U.S. Trade Hits $900 Billion Milestone

On December 25th, the Customs Department of the Ministry of Finance hosted a ceremony to mark Vietnam’s total import-export turnover reaching a milestone of $900 billion, signaling a robust year of international trade growth.

A Decade of Trade Surplus

According to the Customs Department, the total trade turnover is projected to hit $900 billion between December 22nd and 26th. For the entire year of 2025, the total trade value is estimated at approximately $920 billion—a 16.9% increase compared to the previous year, equivalent to a $133 billion rise.

Exports are expected to reach $470.59 billion, up 15.9%, while imports are projected at around $449.41 billion, up 18%. The trade balance remains in surplus, marking the 10th consecutive year of Vietnam’s trade surplus. In 2025 alone, the trade surplus is forecasted at $21.2 billion, continuing the trend of surpassing $20 billion annually over the past three years.

Processed industrial goods continue to dominate export structures, with an estimated turnover of $400 billion—a 16.6% increase from the previous year and accounting for over 85% of total exports. Agricultural and aquatic products reached approximately $44.46 billion, up 14.1%, making up nearly 9.5% of total exports.

On the import side, goods primarily serve production and consumption needs. In 2025, 49 out of 53 import categories achieved over $1 billion in turnover; 8 categories exceeded $10 billion, totaling around $281 billion, or 63% of total imports.

Key imported items include computers, phones, components, machinery, textile-footwear raw materials, steel, metals, and a rise in consumer goods, particularly automobiles.

Vietnam currently trades with over 230 countries and territories. Among these, 34 export markets and 24 import markets recorded turnovers exceeding $1 billion.

Notably, China remains Vietnam’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade estimated at $252 billion, up 26.5%. The U.S. follows with approximately $170 billion, a similar increase. Together, China and the U.S. contribute $422 billion, or 46% of Vietnam’s total trade turnover.

The U.S. is Vietnam’s top export market, with a record $151.85 billion. Meanwhile, China is the largest supplier, reaching about $183 billion.

Significant Efforts by Businesses

According to Mr. Nguyễn Văn Thọ, Director of the Customs Department, the sector has implemented synchronized solutions to reform procedures, reduce administrative time and costs, and enhance digital transformation to facilitate import-export activities. “We’ve executed numerous plans and action programs, along with tax, finance, and customs policies, to support businesses, stabilize the macroeconomy, boost exports, and optimize imports, thereby improving the national trade balance,” he stated.

The Customs Department’s leadership also acknowledged the significant contributions of businesses. Many have proactively adapted and maintained operations despite ongoing challenges.

Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyễn Đức Chi praised the customs sector’s efforts in facilitating trade, which played a crucial role in achieving the $900 billion turnover. He noted that this success was accomplished amid global political and economic volatility, particularly high U.S. tariffs severely impacting global supply chains.

Deputy Minister Nguyễn Đức Chi urged the customs sector to continue focusing resources on amending and perfecting legal frameworks, implementing centralized clearance models, and advancing digital customs to streamline administrative procedures and business conditions, further facilitating trade.