Vietnam Expands Trade Opportunities with Australia and New Zealand

In April 2026, Vietnam celebrated a significant milestone with the first shipment of pomelo to Australia, marking a notable achievement for the country's agricultural sector. This event underscores the high production standards and quality of Vietnamese fruits, as Australia is known for having one of the most stringent import regulations globally. Phan Quốc Nam, Director of Blue Ocean Import-Export Company, noted that the initial shipment was well-received upon arrival in Sydney, with Australian consumers expressing high satisfaction with the product.

The second shipment of pomelo reached Australia on August 7, coinciding with a visit from high-ranking Vietnamese officials, which further highlights the growing trade relationship. Nam expressed optimism that this visit would open up more opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products, stating that there would be many more opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products and trade cooperation. Currently, Vietnam exports various fruits and vegetables to Australia, including coconuts and dragon fruit.

“We expect that after this visit, there will be many more opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products and trade cooperation.”Phan Quốc Nam, Director, Blue Ocean Import-Export Company

Conversely, Australia is a significant supplier of fruits and vegetables to Vietnam, ranking third after China and the United States. Vietnam imported a substantial amount of fruits from Australia in the past six months, a significant increase compared to the same period in 2025, resulting in a trade deficit in this sector alone. Notably, Australian beef and other agricultural products are increasingly popular among Vietnamese consumers, with demand rising annually.

According to Đặng Phúc Nguyên, Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (VINAFRUIT), the product structures of Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand complement each other. While Vietnam excels in tropical fruits such as mangoes and lychees, Australia and New Zealand are known for their temperate fruits like cherries and kiwis. This complementary nature facilitates collaboration rather than direct competition.

Despite the absence of bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) between Vietnam and Australia, both countries are linked through several multilateral agreements, including the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). These agreements offer a favorable framework for bilateral trade, allowing Vietnamese businesses to gain a competitive edge.

“Australia has strengths in high-tech agriculture and green energy, while Vietnam excels in light industrial products like textiles and footwear.”GS-TS Võ Xuân Vinh, Institute for Business Research

Experts, including GS-TS Võ Xuân Vinh from the Institute for Business Research at Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics, believe there is substantial room for growth in trade relations between Vietnam and both Australia and New Zealand. He emphasized the importance of not only increasing trade volume but also enhancing the quality of cooperation and deeper involvement in supply chains. Vinh noted that Australia has strengths in high-tech agriculture and green energy, while Vietnam excels in light industrial products like textiles and footwear, creating opportunities for mutual benefit in trade.

As Vietnam continues to explore these markets, the government is urged to enhance value-added processes in its exports and learn from Australia and New Zealand regarding sustainable agricultural practices and quality standards. The potential for increased trade is evident, especially as Vietnamese companies like Thành Thành Công - Biên Hòa and TH TrueMilk have already established successful operations in Australia, paving the way for further investment and collaboration.