As the US trade policy continues to evolve to protect domestic industries, Vietnamese agricultural products are facing a new wave of uncertainty. Being one of Vietnam’s top export categories to the US, agricultural exports—including fruits, cashew nuts, pepper, coffee, and seafood—are particularly vulnerable to tightening tariff and non-tariff barriers under.
Below are the five biggest challenges that Vietnam’s agricultural sector must address in light of the shifting, along with strategic solutions for each.
Moreover, the volatility in U.S. policies, influenced by political shifts and global trade tensions, adds another layer of unpredictability. Exporters of Vietnamese agricultural products must now look beyond traditional market practices and adopt a more agile, risk-informed strategy. This includes enhancing product quality, improving supply chain transparency, and actively engaging with trade associations and government agencies to stay updated and protected. Without such preparation, even high-quality agricultural exports may struggle to sustain market share under a fast-evolving trade regime.
These changes in U.S. trade policy are not only technical adjustments but also strategic moves that can reshape trade dynamics between the two countries. For Vietnamese exporters, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, the pressure is mounting to comply with increasingly stringent regulations while maintaining competitive prices. Tariff hikes may lead to increased costs, while non-tariff barriers—such as strict labeling, origin verification, and food safety standards—require significant investment in compliance systems.
In this context, building resilience becomes essential for the long-term sustainability of Vietnamese agricultural exports. Enterprises should not only focus on meeting immediate compliance requirements but also invest in upgrading their entire value chain—from farming practices and post-harvest processing to packaging and logistics. Applying international certifications such as HACCP, GlobalG.A.P, or ISO is no longer optional; it is a prerequisite for entering and surviving in demanding markets like the U.S. At the same time, businesses should strengthen collaboration with domestic suppliers to reduce reliance on inputs from high-risk countries, especially those under U.S. scrutiny.
✅ Challenge 1: Increasing tariffs on tropical agricultural products
Many tropical goods—such as dragon fruit, mango, rambutan, and coffee—are under growing pressure as the US trade policy leans toward stronger protectionism in domestic agriculture.
Solutions:
-
Closely monitor tariff updates from the USTR
-
Collaborate with industry associations to adjust FOB pricing and seek alternative markets
✅ Challenge 2: Stricter food safety and sanitation controls
Under the US trade policy, regulations like the FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) require Vietnamese exporters to enhance their food safety management systems and traceability.
Solutions:
-
Standardize production processes with certifications such as HACCP and GlobalG.A.P
-
Invest in traceability technologies, especially for fresh produce
✅ Challenge 3: Risk of anti-subsidy and anti-dumping investigations
Key agricultural exports like cashew, pepper, and pangasius may be subject to trade remedy actions such as anti-subsidy or anti-dumping investigations under the current US trade policy.
Solutions:
-
Audit export pricing to avoid undervaluation
-
Prepare transparent legal documentation in case of investigation
✅ Challenge 4: Political shifts driving policy unpredictability
The US trade policy is often influenced by political transitions, causing uncertainty in market access—especially for sensitive products like seafood.
Solutions:
-
Diversify export markets (EU, Japan, Middle East, etc.)
-
Improve compliance with international standards to expand beyond U.S. borders
✅ Challenge 5: Risk of “tax evasion” allegations due to Chinese-origin inputs
Some Vietnamese processors rely on machinery, packaging, or supplementary materials from China. Under US trade policy, these may trigger scrutiny for potential tax circumvention.
Solutions:
-
Reassess the supply chain to ensure transparent origin documentation
-
Invest in domestic sourcing or find alternative suppliers outside tariff-affected countries
🔚 Conclusion: Strengthening resilience for long-term export growth
The evolving US trade policy serves as a stress test for the adaptability of Vietnam’s agricultural export sector. Instead of reacting passively, businesses should proactively adjust—from upgrading product quality and improving traceability to restructuring their market strategies.
Sekino, although not in agriculture, is a standout example of how Vietnamese exporters can stay ahead of global trade challenges. As a leading manufacturer of stainless steel bathroom accessories, Sekino focuses on transparency, traceability, and market diversification—key principles that Vietnamese agricultural exporters can adopt for sustainable growth in an unpredictable trade environment.
