Vietnam's U.S. Corn Imports Soar as Sustainability Protocol Takes Hold

The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council's Corn Sustainability Assurance Protocol has driven significant growth in U.S. corn exports to Vietnam.

Launched in 2023, the protocol provides international buyers with information about sustainability practices used in U.S. corn production.

It outlines state and federal laws addressing sustainability across 11 impact categories, allowing exporters to attach a Record of Sustainability to each shipment.

This record gives importers detailed traceability information at no additional cost, making it easier for Vietnamese buyers to incorporate sustainability into their products without paying a premium.

As a result, U.S. corn exports to Vietnam increased sharply after the protocol became available.

In the 2024-25 marketing year, imports reached 1.092 million metric tons valued at $256 million, with approximately 97% carrying a Record of Sustainability.