According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), one of Vietnam’s key export strategies for 2025 is to expand into new, high-potential markets — particularly Halal markets in Muslim-majority countries.
With Vietnam’s annual agricultural export capacity exceeding USD 50 billion and a growing network of supply chains and certified producers, the Halal market presents a major opportunity to boost agricultural and economic growth — provided that Vietnamese businesses make systematic and effective investments in certification and market development.
Global Halal Market – A USD 1.7 Trillion Opportunity
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According to the Global Islamic Economy Report, global spending on Halal products and services is projected to reach nearly USD 1.7 trillion by 2025.
Vietnam’s agricultural and seafood sectors already align well with Halal standards across product groups such as seafood, fruits and vegetables, livestock products, coffee, rice, and tea.
Currently, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports to Halal markets total around USD 150 million per year — equivalent to exports to the entire European market — even though Halal consumers outnumber Europeans by nearly fourfold, at about 2 billion people.
Furthermore, approximately 50% of Vietnam’s rice exports to the Middle East and Africa are Halal-certified, while 30–35% of Vietnam’s total food exports to these regions come from Halal-certified agricultural and seafood products.
Halal Certification – The Key to Unlocking Market Access
Despite the vast potential, Halal certification remains a major barrier for many Vietnamese enterprises. While the number of certified companies is increasing, it still falls short of market demand and Vietnam’s production potential.
Halal certification requirements are not standardized across all Muslim countries — creating a complex regulatory landscape.
To qualify, products must strictly avoid prohibited substances, and animal products must comply with humane slaughtering principles as required by Islamic law.
According to the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the most critical step is choosing a credible and internationally recognized Halal certification body.
Only certificates recognized by leading global authorities — such as:
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JAKIM (Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development)
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BPJPH (Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency)
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MoIAT (Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE)
— are valid across most Muslim countries.
Certificates issued by unrecognized local organizations may lead to import rejection or reinspection, resulting in delays and additional costs.
Competition and Strategic Preparation
The Halal market is competitive, dominated by countries that already have strong footholds in food processing, logistics, and certification systems.
To compete effectively, Vietnamese enterprises must:
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Understand consumer behavior and cultural values in Muslim markets;
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Adapt product labeling and packaging to comply with Halal and local language requirements;
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Invest in traceability and digital supply chain systems;
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Promote Halal branding through international exhibitions and trade missions.
Leveraging FTAs to Boost Halal Exports
Vietnam has signed 6 out of 17 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) related to the Halal market. These FTAs — including those with partners in ASEAN, the Middle East, and Africa — provide preferential conditions to expand exports.
The National Notification and Enquiry Point on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Vietnam) recommends that businesses study local religion, language, and consumption habits carefully to build trust and long-term cooperation in the Halal sector.
A Promising Path Forward
By mastering Halal certification and aligning with global Islamic standards, Vietnam can significantly increase its agricultural export value and diversify export markets beyond traditional partners.
As MARD officials emphasize, conquering the Halal market is not only about meeting certification standards — it’s about embracing a strategic shift toward sustainable, inclusive, and culturally adapted global trade.