Vietnam’s Economy Sets Unexpected Record

Vietnam’s Economy Sets New Record

According to data from the General Department of Customs reported by Tien Phong on November 19, Vietnam’s total import-export turnover reached USD 38.35 billion in the first half of November (1–15/11).

Exports accounted for USD 19.25 billion, with key product groups including: computers, electronic products, and components (USD 4.8 billion); machinery, equipment, tools, and spare parts (USD 2.36 billion); telephones and components (USD 2.16 billion); textiles (USD 1.39 billion); and footwear (over USD 1 billion).

Imports reached USD 19.1 billion, with the top two categories exceeding USD 1 billion: computers, electronic products, and components (USD 6.62 billion); and machinery, equipment, tools, and spare parts (USD 2.59 billion).

From the beginning of the year to November 15, the total import-export turnover surpassed USD 801 billion, the highest level ever recorded. Exports reached USD 410.28 billion, while imports were USD 390.74 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of USD 19.54 billion.

With these results, the target of USD 900 billion in import-export turnover by 2025 appears increasingly achievable. If realized, Vietnam’s trade activities in 2025 alone will surpass both the USD 800 billion and USD 900 billion milestones.

The data highlights a robust recovery in Vietnam’s trade, both in scale and pace. According to the General Department of Customs, export growth is driven by three key factors. The manufacturing and processing industries continue to lead, with electronics, telephones, machinery, and components dominating the export structure and benefiting from global supply chain shifts.

Domestic enterprises are effectively leveraging existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), particularly with Europe, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN. Additionally, increased demand for raw material imports indicates expanding domestic production capacity, further boosting exports in the final months of the year.

Top 15 Countries by Global Trade Volume

Experts believe the USD 900 billion target for 2025 is well-founded, especially since Vietnam has not previously exceeded USD 769 billion.

Sacha Dray, World Bank economist in Vietnam, noted that the early 2025 context differs significantly from today’s, marked by geopolitical uncertainties and concerns over U.S. countervailing duties. However, implemented policies have since fueled a strong export recovery.

He emphasized: “Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. have grown by 23% year-on-year, reaching a historic high of USD 113 billion.”

Dray attributed this success to the government’s timely interventions and support for businesses amidst global uncertainties.

Dr. Le Duy Binh, Director of Economica Vietnam, observed that despite heavy reliance on global markets, Vietnam has achieved impressive trade growth. Amid sluggish recoveries in many economies, Vietnam is poised to reach USD 800–850 billion this year—a new record underscoring international confidence in its goods and production capabilities.

Earlier, at the August 2025 Trade Promotion Conference, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien forecasted, “If this growth momentum is sustained, our annual import-export turnover is expected to hit approximately USD 800 billion (now revised to USD 900 billion)—a first-ever record for Vietnam, solidifying our position among the world’s top 15 trading nations.”