Total import-export turnover reached nearly 305 billion USD

In the context of global trade fluctuations, Vietnamese goods face many challenges. On the morning of September 9, the Ministry of Industry and Trade held a trade promotion conference with the Vietnamese trade office system abroad to remove difficulties and expand export markets for Vietnamese goods.

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien chaired the conference. The conference was also attended by representatives of the Departments of Industry and Trade, Agriculture and Environment, and Finance of localities; representatives of Departments, Divisions, and units under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, associations, industries, and more than 58 Vietnamese trade offices in markets around the world.

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien chaired the conference. Photo: Can Dung

According to the report of the Trade Promotion Agency at the conference, Vietnam's exports in the first 8 months of 2025 continued to maintain positive growth momentum. Total import-export turnover reached nearly 305 billion USD, up 14.4% over the same period in 2024, an impressive result in the context of global economic uncertainty, trade conflicts and geopolitical fluctuations strongly affecting the international supply chain. Despite the impressive results, exports still face risks from international trade policies.

Sharing information on the textile and garment export situation, Mr. Truong Van Cam, Vice President of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), said that the textile and garment industry achieved an export turnover of about 30.8 billion USD, up 7% over the same period last year. Imports of raw materials reached 16.8 billion USD, up 3.2%, bringing a trade surplus of 14 billion USD.

Key markets all recorded growth: the US increased by 15% (reaching 10.3 billion USD), the EU increased by 15.1%, Japan increased by 10.1%, China increased by 9.3%. In particular, some European markets such as Germany increased by 20.9%, the Netherlands by 12.2%, Spain by 10.4%...

Regarding the export situation of the leather industry, Ms. Phan Thi Thanh Xuan, Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association, assessed that the leather and footwear industry still maintained growth of about 10% in the first 8 months of the year, with the US market increasing by 12%.

Ms. Xuan also pointed out a number of difficulties, including the fact that Indonesia is negotiating a free trade agreement with the EU, which could become a direct competitor if the agreement is signed, reducing the advantage of Vietnamese footwear in the European market.

The Association proposed that the Ministry of Industry and Trade should study and build a model of a centralized raw material supply center for the textile, footwear and wood industries, in order to reduce dependence on imports, increase production autonomy and increase product added value.

Refreshing traditional market approaches

On the wood association side, Mr. Ngo Sy Hoai, Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Timber and Forest Products Association, informed that wood exports in the first 8 months of the year reached 11.2 billion USD, an increase of 7%. It is expected that in 2025, the turnover will reach about 18 billion USD, with the US still being the largest market, accounting for 56% of total exports.

The wood industry is currently present in 164 countries, but 5 key markets (USA, Japan, China, Korea, EU) account for over 90% of turnover. The ability to expand into niche markets is limited due to bulky wood products and high logistics costs. The proposed solution is to “renew the traditional market approach”.

Many businesses have proactively built their own brands and designed exclusive models instead of depending on processing orders. The Middle East, Japan and South Korea markets still have a lot of room if they shift from exporting wood chips and pellets to high-end furniture and living space products.

"The association recommends removing the 25% export tax on imported sawn timber," said Mr. Hoai, explaining: "If temporarily imported for re-export, maintaining this tax rate will not bring benefits." Removing the tax will encourage businesses to increase imports of round timber from the US, process and export to China, creating jobs domestically, strengthening trade relations with the US, contributing to diversifying the supply chain.

Regarding the electronics sector, Ms. Do Thi Thu Huong, representative of the Vietnam Electronics Enterprises Association, said that the electronics industry continues to be the "locomotive" of Vietnam's exports. In the first 8 months of the year, the turnover reached 100 billion USD, accounting for more than 30% of the country's total exports, up 25% over the same period. Exports to the US alone reached 35 billion USD.

To reduce dependence on large markets, Ms. Huong said, the association is promoting market expansion to India, Singapore and Southeast Asian countries. India is considered a potential market, with little competition from China, and can become a "new springboard" for Vietnamese electronics enterprises.

At the conference, the associations agreed on the need to diversify export and import markets to reduce dependence on key markets. Specific solutions include promoting domestic production of raw materials, such as textile fabrics, footwear components, and wood materials. The development of supporting industries needs to be supported through favorable policy mechanisms to attract investment in the production of raw materials and components.

In addition, it is necessary to strengthen market information from the Vietnamese trade office system abroad, helping businesses to promptly grasp new trends and regulations, such as the EU's sustainability laws. Organizing fairs and connecting international trade is also emphasized for businesses to promote products and cooperate in investment.

7 solutions to strengthen the bridging role of industry associations

Identifying the important role of associations and industries as a "bridge" to promote Vietnamese goods, speaking at the conference, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien emphasized that to promote Vietnamese goods to access markets, it is necessary to deploy 7 groups of solutions.

Firstly, industry associations need to develop trade promotion plans that are suitable to the reality and capacity of member businesses, prioritizing markets with effectively exploited FTAs, while orienting expansion to potential regions (such as Eastern Europe, Africa, South Asia) to diversify markets and renew traditional markets.

Second, periodically monitor, analyze and share information on market situations, trade policies, tariffs, and technical standards in key export markets, especially markets with FTAs ​​with Vietnam, to provide timely inputs for enterprises' production and business activities.

Third, improve early warning capacity on policy changes, technical barriers and trade defense measures, helping businesses in the industry proactively adjust strategies and prepare appropriate documents and records to minimize international trade risks.

Fourth, play a good role as a "bridge" to support member enterprises in connecting with trade offices, diplomatic agencies, distribution partners and consumption channels in foreign markets, thereby creating conditions for connecting supply and demand, expanding the goods consumption network; Proactively receive, synthesize and promptly reflect on the problems and difficulties of member enterprises (especially small and medium enterprises and cooperatives) to work with ministries and branches to find solutions and support.

Fifth, actively support businesses in the industry to build brands, design packaging and product models suitable to consumer tastes in each target market, contributing to enhancing the image and competitiveness of Vietnamese goods in the international retail chain.

Sixth, proactively coordinate with media agencies, trade promotion organizations, and Vietnamese trade offices abroad to encourage businesses to actively participate in trade promotion programs within the framework of FTAs, take advantage of tariff incentives, and expand the network of strategic import partners.

Seventh, strengthen the connection between enterprises in the industry with innovative enterprises and research institutes at home and abroad, especially in the fields of production technology, automation, and cross-border e-commerce, contributing to improving productivity, quality, and added value in the supply chain.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien emphasized: To achieve the 12% export growth target assigned by the Government, the last 4 months of the year need to reach at least 150 billion USD (an average of over 37.5 billion USD/month). This is a very heavy task, requiring high determination and synchronous, drastic and effective participation of the entire political system and enterprises, industry associations, especially the Vietnamese trade office system abroad.

Therefore, to promote market development, remove difficulties, and support businesses to boost exports, the Minister of Industry and Trade requested trade offices, ministries, branches, localities, businesses, and industry associations to closely coordinate and focus on effectively implementing the assigned tasks.

According to congthuong.vn

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/kinh-te/da-dang-hoa-thi-truong-huong-toi-muc-tieu-tang-truong-xuat-khau-12-157577.html