Vietnam Sets a Record: Economic Growth Defies Global Trends

Vietnam Sets New Records in Exports and Imports

According to data released by the General Statistics Office (Ministry of Finance) in early December, the total trade turnover for the first 11 months of 2025 reached $839.75 billion, a 17.2% increase compared to the same period last year. Exports rose by 16.1%, while imports grew by 18.4%. This figure officially surpasses the previous record of $786.29 billion set in 2024.

During the first 11 months of 2025, the total export turnover reached $430.14 billion, a 16.1% increase year-on-year.

In this period, 36 products achieved export turnovers exceeding $1 billion, accounting for 94.1% of the total export turnover. Among these, 8 products surpassed $10 billion, contributing to 70.3% of the total.

The Import-Export Department forecasts that, barring significant fluctuations, Vietnam’s total trade turnover for the year could reach approximately $900 billion. This would place Vietnam among the top 15 countries with the largest trade volumes globally.

Vietnam’s Growth Contrasts Global Trends

Earlier this month, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) revised its 2025 growth forecast for the Asia-Pacific region upward, with Vietnam receiving the largest adjustment in the region, from 6.7% to 7.4%, according to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) report.

ADB raised its growth forecasts for member economies amid stronger-than-expected exports and reduced trade uncertainties following the signing of several trade agreements with the U.S.

The report highlights that stable exports, particularly in semiconductors and other tech products, declining inflation, and stable financial conditions have bolstered the region’s growth prospects.

“The robust economic foundation of the Asia-Pacific region is supporting strong export performance and stable growth, despite the unprecedented uncertainties in the global trade environment over the past year,” said ADB Chief Economist Albert Park.

This positive forecast aligns with previous predictions from various organizations. In its latest report on global economic prospects released in early December, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) raised Vietnam’s GDP growth forecast to 6.2% for 2026 and 5.8% for 2027. The OECD also ranks Vietnam among the fastest-growing economies in Asia.

Notably, while the global economy is experiencing a widespread slowdown, Vietnam’s growth trajectory is moving in the opposite direction.

Specifically, global growth in 2025 is projected at only 2.6%, down from 2.9% in 2024, with 2026 also expected to remain at 2.6%.

This positive trend indicates that Vietnam’s economy continues to maintain a strong macroeconomic foundation, even amidst significant uncertainties in international trade.

The primary drivers of this growth remain final consumption, fixed asset accumulation, and exports of goods and services.