Germany is currently Vietnam’s second-largest trading partner in the EU, after the Netherlands. Growth in Vietnamese exports to Germany has been primarily driven by agricultural, seafood, and electronic products. In the face of global trade uncertainty, the German market expansion is seen as a way for Vietnamese firms to enhance their resilience.

According to Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Vu Quang Minh, the two countries, as trusted strategic partners, should step up broader cooperation, especially in trade and economic sectors. He highlighted agriculture, fisheries, and the environment as key areas with strong potential.

Given the complementary nature of the two economies, Ambassador Minh called for deeper policy coordination to boost two-way trade and create more room for each country’s products in the other’s market.

“Germany, with its large and high-standard consumer base, is clearly positioned to become Vietnam’s top strategic alternative export market,” he said, adding that the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) also offers both sides considerable tariff advantages.

Dr. Per Brodersen, Director of the German Agribusiness Alliance, said Vietnam is entering a new phase with significant growth potential in terms of production and export value. He saw ample opportunities for co-operation in agricultural and seafood exports, stressing the need for both sides to share information on consumer preferences, import requirements, and market access strategies.

To bolster two-way trade, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Thanh Nam proposed that German industry associations hold regular networking events with Vietnamese businesses. In return, Vietnamese exporters would increase their participation in trade fairs, exhibitions, and market surveys to better understand German demand.

He also suggested that craft associations in both countries establish supply chain linkages to reduce logistics costs and maintain product quality from farm to shelf. Stronger joint ventures in production and processing will help Vietnamese goods meet import standards and enter German distribution channels, including supermarkets and the overseas Vietnamese business community.

Vietnam’s Trade Counselor in Germany, Dang Thi Thanh Phuong, emphasized that export goods must comply with new EU technical standards, particularly for wood, garments and textiles, and footwear. These include food safety, chemical restrictions, CE labeling, and corporate social responsibility. She also noted that rules of origin under the EVFTA remain a challenge. In cases of doubt, German customs may require importers to post a duty guarantee, which is refunded once the origin documents are verified.

According to Vietnamese customs data, bilateral trade between Vietnam and Germany reached US$11.7 billion in 2024, with Vietnam’s exports totaling US$7.43 billion. Germany is Vietnam’s top trading partner in ASEAN, with agricultural products accounting for over 12% of exports to this market. However, organic products still make up only a modest share.

Vietnam explores agricultural partnership in Germany

A delegation from Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), led by Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam, paid a five-day working visit to Germany from May 14–18 to explore cooperation opportunities in the agricultural sector.

Vietnam is Germany’s reliable partner amid complicated global economic situation

In the context of the complicated global political and economic situation, German businesses affirm that Vietnam is a top reliable partner, according to an event recently organised by the German Association for Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (BVMW).