In May 2025, Vietnam’s fertilizer import market experienced significant growth, reflecting the country’s ongoing demand for agricultural supplies. According to data from Vietnam Customs, the total value of fertilizer imports in May was US$173.9 million, which is a 9.64% increase from April’s value of US$158.61 million. This surge propelled the year-to-date import value to $749.49 million, underscoring Vietnam’s reliance on external supplies to support its thriving agricultural sector.
China Solidifies Leadership, While Markets Witness Shifting Dynamics
China further entrenched its dominance as Vietnam’s top fertilizer supplier in May. Chinese exports to Vietnam surged by 31.10% month-over-month (MoM) to $64.08 million, accounting for 34.28% of the YTD import total of $256.89 million. This growth is attributed to several key factors:
- Geographic Proximity: Shared borders and efficient transport networks reduce logistics costs compared to distant suppliers.
- Diverse Product Range: Chinese manufacturers offer a wide array of fertilizers, including nitrogen-based and specialized compound formulas that cater to diverse crop needs.
- Competitive Pricing: With an average price of $250.40 per ton, Chinese fertilizers are a cost-effective solution for Vietnamese farmers.
- Established Trade Networks: Long-standing relationships and well-developed distribution channels ensure a consistent supply.
Notably, China’s share has steadily increased, building on its import volume and value shares of 41.8% and 32.9%, respectively, in the first four months of 2025. Traditional suppliers like Russia and Laos experienced modest declines, with imports from Russia falling by 7.26% MoM to US$41.32 million and imports from Laos falling by 6.15% MoM to US$13.54 million. Meanwhile, emerging markets recorded remarkable growth. Canada, the Philippines, and Taiwan (China) saw extraordinary triple-digit growth, with Canada’s imports surging by 16,104.4% month over month (MoM) to $11.09 million. These shifts indicate evolving import patterns driven by supply chain adaptations or geopolitical considerations.
Vietnam Fertilizer imports data (2025)-million usd
| Country/Region | May | April | MoM Change | YTD | YTD % |
| China | 64.08 | 48.88 | 31.10% | 256.89 | 34.28% |
| Russia | 41.32 | 44.55 | -7.26% | 169.29 | 22.59% |
| Laos | 13.54 | 14.43 | -6.15% | 54.42 | 7.26% |
| Canada | 11.09 | 0.07 | 16104.40% | 20.77 | 2.77% |
| South Korea | 4.8 | 14.77 | -67.51% | 37.4 | 4.99% |
| Philippines | 4.07 | 0.18 | 2161.40% | 4.26 | 0.57% |
| Belgium | 3.96 | 3.64 | 8.94% | 16.04 | 2.14% |
| Norway | 3.47 | 2.13 | 63.23% | 18.95 | 2.53% |
| Taiwan (China) | 3.37 | 1.36 | 147.86% | 11.41 | 1.52% |
| Japan | 3.12 | 3.39 | -7.81% | 13.53 | 1.81% |
| Malaysia | 3.09 | 5.41 | -42.85% | 22.03 | 2.94% |
| Indonesia | 2.73 | 6.59 | -58.54% | 12.3 | 1.64% |
| Germany | 1.7 | 1.35 | 25.66% | 6.2 | 0.83% |
| United States | 0.6 | 1.03 | -41.81% | 3.63 | 0.48% |
| Israel | 0.59 | 0.53 | 11.20% | 19.95 | 2.66% |
| India | 0.35 | 0.31 | 15.53% | 1.28 | 0.17% |
| Thailand | 0.29 | 0.26 | 10.83% | 1.49 | 0.20% |
| Belarus | 0 | 0 | 0.00% | 8.49 | 1.13% |
| Others | 11.73 | 9.75 | 20.34% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total | 173.9 | 158.61 | 9.64% | 749.49 | 100.00% |
In-Depth Analysis: Agricultural Sector’s Reliance on Fertilizers
Vietnam’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of both domestic food security and export earnings and drives the overwhelming demand for fertilizers. As the world’s third-largest rice exporter, Vietnam cultivates over 700,000 hectares of rice fields, primarily in the fertile Mekong Delta. Rice production alone consumes substantial volumes of fertilizer, with farmers relying on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) blends to optimize yields. Beyond rice, Vietnam’s agricultural landscape includes the cultivation of other cash crops, such as coffee (the world’s second-largest exporter), rubber, fruits, vegetables, and corn. These crops require specialized fertilizers tailored to soil conditions and growth cycles.
Key Drivers of Demand:
- Intensive Cultivation Practices: Both smallholder farmers and large plantations adopt these methods to meet global market demands. High-yield cultivation requires regular fertilizer applications to replenish depleted soil nutrients.
- Climate Vulnerability: Vietnam’s agriculture is vulnerable to climate-related challenges, such as droughts, floods, and saltwater intrusion in coastal regions. Fertilizers play a critical role in mitigating soil degradation and boosting resilience.
- Export-Oriented Production: As a major global supplier of rice, coffee, and rubber, maintaining high production volumes requires stable access to quality fertilizers. Disruptions in supply could directly impact export competitiveness.
- Government Support: Vietnam’s agricultural policies prioritize productivity and food security. These policies often encourage fertilizer use through subsidies or import incentives to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods.
Price Stability and Cost Management
Despite market volatility, Vietnam’s fertilizer import prices remained relatively stable. From January to April of 2025, the average price was US$318.8 per ton, marking a slight 0.3% year-over-year increase. This stability has been crucial for Vietnamese farmers, enabling them to manage costs while securing supplies for critical crops. Price sensitivity is particularly acute among smallholders who rely on affordable inputs to remain profitable in commodity markets.
Volatility in Global Trade Flows
The market also witnessed significant contractions from key suppliers. South Korea’s exports plummeted 67.51% month over month (MoM) to $4.8 million, while Indonesia’s exports fell 58.54% to $2.73 million, and Malaysia’s exports dropped 42.85% to $3.09 million. These fluctuations underscore the fragility of the global fertilizer trade and are potentially influenced by domestic production constraints, export policies, or shifting buyer preferences. Vietnam’s overreliance on a single supplier leaves it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, underscoring the need for diversification strategies.
Implications and Outlook
While Vietnam’s growing reliance on China as a fertilizer supplier aligns with broader regional trade dynamics, it also raises concerns about the risks of supply concentration. Meanwhile, the rapid expansion of Canadian, Philippine, and Taiwanese exports suggests opportunities for diversification. As global markets navigate geopolitical shifts and supply chain disruptions, Vietnam must balance cost-effectiveness, supply resilience, and product diversity to achieve its agricultural goals.
Looking ahead, policymakers and farmers should consider adopting sustainable fertilizer practices, such as precision agriculture and organic alternatives, to reduce long-term dependency and mitigate environmental impacts. Additionally, strengthening domestic production or exploring regional collaborations could enhance supply security.
In conclusion, May 2025 was a pivotal month for Vietnam’s fertilizer imports, marked by China’s growing dominance, major market changes, and steady demand from the agricultural sector. As Vietnam continues to prioritize food security and export growth, it is essential to monitor supply chain diversification, adopt sustainable practices, and manage input costs for long-term sustainability.
Sources: Vietnam Customs, Ministry of Agriculture Reports, and Global Fertilizer Trade Analytics.
