USDA launches largest-ever trade mission to Vietnam

YuliyaKirayonakBO / Depositphotos.com USDA sent its largest-ever agricultural trade mission to Vietnam, looking to build on a market that purchased nearly $5.6 billion in U.S. agricultural and related products last year. Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden will lead the mission this week to Ho Chi Minh City. The delegation includes 43 U.S. businesses, 37 agricultural trade and industry groups, and representatives from California, Kansas, and Wisconsin. Vietnam was the seventh-largest export market for U.S. agricultural products in 2025. Exports increased 38 percent from 2024, according to USDA. Strong demand for U.S. cotton, soybeans, and feed ingredients is supporting Vietnam’s manufacturing and livestock sectors. USDA also sees opportunities for American fruit, dairy, and meat, along with corn and ethanol as Vietnam expands its biofuels market and ethanol blending requirements. Participants will meet with Vietnamese buyers, importers and distributors through business meetings, market briefings and site visits. NAFB news service