The Government of Vietnam has set an ambitious goal for 2025: achieving an economic growth rate of 8–10%, aiming for double-digit growth in the following years.
Among the three key growth drivers of the economy — investment, consumption, and exports — exports continue to play a leading role in sustaining national development.
Vietnam’s Export Target: 12% Growth in 2025
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According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), the total export–import turnover in 2025 is targeted to increase by approximately 12% compared to 2024.
Minister Nguyen Hong Dien emphasized that this is a challenging target given the complex and unpredictable global political and economic landscape.
“To achieve 12% growth, Vietnam’s monthly export turnover must rise by about USD 4 billion compared to the average monthly level in 2024,” Minister Dien noted.
Four Key Measures to Boost Export Growth
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Leverage Competitive Advantages and Market Opportunities
The MOIT will promote trade facilitation, support enterprises and industry associations to effectively exploit traditional markets, and proactively explore new strategic markets.
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Maximize Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Benefits
Vietnam will continue to make full use of its 17 FTAs, enhance the role of Vietnam’s trade offices abroad, and improve information exchange to help domestic agencies and exporters respond effectively to global policy changes.
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Enhance Trade Promotion and Risk Management
The Ministry will issue early warnings and provide policy recommendations for businesses to mitigate trade defense risks and strengthen targeted trade promotion activities.
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Accelerate Digital Transformation and E-commerce
Vietnam aims to link trade promotion with production development, digital trade, and online exports — fostering innovation and sustainable growth.
Positive Start for Vietnam’s Trade in 2025
According to the General Statistics Office (GSO), in January 2025, Vietnam’s total import–export value reached USD 63.15 billion, with a trade surplus of USD 3.03 billion.
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The domestic sector posted a trade deficit of USD 1.4 billion.
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The foreign-invested sector (including crude oil) achieved a trade surplus of USD 4.43 billion.
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The United States remained Vietnam’s largest export market (USD 9.8 billion).
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China was the largest import market (USD 11.6 billion).
Although trade activities slightly slowed during the Lunar New Year holiday, export operations have quickly regained momentum, with busy activities at border gates across the country in the early days of 2025.
Prime Minister’s Directive: Promote Sustainable and Balanced Trade
At the first regular Government meeting of 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highly appreciated the export–import performance and instructed ministries to:
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Promote balanced and sustainable trade with major partners.
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Maximize opportunities from 17 existing FTAs.
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Expand access to new potential markets such as the Middle East, Halal markets, Latin America, and Africa.
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Accelerate negotiations and signing of new cooperation frameworks to maintain export growth momentum.
Conclusion
In 2025, exports continue to serve as a key pillar of Vietnam’s economic growth, driving production, job creation, and foreign exchange revenue.
With strong policy support, trade promotion initiatives, and expanding global partnerships, Vietnam is well-positioned to maintain its export momentum and achieve sustainable, inclusive growth in the years ahead.