US hikes fruits, vegetables imports from Vietnam

Updated: 13:21, 15/04/2025

The U.S. imported $111 million worth of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables in the first quarter, up 66% year-on-year.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said that the recent 46% tariffs that the U.S. announced on imports from Vietnam are unlikely to affect fruits and vegetables.

Workers load coconuts on a truck to export to the U.S.

He explained that the U.S. remains a net importer of these goods.

In 2024, Vietnam exported $360 million in fruits and vegetables to the U.S. while importing $540 million in return.

In the first quarter this year, Vietnam’s imports from the U.S. were $160 million.

"American consumers increasingly favor Vietnamese agricultural products due to their improved reputation and quality," said Nguyen, adding that the U.S. market shows high potential for this year and beyond.

However, Nguyen cautioned that Vietnam’s limited deep-processing capabilities hinder its competitiveness in high-standard markets like the E.U., U.S., and South Korea, where demand for processed products is strong.

Industry experts remain optimistic about Vietnam’s goal of reaching $8 billion in fruit and vegetable exports this year.

They emphasize that achieving this target hinges on elevating quality standards and strictly adhering to international regulations.

In the first quarter, China, the biggest buyer, purchased $521 million of fruits and vegetables from Vietnam, down 27%. The drop stems from China’s tightened quarantine rules, including new requirements for durians.

Logistics disruptions and rising transportation costs have also delayed shipments.