Import and export accelerate, towards the milestone of 900 billion USD

Increasing by more than 17% in the first 9 months of 2025, import and export continued to affirm its role as the "locomotive" of Vietnam's economic growth, marking the strongest recovery in the past three years.

Although there are still many challenges ahead, a series of solutions are being implemented synchronously, creating new momentum for Vietnamese trade to accelerate and conquer the 900 billion USD milestone in 2025.

In the first 9 months of 2025, seafood exports reached 8.33 billion USD, an increase of 15.5% over the same period last year. In the photo: Processing seafood for export at Cafatex Seafood Joint Stock Company ( Can Tho city). Photo: Tran Quoc c

Highest growth in 3 years

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in September 2025, seafood export turnover reached nearly 991 million USD, up 7.5% over the same period last year. In the first 9 months, seafood exports reached 8.33 billion USD, up 15.5%, showing that the industry is recovering strongly after a period of fluctuations and affirming the ability of businesses to quickly adapt to global trade barriers.

The growth of aquaculture contributes significantly to the bright picture of Vietnam's agricultural exports. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade , the agricultural product group in the first 9 months of 2025 reached a turnover of 33.2 billion USD, an increase of 15.2%, accounting for 9.5% of the country's total export turnover.

Bui Huy Son, Director of the Department of Planning, Finance and Enterprise Management (Ministry of Industry and Trade), said that the total import-export turnover in the first 9 months of 2025 reached 680.6 billion USD, an increase of 17.3% over the same period, "marking the highest growth rate in the past 3 years".

In the third quarter of 2025 alone, goods exports reached 128.57 billion USD, up 18.4% over the same period in 2024 and up 9.6% over the second quarter. In the first 9 months of the year, total export turnover reached 348.74 billion USD, up 16%, far exceeding the 12% growth target set for the whole year. Of which, 32 items reached a turnover of over 1 billion USD, accounting for 93.1% of total exports; 7 items reached over 10 billion USD, accounting for nearly 68% of total value.

The processed industrial products group continues to be the main driving force, with a turnover of 297.2 billion USD, up 16.7%, accounting for 85.2% of total exports. Products such as phones, computers, components, textiles, and footwear continue to maintain their leading position, demonstrating the competitiveness and flexible adaptability of Vietnam's processing industry.

In terms of markets, the United States continues to be the largest export partner, reaching 112.8 billion USD (up 27.7%), followed by China (49.6 billion USD, up 11.3%), the European Union - EU (41.7 billion USD, up 9.3%), Southeast Asian countries - ASEAN (28.5 billion USD, up 2.9%) and Japan (19.7 billion USD, up 9%). Mr. Bui Huy Son emphasized: "Major markets all maintained positive growth momentum, reflecting the increasingly solid position of Vietnamese goods on the global trade map."

Experts say that the impressive import-export results are thanks to the Government 's drastic intervention, in coordination with ministries, branches and localities, in addition to the efforts of enterprises to restructure the market. Many enterprises have flexibly shifted to Asia and Africa; at the same time, consolidating their position in traditional markets.

With this result, Vietnam's trade balance continues to have a trade surplus of 16.8 billion USD, contributing to stabilizing the macro economy and increasing national foreign exchange reserves, affirming the strong resilience of Vietnam's import and export in 2025.

Many strong solutions to promote import and export

Producing garments for export at Son Ha Garment Joint Stock Company (Son Tay ward). Photo: Nguyen Quang

According to Mr. Nguyen Anh Son, Director of the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), the picture of import and export in the first 9 months of 2025 shows that Vietnam's economy is recovering in the right direction, with the expectation that the total turnover for the year will reach the 900 billion USD mark, with a trade surplus of 20 billion USD, the highest level ever.

Based on the current positive results, VASEP optimistically forecasts that seafood exports in 2025 could reach 10 billion USD or higher, corresponding to an increase of 10-12%. However, according to VASEP Deputy Secretary General Le Hang, the industry is still under fierce competitive pressure from India, Thailand, Indonesia, Ecuador, especially in shrimp and pangasius - key products.

Ms. Le Hang recommended that the Ministry of Industry and Trade maintain monthly meetings with the trade counselor system to promptly update information on tariffs, technical regulations, and political context, helping businesses proactively exploit niche markets, especially in the context of global market fluctuations.

Experts say that to maintain growth momentum and reach the 900 billion USD import-export milestone, businesses need to closely follow market fluctuations, restructure exports, maintain traditional markets and expand to ASEAN, the Middle East, and potential niche markets. At the same time, diversify products, increase added value, and meet green and sustainable consumption trends.

According to Mr. Nguyen Anh Son, the economic growth target for 2025 is set by the Government and the National Assembly at 8.3 to 8.5%, so the export growth target is determined to be about 1.5 times higher, equivalent to 12%. To achieve this target, the Ministry of Industry and Trade synchronously deploys many key solutions.

First of all, the Ministry closely coordinates with ministries and branches to strictly implement Directive No. 29/CT-TTg of the Prime Minister on implementing key tasks and solutions to promote exports and develop foreign markets, focusing on the fourth quarter of 2025, which is the decisive period of the year. The Ministry also directs Vietnamese trade offices abroad to support businesses in promoting trade, connecting with partners, and expanding markets. "Trade offices are an extension to help Vietnamese goods penetrate deeper into the global supply chain, especially in the US, EU and Northeast Asia," Mr. Son emphasized.

The Ministry also focuses on removing technical barriers, handling trade defense measures, protecting business interests in the context of fierce competition; and promoting negotiations to expand new free trade agreements to open up potential markets.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/xuat-nhap-khau-but-toc-huong-toi-cot-moc-900-ty-usd-719336.html