Reflecting on the USDA Agricultural Trade Mission to Vietnam

Written by: Gina Tumbarello   |   September 23, 2024

Vietnam

This month, Mallory Gaines, Ivy Torres and I had the privilege of joining the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s agricultural trade mission to Vietnam, where we represented the American Feed Industry Association alongside a diverse group of agribusiness leaders. Led by USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor, this mission provided a unique opportunity to further explore the market and strengthen relationships between U.S. agribusiness and key players in Vietnam. 

The timing of the mission was significant, as it marked the first anniversary of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. With Vietnam ranking as the United States’ 10th largest export market for agricultural and food products, U.S. agricultural exports to Vietnam reached nearly $3.5 billion in 2023, underscoring the strong demand for U.S. agricultural goods. 

During our time in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, we participated in market updates, meetings with other U.S. agricultural stakeholders and site visits, including stops at locations such as ABC Bakery and MM Mega Market. At ABC Bakery, we saw how U.S. ingredients, like cream cheese and blueberries, are being used in local foods, such as mooncakes. At MM Mega Market, we witnessed the inauguration of a two-week promotional campaign featuring U.S. agricultural products. While I was thrilled to see U.S. goods on display, I’m also excited about the potential to see U.S. pet food on these shelves in the near future. 

A key focus of AFIA’s work in Vietnam has been educating the market on the value and benefit of U.S. feed ingredients, particularly feed additives, which play a critical role in animal production. The benefits of feed additives—such as improving animal health, enhancing production efficiency and promoting sustainability—resonate well with Vietnamese stakeholders. Through our ongoing efforts, we aim to demonstrate the advantages of using U.S. feed ingredients in strengthening the country’s animal production systems. 

A major trip highlight came from the sidelines of the trade mission with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the AFIA, Vietnam Feed Association (VFA) and Animal Husbandry Association of Vietnam (AHAV). This agreement sets the stage for greater collaboration that focuses on growth, innovation and sustainability within Vietnam’s feed and animal production industries.  

My hope is that the MOU will reinforce the importance of using high-quality U.S. feed ingredients and will modernize Vietnam’s feed sector while building consumer confidence in the safety and quality of animal products. 

In addition to promoting U.S. feed ingredients, the AFIA is also laying the groundwork for the promotion of U.S. pet food in Vietnam. Our efforts represent a long-term strategy, starting with advocating for nutritious, complete diets for dogs and cats and emphasizing the importance of proper pet nutrition. By building awareness around pet health and nutrition, we aim to increase overall demand for pet food in Vietnam and introduce more U.S. pet food products to the market. 

As part of this effort, the AFIA will be hosting a month-long event this October for Pet Health Month in Ho Chi Minh City. We will be joining forces with the Vietnamese Small Animal Veterinary Association to promote pet health, nutrition and wellness through a series of events, including activities at veterinary clinics, educational sessions at Long Nam University, webinars and a “Super Pet Fest” for pet owners, being held on Oct. 19 at The Youth Cultural House in Ho Chi Minh City. This initiative will allow us to engage with local pet owners, veterinarians and students to advocate for the benefits of proper pet nutrition. 

For AFIA members, the work we are doing in Vietnam is part of a broader effort to support the country’s agricultural and pet food industries while expanding opportunities for U.S. products. The partnerships we have established through the MOU, combined with our upcoming Pet Health Month initiative, are critical steps toward building long-term relationships in this dynamic market. 

As I reflect on the mission, I am optimistic about the future of U.S. feed ingredients and pet food products in Vietnam. I am eager to continue supporting our industry’s efforts to grow in this key market. As we look ahead, I am hopeful that U.S. pet food will soon be a staple on the shelves of stores like MM Mega Market, further showcasing the quality and innovation that define U.S. agriculture. 

Read more about AFIA’s work in Vietnam here>>