Vietnam's Trade Sector Seeks 12% Export Growth Despite Global Uncertainties

Strategic Insights -

Vietnam's trade sector, driven by the trade ministry and overseas trade offices, aims to secure 12% export growth this year. To achieve this target, the sector must reach a trade turnover of $150 billion in the remaining months of the year, averaging over $37 billion per month. The dual targets of 12% export growth and a trade surplus of $30 billion present significant challenges due to global economic uncertainty and disruptions to international supply chains caused by trade conflicts and geopolitical tensions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vietnam's trade turnover during the eight-month period reached $597.93 billion, up 16.3%, with a trade surplus of $13.99 billion.
  • Industry associations are urging Vietnam's overseas trade offices to design trade promotion plans suited to enterprises' capabilities, prioritize markets with free trade agreements, and expand into potential regions.
  • The Ministry of Industry and Trade will organize two major industrial and consumer trade fairs at the Vietnam Exposition Center to bring international buyers and create opportunities for businesses.
  • Enterprises are facing persistent difficulties, including technical barriers in importing countries and high logistics costs.
  • Industry associations pointed to the need to better leverage the advantages from 17 FTAs to maintain growth.

Statistics:

  • Vietnam's trade turnover reached $597.93 billion in eight months, up 16.3%.
  • The trade surplus was $13.99 billion during the same period.
  • Exports to the US showed nearly 28% growth, while Argentina surged 188.9%, Colombia rose 48%, Mexico 18%, and Canada 15%.
  • Vietnam's exports to the Americas, Europe, and Asia increased, while Africa emerged as a promising market.
  • The wood industry achieved $11.2 billion in exports in the first eight months, up over 7% compared to the same period last year.

Sources:

  • "Vietnam Chemical Industry Corporation" (15 September 2025)
  • "General Statistics Office"
  • "Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien"
  • "Do Ngoc Hung, Vietnam's trade counselor in the US"
  • "Phan Thi Thanh Xuan, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association"
  • "Ngo Sy Hoai, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Vietnam Timber and Forest Products Association"
  • "Ministry of Industry and Trade"