Import-export increases sharply
According to information from the Customs Department, the total import-export value of goods in May 2025 reached 78.64 billion USD, up 5.8% over the previous month. Of which, exports reached 39.6 billion USD (up 5.7%), imports reached 39.04 billion USD (up 5.9%). The trade balance of goods had a surplus of 551 million USD, down 4.5% compared to April.
In the first 5 months of 2025, the total import-export turnover of goods reached 355.79 billion USD, up 15.7% over the same period last year. Of which, exports reached 180.23 billion USD (up 14%), imports reached 175.56 billion USD (up 17.5%). The trade balance of goods had a surplus of 4.67 billion USD, down 46.4% over the same period in 2024.
Regarding state budget revenue, revenue from import-export activities in May reached VND39,780 billion, down 1.4% compared to April (down about VND567 billion). From the beginning of the year to the end of May 2025, the revenue reached VND 182,518 billion, equal to 44.4% of the estimate, up 9.2% (equivalent to an increase of VND 15,349 billion) over the same period.
detecting a series of violations of smuggling and drug transportation
In the fight against smuggling and trade fraud, May 2025 marked an important step forward, focusing on counterfeit goods, infringements on intellectual property rights, food, pharmaceuticals, drug ingredients, etc. The Customs authority has accelerated the investigation and handling of cases related to illegal transportation of goods across the border.
The sea route accounts for 55% of the total cases, with 686/1,247 cases detected, mainly through major ports such as Dinh Vu, Nam Hai Dinh Vu, Tan Vu, Cat Lai, Hiep Phuoc, Cai Mep... The method of violation is often to declare incorrect goods names, codes, origins, customs values.
The airline did not record an increase in illegal transportation of drugs, currency, gold, taking advantage of the development of e-commerce, express delivery and open-air policies. On the route, the transportation of firecrackers and white diameters continues, especially at the border between Vietnam - Laos, Vietnam - China, Vietnam - Cambodia.
In May 2025, the Customs sector detected, arrested and handled 1,247 violations, with an estimated value of goods of VND 963.5 billion. Budget revenue from handling violations reached 37.57 billion VND. There were 4 cases prosecuted, 7 cases transferred to other agencies proposed to be prosecuted (an increase of 75% over the same period).
Accumulated from December 15, 2024 to May 14, 2025, the whole industry detected and handled 6,453 cases, with the value of violating goods being about VND 11,294 billion. Budget revenue reached nearly 384.73 billion VND. Of which, there are 4 prosecutions and 41 cases of transferring prosecution.
Drug prevention and control work continues to be tightened. In May 2025 (from April 15 to May 14), the Customs agency coordinated with the Police and Border Guard to arrest 12 cases, 9 subjects, and seize 119.36 kg of various drugs. Of which, the Customs presided over 5 cases, the Police 5 cases, and the Border Guard 2 cases.
In the first 5 months of the year, the Customs sector coordinated with forces to detect 76 cases/83 subjects related to drugs. The seized evidence included about 1,899kg, including 401.7g of alcohol, 73.4kg of marijuana, 32.2kg of heroin, 1.8kg of cocaine, 1,422kg of ketamine, 263kg of synthetic drugs, nearly 62,000 synthetic drug pills and other types.
