Despite challenges from weather conditions, animal diseases, and global market fluctuations, Vietnam’s agriculture sector continued to post positive results, with agro-forestry-fishery export turnover reaching USD 39.68 billion in the first seven months of 2025—up nearly 15% year-on-year. The trade surplus hit USD 11.52 billion, an increase of 15.9%.
At a press conference on August 4, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien reported that July rice output reached 27.6 million tonnes, up 2.3% over the same period last year. Aquatic production stood at 5.5 million tonnes, an increase of 3.1%, with monthly export turnover estimated at around USD 950 million. Vietnam is expected to produce 44 million tonnes of rice annually and maintain aquaculture growth at 4.35%.
In livestock farming, the pig herd exceeded 30 million head, up 2.1% despite the continued spread of African swine fever. Poultry numbers rose 3.9% to 584.5 million, with slaughter output reaching roughly 2 billion birds. However, poultry meat prices have been increased due to illegal imports, putting pressure on around 6 million farming households.
Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien affirmed that the sector is working to expand markets in Europe, Africa, and the Halal segment to offset the impact of U.S. reciprocal tariffs. At the same time, restructuring production, cutting costs, and enhancing competitiveness are key solutions to achieving the year’s export target of USD 65–70 billion.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien affirms the sector will continue increasing export share to potential markets to offset the impact of U.S. reciprocal tariffs.Stronger disease prevention and herd rebuilding
African swine fever remains a significant concern. Since the start of the year, over 970 outbreaks have been detected in 710 communes nationwide, resulting in the culling of 136,000 pigs. Nevertheless, industrial-scale farms have reported minimal losses thanks to strict biosecurity measures and vaccination.
According to Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien, localities have implemented a four-step disease prevention protocol: outbreak declaration, culling, environmental disinfection, and preparation of breeding stock for restocking. Provinces such as Lang Son have established provincial livestock and veterinary sub-departments and set up inter-commune checkpoints to strengthen disease control. By October, synchronized vaccination for sows, boars, and finishing pigs is expected to be completed.
The Ministry has also instructed local authorities to issue detailed guidance on carcass disposal and environmental sanitation to prepare for herd rebuilding, ensuring sufficient supply for the New Year and Lunar New Year holidays. “The goal is to prevent sudden meat price hikes that could affect socio-economic stability,” the Deputy Minister stressed.
Emergence of recombined virus strains, new vaccine research
A worrying development is the emergence of recombined virus strains, reducing the effectiveness of some existing vaccines. The pathogen remains latent in old outbreak sites, particularly after storms and floods.
Phan Quang Minh, Deputy Director of the Department of Livestock Production and Veterinary Medicine, noted that while cases declined toward the end of July, there are still instances of indiscriminate pig carcass dumping. Some localities have imposed fines or even prosecuted violations involving illegal transport and slaughter of pigs.
The Ministry is working with enterprises and scientists to collect samples, isolate the virus, and develop vaccines suited to the new strain. However, this is a long-term process requiring field trials before large-scale deployment.
Since the start of the year, more than 970 African swine fever outbreaks have been reported in over 710 communes and wards nationwide. Strengthening the grassroots veterinary force
A key challenge is the shortage of grassroots veterinary personnel—many communes have only one officer, or none at all. The Ministry has proposed mobilizing personnel from other sectors to staff disease control checkpoints and carry out disinfection, particularly during seasonal transitions and the storm season.
Effective disease control, stable production, and accelerated market expansion are seen as the three key pillars for ensuring sustainable growth in agriculture and contributing positively to Vietnam’s macroeconomic stability in 2025.