Vietnam's Trade Balance Remains Surplus Despite Complex Smuggling Situations

Strategic Insights -

Vietnam's total import and export value in the first 7 months of 2025 continued to show a surplus, albeit lower than in 2024. The Customs Department reported a total value of import and export of goods nationwide in July 2025 reaching US$82.29 billion, up 8% compared to the previous month. Export turnover reached US$42.29 billion (up 7%), while imported goods totaled US$40 billion (up 9.1%). The trade balance in the month continued to show a surplus of US$2.29 billion, a 20% decrease from the surplus of US$2.86 billion in June 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vietnam's total import and export value in the first 7 months of 2025 reached US$514.72 billion, up 16.3% over the same period in 2024.
  • Exports totaled US$262.46 billion (up 14.8%), while imports reached US$252.26 billion (up 17.9%).
  • The trade balance of goods is still in surplus at US$10.20 billion, but this is a 30.3% decrease from the surplus of US$14.64 billion in the same period last year.
  • The state budget revenue from import-export activities reached VND 38,121 billion, down slightly 2.7% compared to June, but 55.6% of the striving target.
  • The situation of smuggling and illegal transportation of goods across the border, especially through the sea and road routes, remained complicated in July.
  • Intellectual property infringement continued to be a problem in many localities, with smuggling through e-commerce tending to increase sharply.
  • The Customs Department directly prosecuted 10 cases and transferred 68 cases for further handling.
  • The Customs force also seized about 2.1 tons of drugs in the first 7 months of 2025, including 401.7 grams of opium, 155 kg of marijuana, 35 kg of heroin, and 1,500 kg of ketamine.

Statistics:

  • Total import and export value in the first 7 months of 2025: US$514.72 billion
  • Exports: US$262.46 billion (up 14.8%)
  • Imports: US$252.26 billion (up 17.9%)
  • Trade balance: US$10.20 billion (down 30.3% from same period last year)
  • State budget revenue from import-export activities (July 2025): VND 38,121 billion
  • Rate of state budget revenue: 55.6% of striving target
  • Number of cases of smuggling and illegal transportation of goods in July: 1,790
  • Number of cases of intellectual property infringement: unknown
  • Amount of goods seized in 7 months: VND 15,095 billion
  • Number of cases of drug-related activities: 125
  • Amount of drugs seized: 2.1 tons

Sources:

  • "Vietnam's trade balance remains surplus despite complex smuggling situations" by Al Bawaba (Albawaba.com) - (2022)
  • Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.