Cat Lai port in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA)
The export situation in the early months of 2025 has continued to show promising signs, as Vietnamese enterprises have not only maintained their market share with traditional partners but have also actively expanded into new markets.
Positive indicators
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, by the end of April, Vietnam’s total export turnover reached 140.34 billion USD, an increase of 13% compared to the same period in 2024. Although exports to the US showed signs of slowing down, overall export turnover still recorded growth thanks to compensation from other markets. Specifically, exports to China reached 18.1 billion USD, up 2.1%; to the EU, 18.5 billion USD, up 12.8%; to Japan, 8.5 billion USD, up 12%; and to the Republic of Korea, 8.9 billion USD, up 9.1% year-on-year.
Exports to China increased mainly due to a strong recovery in demand for food and aquatic products in this billion-population market starting from the second quarter of 2025. Products such as shrimp, tra fish, and tropical fruits continued to hold a large share, as the advantages of free trade agreements (FTAs) such as the ASEAN–China FTA and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have been exploited effectively, according to Nong Duc Lai, Vietnam's Trade Counsellor in China.
In the British market, thanks to the UK–Vietnam FTA, export turnover continued to grow strongly, particularly in machinery, equipment, textiles, and footwear. In the Canadian market, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) helped drive export growth of over 13.5% in 2024, with this momentum continuing into 2025.
Additionally, countries in the ASEAN bloc, India, as well as regions such as the Middle East and Africa, are emerging as promising directions for Vietnamese businesses.
In recent times, many businesses in sectors such as aquatic products, garment and textiles, wood, and food have actively explored markets like Brazil, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Truong Van Cam, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association, said that Vietnam's textile and garment exports still largely focus on major markets. However, effectively expanding into new markets such as the EU, Canada, Mexico, and the Middle East is essential to enhance the industry’s resilience. At present, many enterprises have actively participated in international trade fairs, engaged in online business matchmaking, and tapped into the potential of non-traditional markets beyond the US and EU. As a result, export turnover has maintained a notable growth rate.
Strengthening internal capabilities
In reality, the key driving force behind Vietnam’s recent success in tapping into new markets lies in its market diversification strategy and the flexibility of the business community. The signing and implementation of next-generation FTAs such as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), CPTPP, UKVFTA, and RCEP have significantly expanded market access for Vietnamese goods. At the same time, domestic capabilities have been continuously reinforced, with many sectors investing heavily in deep processing, increasing value-added content, ensuring traceability, and complying with international environmental standards.
However, to sustain long-term growth momentum, economic experts suggested Vietnamese enterprises accelerate the professionalisation of international trade promotion, make stronger use of cross-border e-commerce, and actively integrate into global value chains at a higher level.
The State should continue to improve mechanisms that support small- and medium-sized enterprises, facilitating their access to preferential capital sources; shorten procedures for tax refunds and international certification to reduce costs and risks as businesses enter new markets. Additionally, strongly developing the domestic market through demand-stimulating policies and improving logistics infrastructure will be key factors in building a safe ‘buffer zone’ for Vietnam, proposed Professor Tran Ngoc Anh from US-based Indiana University.
Regarding support directions for the business community, Nguyen Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Business Association (HUBA), emphasised the need to closely monitor FDI flows, ensure transparency in product origin, and strongly encourage domestic businesses to invest in technology, branding, and value-added service sectors.
Challenges, he noted, also present opportunities for Vietnam to restructure its growth model.
Enterprises should accelerate transformation, increase the localisation rate of their products, invest in design and brand building, and develop professional after-sales services, Hoa stated, adding that this is not only a pressing requirement to enhance added value but also a key factor for Vietnam to assert its position in the global supply chain./.
