Vietnamese agricultural exporters face new market and regulatory challenges

Vietnamese agricultural and food exporters are facing new challenges regarding market presence and tightening international technical barriers. At a recent seminar in Ho Chi Minh City, industry experts emphasized that merely reaching international retail shelves is no longer sufficient; products must now establish brand recognition and ensure consistent supply to remain competitive.

To address supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical instability, the Lootah Food Group is establishing a distribution center in Abu Dhabi to secure a stable supply of Vietnamese products for the UAE and the broader Middle East market. This move aims to transition Vietnamese exports from small, sporadic orders to long-term market integration.

Simultaneously, exporters must navigate a surge in Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures. In late August 2026, the Vietnam SPS Office reported 36 new notifications from WTO members regarding food safety and quarantine. Key markets including the United States, Japan, and Canada are implementing stricter regulations on pesticide residues, veterinary drugs, additives, and labeling requirements, necessitating proactive compliance from Vietnamese producers.