Agro-forestry-fishery export turnover increases slightly in first seven months

In July, overseas shipment of agro-forestry-fishery products reached US$ 3.55 billion, in which farm produce exports stood at US$ 1.64 billion, followed by forestry exports (US$ 893 million).

There were eight products with export turnover of at least US$ 1 billion each, including coffee (US$ 1.8 billion), rubber (US$ 1.1 billion), rice (US$ 1.73 billion), cashew (US$ 1.8 billion), and fruits and vegetables (US$ 2.3 billion).

Fishery export turnover witnessed a slight year-on-year decline of 1%, reaching US$ 4.68 billion.

In the January-July period, forestry export turnover touched nearly US$ 6.01 billion, posting a year-on-year surge of 17.3%.

On the other hand, agro-forestry-fishery import value was estimated at US$ 2.5 billion in July, bringing total value of about US$ 18 billion in the first seven months.

Hence, the sector ran a trade surplus of nearly US$ 5 billion, up nearly 12% against the same period last year.

The MARD predicted agricultural exports would cope with numerous challenges, making it impossible for the sector to realize the preset growth goal as other countries are focusing investment on agricultural development while increasing technical barriers like quality management, hygiene safety, and origin traceability.

The ministry said it will work with relevant ministries and agencies to diversify export markets in order to reduce reliance on certain markets./.

By Kim Loan