Indonesia and Vietnam, two of Southeast Asia’s agricultural powerhouses, are navigating a complex landscape of export opportunities and challenges as they strive to maintain their positions in the global food market. Recent developments in both countries reveal how infrastructure, international cooperation, and market diversification are shaping the future of their key export sectors, from fishery to rice and local crafts.
In Jakarta, the Indonesian government is taking a hard look at its export ecosystem, particularly in the fisheries sector. On September 10, 2025, Leonardo A. A. Teguh Sambodo, the Deputy for Food, Natural Resources, and Environment at the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), highlighted a persistent problem: Indonesia’s infrastructure for testing raw materials destined for export lags behind that of other nations. “For testing raw materials for export, we may still be left behind compared to other countries, so only a few laboratories conduct the testing,” Teguh told reporters at Hotel Le Meridien, as reported by Tempo.
Teguh emphasized that adopting advanced technology, equipping existing laboratories with modern tools, and building new facilities are essential steps toward improving the export ecosystem for fishery products. The challenge isn’t just about equipment, though. Competency among human resources is just as critical. “The human resources testing raw materials before export must truly be competent in the field,” Teguh added, underscoring the need for skilled professionals to ensure quality and compliance with international standards.
This focus on quality assurance and infrastructure is more than a bureaucratic box-ticking exercise. Aquatic food is a cornerstone of Indonesia’s so-called blue economy, which Bappenas projects could be worth between US$7.4 trillion and US$9.8 trillion by 2045. Currently, aquatic food contributes around 15% of Indonesia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a testament to its economic significance. The fisheries sector alone contributed approximately US$32.11 billion, or 2.6% of GDP, in 2022, according to the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. With over 20 million tons of fish produced annually, Indonesia was the world’s second-largest fish producer in 2022, supporting more than 3.7 million households whose livelihoods depend on this vibrant sector.
But the drive to improve export competitiveness isn’t limited to national-level initiatives. In Blitar, East Java, local leaders are actively pursuing international markets for their region’s flagship products. On the same day as Teguh’s remarks in Jakarta, Blitar’s Mayor, Syauqul Muhibbin, met with representatives from the US Consulate at his official residence. According to Idpost.id, the meeting aimed to open up export opportunities for Blitar’s agricultural products, processed foods, and crafts in the United States. This strategic move signals a growing recognition among regional leaders that global markets offer new avenues for growth, provided that local products can meet stringent international standards.
Mayor Syauqul’s initiative is emblematic of a broader push across Indonesia to “go international.” By leveraging local strengths and forging new trade relationships, regions like Blitar hope to diversify their economies and reduce their reliance on domestic demand. The potential rewards are significant, but so are the challenges—especially when it comes to ensuring that exports meet the quality expectations of discerning markets like the US.
Meanwhile, Vietnam’s rice sector is grappling with its own set of export challenges and opportunities, highlighting the volatility and interconnectedness of global food trade. On September 10, 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Trade convened a meeting to address the repercussions of the Philippines’ abrupt two-month suspension of rice imports—a market that accounts for about 38-40% of Vietnam’s total rice exports. The sudden halt left approximately 500,000 tons of rice in limbo, causing significant headaches for exporters, according to Tuoi Tre.
Mr. Dien, a senior official at the ministry, described the situation as a wake-up call: “This is also an opportunity for us to learn an important lesson: we must diversify markets, avoid dependence on a few partners, and not put all our eggs in one basket. Only when the market is expanded and balanced can we minimize risks and respond effectively to fluctuations.”
Despite these disruptions, Vietnam’s rice export numbers remain robust. In the first eight months of 2025, the country exported nearly 6.37 million tons of rice valued at over US$3.26 billion—a 3.7% increase in volume, but a 15.4% decrease in revenue compared to the same period in 2024, when exports hit record highs. The Philippines remains Vietnam’s largest rice importer, taking in nearly 2.9 million tons (45.9% of total exports), followed by Ivory Coast, Ghana, and China. Notably, exports to Indonesia plummeted by almost 97.2%, reaching just 25,400 tons in the first eight months, after the Indonesian government announced a halt to rice imports in 2025. Exports to Malaysia also dropped by 45% compared to last year.
In response to these shifting dynamics, Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has taken decisive action. Thirteen export business licenses were revoked due to non-compliance, and efforts to promote trade, expand markets, and improve legal frameworks are underway. The Ministry is also focusing on better forecasting supply and demand, strengthening inspections, and negotiating new contracts to diversify export markets and reduce dependence on any single partner. The expectation is that total rice exports will reach 15.085 million tons by the end of 2025.
These developments in both Indonesia and Vietnam underscore the importance of adaptability and forward planning in today’s globalized food markets. For Indonesia, the path forward involves modernizing infrastructure, investing in human capital, and supporting regional initiatives that connect local producers with international buyers. For Vietnam, the lesson is clear: market diversification is essential to cushion the impact of sudden policy changes and shifting demand from key trading partners.
As both countries continue to refine their export strategies, the stakes are high—not just for government officials and business leaders, but for millions of families whose livelihoods depend on the smooth functioning of these vital sectors. The coming years will test the resilience and ingenuity of Southeast Asia’s agricultural giants as they seek to thrive in an increasingly unpredictable world.
