Amid ongoing global economic uncertainties, Vietnam’s export performance in the first quarter of 2025 showed positive growth signals. However, according to forecasts from the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), export activities are expected to face significant challenges ahead, requiring strong coordination among ministries, local authorities, and enterprises to adopt flexible and effective solutions.
One of the most effective strategies identified is maximizing cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) to expand market reach and boost exports.
Cross-Border E-Commerce – A Key Driver for Vietnam’s Global Market Expansion
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According to the General Statistics Office (GSO), Vietnam’s export turnover in Q1 2025 reached USD 102.84 billion, up 10.6% year-on-year.
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The domestic sector contributed USD 29.02 billion (up 15%), accounting for 28.2% of total exports.
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The foreign-invested sector (including crude oil) recorded USD 73.82 billion (up 9%), accounting for 71.8%.
This strong start lays the foundation for achieving the 2025 export target of USD 454 billion, representing 12% growthcompared to 2024.
To meet this goal, Vietnam needs to maintain an average monthly export value of USD 37.8 billion — approximately USD 4 billion higher than the 2024 monthly average.
However, the outlook remains complex due to new U.S. tariff policies, which could impact Vietnam’s key export sectors.
“If Vietnam and the United States fail to reach a positive resolution, the new tariffs could create certain negative impacts on export growth targets,” said Mr. Ta Hoang Linh, Director General of the Department of Foreign Market Development, MOIT.
E-Commerce: A Strategic Solution in the New Trade Landscape
Given the potential slowdown, cross-border e-commerce is emerging as a crucial tool for Vietnamese enterprises to access global markets directly and efficiently.
According to Cognitive Market Research, the global cross-border e-commerce market was valued at USD 791.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.5% from 2024 to 2031.
Vietnam’s strengths in textiles, footwear, agriculture, and seafood create vast potential for developing cross-border e-commerce.
Through platforms like Amazon, eBay, Alibaba, Shopee, and Lazada, Vietnamese exporters can now connect with billions of consumers worldwide.
Rising Participation of Vietnamese Sellers in Global E-Commerce Platforms
Data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade show that 53% of Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have engaged in export activities via e-commerce.
Sales from online export channels now account for 10–20% of total export revenue and continue to grow as international demand for online purchases increases.
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Over 350,000 Vietnamese sellers have joined Shopee Global, offering 15 million products to international buyers.
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More than 17 million “Made in Vietnam” products have been sold on Amazon, with export value up 50% year-over-year.
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Around 100 Vietnamese enterprises participating in the Vietnam National Pavilion on Alibaba continue to receive consistent global orders.
Free Trade Agreements Enhance Digital Export Growth
Vietnam’s participation in multiple free trade agreements (FTAs) — including CPTPP, EVFTA, and RCEP — provides significant advantages in tariff reductions, market access, and logistics facilitation.
By leveraging these FTAs alongside government policies on tax incentives, finance, and trade promotion, domestic firms can confidently transition toward digital export models.
According to Mr. Hoang Minh Chien, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), promoting trade in the digital environment allows businesses to:
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Reach global customers and partners more easily,
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Save costs and reduce transaction times,
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Accelerate order processing and delivery, and
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Expand their customer base efficiently.
He emphasized that global e-commerce platforms are now key vehicles for enhancing Vietnam’s export turnover and building stronger national brand recognition.
Competitive Edge and Long-Term Potential
Mr. Jason Bay, Country Director of Sea Limited Vietnam, noted that Vietnamese e-commerce exporters enjoy a cost advantage when selling to overseas markets, especially among price-sensitive consumers.
He added that Vietnam’s potential for cross-border e-commerce export growth remains substantial, as global consumers increasingly seek affordable, high-quality, and sustainable products.