However, to achieve the export growth target of 12 - 14% in 2025, Vietnam needs to prioritize restructuring its export strategy in a proactive, sustainable and rapidly adaptive direction.
Export turnover in the first 6 months of the year reached 219.8 billion USD
Exports are the main growth driver of the Vietnamese economy with high growth rate. Accordingly, in the first 6 months of 2025, export turnover reached 219.8 billion USD, up 14.4% over the same period last year. The trade surplus continues to remain at 7.63 billion USD, contributing to stabilizing the temporary balance, exchange rate and supporting inflation control.
In the first 6 months of the year, there were 28 items with a turnover of over 1 billion USD, accounting for 91.7% of total export turnover. Export turnover of some processed and assembled items increased quite well compared to the same period last year such as: Computer electronics and components increased by 40%; textiles increased by 12.3%; machinery, equipment and spare parts increased by 15.4%.
The foreign investment sector plays a big role in export turnover, large corporations increase operations, and boost exports. Vietnam continues to benefit from free trade agreements (EVFTA, CPTPP, RCEP, etc.). The Government, ministries, branches and enterprises have stepped up market expansion, technical negotiations, promoted logistics, electronic customs, and improved export procedures, contributing to export growth in recent times. Good export growth is a positive signal to help stabilize the macro economy and maintain recovery momentum.
According to Mr. Tran Thanh Hai - Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade) - positive export results are achieved thanks to the proactiveness and flexibility of the business community in effectively taking advantage of Free Trade Agreements and constantly improving product quality and competitiveness. Vietnam's export market is increasingly expanded and diversified, thereby reducing dependence on some traditional markets.
Implementing the Government's direction, Vietnam sets an export growth target of 12 - 14% in 2025. This means that monthly export turnover must increase by at least 4 billion USD compared to 2024, posing many challenges for businesses" - Mr. Tran Thanh Hai said.
Restructuring export strategies towards sustainability and rapid adaptation
With positive export turnover in the first 6 months of 2025, it has proven the key role of exports in the economy. However, to maintain growth momentum and overcome difficulties in the context of unpredictable tariffs, Ms. Nguyen Thu Oanh - Head of the Services and Price Department of the Statistics Office (Ministry of Finance) - said that Vietnam needs to prioritize strategic restructuring in the direction of proactiveness, sustainability and rapid adaptation.
We need to ensure transparency in the supply chain and control the origin. Promote selective trade promotion activities for imported raw materials, components, equipment, and technology for production to support domestic enterprises in improving production capacity and increasing product value for export. At the same time, aim to increase the localization rate and develop supporting industries, encourage domestic enterprises to participate in the value chain of large FDI enterprises - Ms. Nguyen Thu Oanh said.
Adding further recommendations, Ms. Nguyen Thu Oanh said that Vietnam needs to continue to diversify export markets, looking for new export markets. Exploit effectively, take advantage of FTAs to increase exports. Boost exports to India, the Middle East, South Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa... Encourage businesses to spread supply chains; expand e-commerce across borders.
Enhancing bilateral dialogue and negotiations with the United States, the EU, China, etc. Strengthening trade defense and corporate legal capacity. Guiding businesses to work with international lawyers, preparing commercial defense records. Building a database to warn potential risks in the early morning" - Ms. Nguyen Thu Oanh emphasized.
