USDA to send TRUMP mission to Vietnam this week to boost American farm exports

The delegation will be led by Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg and will represent a cross section of U.S. agriculture positioned to benefit from expanded access to one of Asia’s fastest growing markets, the USDA said in a statement on Monday.

The group includes representatives from U.S. food and agricultural organizations, including the California Fresh Fruit Association, the Washington Apple Commission, the California Prune Board, the U.S. Poultry and Egg Export Council, and the U.S. Dairy Export Council.

Lindberg said American farmers, ranchers, and producers perform best when they have strong and reliable markets for their products.

“By strengthening our trade relationship with Vietnam, we’re opening doors for U.S. agriculture, ensuring they have a fair chance to compete and succeed, and that they can bring the benefits of that success to communities here at home,” he said.

Vietnam has become a major destination for U.S. agricultural exports, with shipments of American agricultural, fishery and forestry products to the country rising 45 percent to a record US$5.6 billion in 2025, according to the USDA.

The Southeast Asian nation is now the United States’ eighth-largest export market, while the United States is Vietnam’s second-largest trading partner and its largest export destination.

Washington state officials noted that Vietnam has become one of the key export markets for Washington apples, with shipments to the country rising steadily, making it one of the state’s top five markets for the product in the 2024–25 season.

During the visit, the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service will organize industry tours, host business meetings, and work with Vietnamese officials to advance U.S. trade priorities and support American producers.

The USDA said it plans to return later this year with a larger agribusiness trade mission to further expand opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural exports.