up 11.5% year-on-year and equivalent to 69.3% of its annual target. A total of 355 enterprises in the province currently export goods to 68 countries and territories. These figures reflect the province’s expanding international trade links and create further opportunities for agricultural sectors to participate more deeply in global supply chains.

Agricultural, forestry, and fishery products continue to play an important role in the province’s export structure, drawing on local raw material advantages and supporting local livelihoods. Processed seafood, canned fruit and other agricultural products have considerable potential to expand into new markets, particularly as consumer demand rises in the final months of the year.

A notable example is Thanh Hoa Seafood Import-Export Joint Stock Company, which has an annual processing capacity of approximately 20,000 tonnes, with clams as its main export product. The company ships clams to Spain, Portugal, France and the United States. In the first nine months of 2026, it exported 11,000 tonnes of products, generating approximately US$20 million in revenue. Investment in safe farming areas, quality control and food safety compliance with international standards has provided a foundation for the company to maintain its markets and seek larger orders.

However, competition is intensifying, while logistics costs, traceability requirements and environmental standards are becoming increasingly demanding. In fact, 11 of the province’s 22 key export product categories recorded declines compared with the same period last year. Some agricultural processing enterprises are also struggling to secure raw materials. These bottlenecks need to be addressed to better realise the province’s export potential.

Thanh Hoa is stepping up support for businesses in trade promotion, market intelligence, and alerts on technical barriers and trade defence measures. The province is also implementing policies to support sea freight and container transport through Nghi Son Seaport. In the agricultural sector, strengthening links between raw material production areas and processing facilities, improving product quality and ensuring a stable supply are seen as key solutions.

To achieve its export target of US$8.5 billion, Thanh Hoa needs to generate an additional US$2.613 billion in export turnover in the final three months of the year. Alongside accelerating production, the province aims to develop sustainable agricultural value chains that meet international standards, thereby enhancing the standing of local products and expanding opportunities for trade cooperation with foreign partners.

Dinh Tiep - Quoc Toan