Halal market presents export opportunities for Vietnamese goods

The global Halal market, catering to around 2 billion Muslims, offers considerable export prospects for Vietnamese goods, especially in agriculture, food, and seafood. To turn these opportunities into reality, businesses must navigate disparities in standards, consumer preferences, and distribution networks. On September 23, the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency held a trade promotion briefing, focusing on identifying supply capacity, market demand, and coordination mechanisms to expand Halal exports.

Director Vu Ba Phu highlighted that the Halal market is valued at trillions of US dollars and is expanding beyond food into cosmetics, tourism, finance, logistics, and more. Vietnam's strengths lie in agricultural produce, food, seafood, and processed goods. However, enterprises must boost their supply capacity to align with national standards.

The Halal market is estimated to be worth around US$2.6 trillion in 2024, with a projected growth to US$3.56 trillion by 2029. Food alone accounts for about US$1.53 trillion. In Malaysia, home to nearly 35 million Muslims, the market represents a US$50 billion annual trade in Halal food. The UAE, serving as a crucial re-export hub, imports about 80% of its food needs, while Saudi Arabia spends US$18 billion annually on food and agricultural imports.

Yet, Vietnam's Halal product exports to these markets remain modest, at US$180 million in 2025 and US$180 million, respectively. Halal certification is just the first step. Enterprises require detailed information on product demand and market needs from the Trade Office network, as well as assistance in connecting with importers.

Trust is paramount in the Halal market, and businesses must employ tailored strategies to build and safeguard their brand while maintaining quality. Strengthening coordination among enterprises, trade offices, and industry associations is crucial to integrate Vietnamese goods more effectively into the global Halal supply chain.