Vietnam’s fertilizer exports delivered strong growth in the first half of 2026, bringing the sector closer to the USD 1 billion mark. The country exported approximately 1.7 million tonnes of fertilizer, generating USD 933 million in revenue. Compared with the same period in 2025, export volume increased by 52%, while export value rose by 107%.

The results point to a fast-expanding export sector and growing opportunities for Vietnamese fertilizer businesses. Cambodia and South Korea remained major markets, while the Philippines and Malaysia offered additional destinations for exporters seeking to broaden their reach. With USD 933 million already recorded in the first six months, another USD 67 million would bring the total to USD 1 billion. Reaching that level will depend on trade performance in the months ahead.

Vietnam fertilizer exports record strong first-half growth

The first-half figures show substantial gains in both the quantity and value of fertilizer shipped overseas. Vietnam exported around 1.7 million tonnes between January and June 2026, an increase of 52% year on year. The export value reached USD 933 million, up 107% from the same period a year earlier.

The difference between growth in volume and value stands out. Export value rose at a faster rate than exported tonnage. This is a useful signal for businesses to examine their export performance across product categories, destinations and sales values. The figures alone do not explain what drove the difference, but they show that tracking revenue alongside volume can give companies a fuller view of market performance.

For the wider industry, the growth strengthens the position of Vietnamese fertilizer in international trade. It also raises expectations for the second half of 2026, when exporters may build on the momentum and pursue the remaining revenue needed to reach the USD 1 billion milestone.

Cambodia and South Korea remain key markets

Cambodia and South Korea continued to be two of Vietnam’s major fertilizer export markets during the first half of 2026. Their continued importance provides a foundation for exporters as they plan production, sales and shipment schedules.

Maintaining established trading relationships can help businesses respond to regular demand and organize export operations. At the same time, relying heavily on a limited number of markets can expose exporters to changes in buyer demand, competition or trade conditions. A balanced approach can help companies protect existing sales while developing new destinations.

The Philippines and Malaysia are among the promising markets identified alongside Cambodia and South Korea. These destinations give Vietnamese exporters options for expanding their customer base and reducing dependence on a small number of buyers. Developing each market takes preparation: businesses need to understand buyer requirements, confirm product specifications and plan delivery arrangements before committing to larger shipments.

Market diversification can support Vietnam fertilizer exports

Vietnam’s fertilizer export growth creates an opportunity to build a broader international presence. Expanding into additional markets can help companies reach new buyers and distribute sales across more destinations. It can also support steadier business planning when demand varies from one market to another.

Successful diversification requires more than identifying potential buyers. Exporters need to assess whether their product range matches market needs, clarify commercial terms and prepare the required shipment documentation. They should also consider order size, payment arrangements, delivery schedules and the costs involved in serving each destination.

A gradual approach can help businesses learn how a market works before making larger commitments. Companies can evaluate inquiries and trial orders, gather feedback from buyers and use that information to refine their sales strategy. Strong service and reliable deliveries can then help turn initial opportunities into continuing trade relationships.

Efficient export logistics help protect margins

Logistics is another important part of fertilizer export performance. Moving goods from production facilities to ports and onward to overseas customers involves coordination across transport, storage, customs procedures and shipping schedules. Delays or incomplete documentation can disrupt delivery plans and add costs.

Exporters can improve shipment planning by coordinating production timelines with transport bookings and expected vessel departures. Accurate cargo information and complete documentation can help keep shipments moving through the relevant steps. Businesses should also consider how they will manage storage and cargo handling while goods await dispatch.

For companies serving several markets, logistics planning can become more complex. Different buyers may require different delivery timelines, order sizes or documentation. Reviewing these needs in advance can help exporters choose suitable shipping arrangements and communicate realistic delivery expectations.

Optimizing logistics does not mean focusing on speed alone. Businesses also need to balance delivery reliability, cost and the requirements of each order. Strong coordination with logistics partners can help companies manage shipments more effectively as export volumes grow.

Reaching the USD 1 billion mark

With USD 933 million in fertilizer export revenue recorded in the first half of 2026, Vietnam is within USD 67 million of the USD 1 billion level. The first-half result provides a strong starting point, but the final outcome will depend on export activity during the remainder of the year.

Businesses can use the current momentum to review their plans for the second half. This may include strengthening relationships with buyers in established markets, pursuing opportunities in the Philippines and Malaysia, and checking whether product quality and logistics processes can support additional orders.

The sector’s performance also underlines the value of combining market growth with careful execution. Expanding sales can create new opportunities, while reliable products, well-prepared documentation and efficient shipment planning help businesses serve customers consistently.

A positive outlook for Vietnamese fertilizer exporters

Vietnam’s fertilizer exports surged in the first six months of 2026, reaching approximately 1.7 million tonnes and USD 933 million in value. With volume up 52% and export value up 107% year on year, the sector has made a strong start and moved closer to the USD 1 billion mark.

Cambodia and South Korea remain key destinations, while the Philippines and Malaysia present further potential for market expansion. To build on this performance, exporters can focus on diversifying their customer base, maintaining product quality and optimizing export logistics.

The first-half results offer a positive signal for Vietnamese fertilizer businesses. Continued attention to market development and execution will help determine whether the sector can sustain its momentum and reach the USD 1 billion milestone in 2026.

Source: VnEconomy

12/09/2026