As reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) on the afternoon of 1 April 2020, the nation spent USD 6.2 billion during the first quarter on importing agricultural, forestry and fishery products and agricultural materials, reduced by 13.2% in comparison with the same period last year. In other words, for the first three months, the agriculture, forestry and fisheries recorded a trade surplus of USD 2.9 billion, increased by 48.9% against the first three months of 2019.

The value of agricultural exports declined by 3.1%; forestry exports grew by 16.13%; fishery exports dropped by 14.0%; and animal exports fell by 21.8% against the first quarter of 2019. The export value of most commodities was reduced, except for rice, vegetables, cassava, timber, timber products, cinnamon, rattan and bamboo products…

Specifically, 1.7 million tons of rice were exported (increased by 19.9%), valued at USD 774 million (increased by 27.8%); the export value of timber and timber products was USD 2.62 billion (increased by 15.9%)… The exports with sharply reduced value include rubber (USD 331 billion, reduced by 26.1%), tea (USD 37 million, reduced by 19%), black pepper (USD 163 million, reduced by 13.9%), fruits (USD 836 million, reduced by 12.5%), pangasius (USD 238 million, reduced by 61.5%)…

Due to impacts of Covid-19, the export market share has much changed. In the first quarter, the U.S. was the largest importer for Vietnam’s agricultral, forestry and fishery exports, totally worth USD 2.1 billion, increased by 18%, with a partner share of 23.2%. The exports to China were estimatedly worth USD 1.9 billion, reduced by 19.4% against the same period last year, with a partner share of 21.4%. The exports to the EU market were worth USD 1.2 billion, reduced by 0.9%, with a partner share of 13.1%. The export to Japan was valued at USD 802 million, increased by 2.72%, with a partner share of 8.9%. The export value with ASEAN countries was USD 970 million, increased by 16.4%, with a partner share of 10.7%.

It is predicted that the agricultural, forestry and fishery export will be faced by a range of difficulties, especially due to spreading Covid-19 pandemic which disrupts the circulation and consumption in numerous markets. Therefore, MARD is focussing on the scenarios of high-demand export after the pandemic ends in China. At the same time, MARD is making efforts to deal with technical barriers from and trade market access (promoting recognition of production areas, products and exporters) to EU countries, Asia-Europe economic alliance, the U.S., Brazil…

MARD has required the Agro Processing and Market Development Authority (AgroTrade) and related departments to work closely with commodity associations concerned, update frequently situation of key markets affected by coronavirus pandemic, and provide timely recommendations and reports on response. MARD also required such units to strictly monitor the export through border gates with China, cooperate with relevant Chinese agencies to define appropriate measures for consignment clearance and disease control; and enhance sustainable restructuring of import-export markets.

MARD-affiliated units are also required to work closely with the