The latest report of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development shows that the total import and export turnover of agricultural, forestry and fishery products in the first two months of this year is estimated at nearly $11 billion, of which exports are estimated at $6.17 billion, an increase of 16.6% year on year. Imports are estimated at $4.8 billion, up 13.6%.

The trade surplus is about $1.37 billion, up 28.4% over the same period of 2020.

Export turnover of many key export agricultural products grew strongly during this time. For example, rubber export value reached about $516 million (up 9.9%); tea $29 million (up 11.1%); cashew nuts $442 million (up 21.5%), vegetables $610 million (up 14.6%); wood and wood products about $2.44 billion (up 51.0%); and rattan and bamboo products $128 million (up 43.0%).

Notably, with export turnover of about $2.04 billion, an increase of 57.3% over the same period and accounting for more than 33% of market share, the US became the largest customer of Vietnamese agricultural products during this time.

Following the US was China, with export revenue of $1.88 billion, up 57.9% over the same period last year and accounting for 30.53% market share.

ASEAN ranked third with export turnover of $606 million, up 25.2%, accounting for 9.82%.

In the coming time, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will focus on trade promotion activities. Regarding export markets, it will focus on issues related to market regulations and technical barriers in free trade areas (FTAs) consistent with the development of the Covid-19 epidemic. The Ministry will also strive to increase exports of dragon fruit and passion fruit.

In the domestic market, the Ministry will continue to monitor, collect and summarize information and data on prices, production and supply of agricultural products in the country, especially in Covid-hit provinces, and will implement the campaign calling for Vietnamese people to use Vietnamese goods in the 2021-2025 period.

T. An

Upbeat export-import picture in early 2021

Many of Vietnam’s growth engines have posted impressive export-import performance, with Ho Chi Minh City, Bac Ninh, and Binh Duong being the top performers.