Data from the Agricultural Product Processing and Market Development Bureau under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam shows that many agricultural export products have encountered difficulties after the imposition by the Chinese government of stricter controls, as reported by Yuetong News Agency on June 19.
The export volume of Vietnamese cassava and cassava-based products during the first five months of this year were recorded at 1 million tons and both volumes and value have decreased year-on-year. China is the largest export market for Vietnam’s cassava, accounting for 89% of its total exports. In addition, the export values of agricultural products such as watermelons, bananas, and lychees are also struggling.
According to the report, since the beginning of May this year, Chinese Customs have introduced new regulations on Vietnamese agricultural products imported from China, to avoid the frequent frauds in export certificates and product lists and violations of health and safety and quality standards.
For many years, China has been one of Vietnam's major export markets for its agricultural products, accounting for 40-70% of its total exports. For example, exports of vegetables and fruits to China account for 70% of the country’s total exports of this category, and 22% for rice. However, 60-70% of Vietnam’s agricultural products are mainly exported to China through border trade, which brings risks and a lack of sustainability.
Source: Observers Net