Lam Dong Strengthens Processing Capacity, Expands Export Markets to Drive Double-Digit Growth

At the conference on export promotion organized by Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade on June 25, Lam Dong Vice Chairman Le Trong Yen outlined the province's strategy to enhance manufacturing capacity, expand overseas markets and improve participation in global supply chains amid ongoing global economic uncertainty.

Vice Chairman Le Trong Yen said Lam Dong, with a total area of 24,233 square kilometers, is Vietnam's largest province and occupies a strategic position linking the Central Highlands, the South Central Coast and the Southern Key Economic Region.

The province's location provides strong advantages for industrial production, agricultural processing and export-oriented manufacturing.

Manufacturing Remains the Main Growth Engine

Industrial production remained stable during the first six months of 2026, with manufacturing continuing to serve as the province's primary growth driver.

Several key processed products recorded strong output growth compared with the same period last year, including:

• Processed seafood: 12,701 tons, up 24.18%
• Processed vegetables and fruits: 20,722 tons, up 11.56%
• Beverages: 122 million liters, up 14.82%
• Garments: 22.8 million units, up 15.37%
• Sports footwear: 3.6 million pairs, up 22.01%

Exports Reach US$1.63 Billion

Lam Dong's export turnover is estimated at US$1.63 billion during the first half of 2026, equivalent to 45.4% of the province's annual target.

Agricultural, forestry and fishery products remained the largest export category, accounting for approximately 61% of total exports, followed by light industrial products (23%) and processed mineral products (16%).

Coffee continued to lead export earnings at approximately US$427.7 million, followed by:

• Alumina and aluminum hydroxide: US$214.7 million
• Cashew kernels: US$99.8 million
• Fruits and vegetables: US$63.2 million
• Fresh flowers: US$53.3 million

Challenges Remain Despite Strong Performance

Despite positive export growth, provincial officials acknowledged several structural challenges.

Le Trong Yen said fluctuations in global alumina and mineral prices continue to affect export revenues, while export markets remain heavily concentrated in Asia.

He also noted that many local businesses still face limitations in deep-processing capacity and integration into global value chains.

For the seafood sector, compliance with regulations aimed at combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing continues to constrain raw material supplies.

Focus on Value-Added Processing and Market Diversification

Looking ahead, Lam Dong plans to further develop processing industries with greater emphasis on value-added production while helping businesses diversify export destinations and maximize opportunities from free trade agreements.

The province will also continue investing in industrial infrastructure and logistics while accelerating digital transformation across manufacturing and business operations.

Provincial leaders also called on the Vietnamese government and relevant ministries to:

• Continue supporting efforts to address IUU-related challenges;
• Introduce policies that strengthen supporting industries for agricultural and food processing;
• Expand connections with international distribution networks;
• Support product branding initiatives, and
• Create favorable conditions for businesses to participate more deeply in global supply chains.

Vice Chairman Le Trong Yen said that with continued support from the government, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, local authorities and the business community, Lam Dong is committed to implementing comprehensive measures to improve competitiveness, expand exports and contribute to Vietnam's goal of achieving double-digit economic growth.