Vietnamese agricultural exports are well positioned for further growth in China, Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh said ahead of the 33rd Diplomatic Conference and the 22nd National Conference on Foreign Affairs.
Trade remained a bright spot in Viet Nam-China relations during the first half of 2026, according to Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh, as reported by Lao Dong Newspaper.
Viet Nam’s agricultural exports posted strong growth during the period. By April 2026, exports of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products to China had reached US$3.6 billion, up 22.4% from a year earlier. China accounted for 25.7% of Viet Nam’s total agricultural exports to global markets. Fruit and vegetable exports alone were worth US$415.8 million, an increase of 31.4%.
Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh delivers opening remarks at the "Guangxi Fruit Imports: Leveraging the RCEP Agreement" Festival in Nanning, Guangxi, China, June 2026. Photo: Organizers.“China remains one of the largest markets for Vietnamese agricultural products. Close cooperation between the two countries in opening the market and signing export protocols for agricultural products has created favorable conditions for trade and supported more stable growth”, Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh said.
To help Vietnamese businesses expand their market share, the Vietnamese Embassy in China will strengthen connections with major distributors, e-commerce platforms, logistics hubs, and importers across the country. The Embassy will also encourage exports to northern and northwestern China, where demand for tropical agricultural products is growing rapidly.
Since June 2026, the Embassy has been reinforced with an Agricultural Counselor. The new position is expected to strengthen agricultural cooperation, improve policy coordination, and provide more effective support for Vietnamese exporters.
Vietnamese durians are competing head-to-head with Thai durians in the Chinese market. Photo: Thanh Son.At the same time, the Ambassador noted that China is continuously updating its standards and regulatory framework. Import requirements on product quality, traceability, and food safety are becoming more stringent. To remain competitive, local authorities and businesses should focus on improving product quality and strengthening quality control throughout the entire supply chain - from cultivation and processing to packaging and traceability. Meeting China's technical requirements is essential for maintaining and expanding market access.
The Ambassador also encouraged businesses to invest in deeper processing to increase product value, reduce seasonal pressure on fresh produce, and minimize post-harvest losses. Upgrading packaging to match changing consumer preferences and expanding cold storage and modern logistics systems would further enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products.
In addition, businesses should take full advantage of trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the upgraded ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA 3.0). These agreements can help lower costs, strengthen supply chains, and improve the overall competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural exports in the Chinese market.