Trade balance of goods has a trade surplus of 1.47 billion USD
According to data from the Statistics Office (Ministry of Finance), in February 2025, the total import-export turnover of goods reached 63.77 billion USD. The results increased by 0.7% compared to the previous month and increased by 32.6% compared to the same period last year. In the first two months of 2025, the total import and export turnover of goods reached 127.07 billion USD, up 12.0% over the same period last year, of which exports increased by 8.4%; imports increased by 15.9%. The trade balance of goods had a surplus of 1.47 billion USD.
In early 2025, exports have favorable opportunities to continue to grow thanks to the recovery of the world economy, inflation being controlled, and export markets being expanded according to the tariff reduction roadmap in Free Trade Agreements.
However, there are still many difficulties and challenges such as the increasing trend of household protection in importing countries, fierce competition with goods from exporting countries and the possibility of a trade war in the world, which risks disrupting supply chains and narrowing export markets.
According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong - Director of the Statistics Office (Ministry of Finance), the growth rate of goods export and import turnover in the first two months of 2025 reached 8.4% and 15.9% respectively, only higher than the same period in 2023 in the past 5 years (equivalent to a decrease of 9.9% and a decrease of 16.7%). The trade surplus in the first two months of 2025 reached 1.47 billion USD, much lower than the same period in 2023 (3.48 billion USD) and 2014 (5.13 billion USD).
In terms of usage, the consumer demand of the economy is still lower than the same period in previous years, which is a big challenge to achieve the growth target for the first quarter of this year. In particular, to achieve the growth rate target, total export turnover in 2025 will reach 12%; strive for 14% (Resolution 01/NQ-CP, dated January 8, 2025). Meanwhile, in the first 2 months of 2025, it increased by 8.4% over the same period in 2024. This is a big challenge until the end of 2025, in the context of many fluctuations in the world economy, said Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong.
What is the solution to increase import and export by 12%?
In 2025, the Government has set a domestic economic growth target of over 8 - 10% and aimed for double-digit growth in the next period. In particular, it identified exports as one of the three main growth drivers of the economy, in the "three-horse car". Contributing to the country's successful implementation of the goals set by the Government, in 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Trade sets a target of import-export turnover growth of about 12% compared to 2024.
According to Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, with a 12% increase, each month's exports must increase by an average of 4 billion USD compared to the average monthly increase in 2024.
To successfully achieve this goal, the Ministry of Industry and Trade plans to focus on synchronously and effectively implementing solutions to mobilize competitive advantages and take advantage of opportunities in export markets. Through promoting and supporting businesses and industry associations to effectively exploit traditional markets with great potential. At the same time, proactively research, advise on negotiations, and sign cooperation agreements with new markets. Focus on exploiting and making the most of opportunities from key, strategic markets.
Minister Nguyen Hong Dien added that it is necessary to take advantage of opportunities from free trade agreements to which Vietnam is a member. Promote and enhance the role of Vietnamese foreign trading agencies in grasping information, promptly reflecting developments in the world economy and policies and guidelines of host countries, helping state agencies have timely and effective policy responses, ensuring the highest national and ethnic interests.
Diversify forms of promotion, link trade promotion activities with production and export development of domestic enterprises and e-commerce development, digital transformation. Increase early warning of risks and accompany businesses when commercial defense lawsuits arise.
