HANOI, Vietnam – August 9, 2025 – Vietnam's foreign trade has demonstrated remarkable growth and resilience in the first seven months of 2025, with total import-export turnover reaching an estimated $514.7 billion USD, a significant 16.3% increase compared to the same period last year. The data, released by the General Statistics Office (GSO), underscores Vietnam's strengthening position as a global manufacturing hub and highlights a robust recovery in global demand for its goods.
This strong performance has resulted in a notable trade surplus, reinforcing the health of the nation's economy amidst a complex global environment.
According to the GSO's detailed report, the country's export revenue for the January-July period was estimated at $260.2 billion, while import turnover reached $254.5 billion. This balance resulted in a healthy trade surplus of approximately $5.7 billion, providing a stable foundation for the country's foreign exchange reserves and currency stability.
The impressive growth was largely propelled by the country's key industrial and manufacturing sectors. Electronics, computers, and components remained the top export category, driven by sustained investment from major multinational corporations. Other critical sectors, including machinery, textiles and garments, and footwear, also recorded strong positive growth, signaling a rebound in orders from major markets such as the United States, the European Union, and China.
Furthermore, the export of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products continued its upward trend, benefiting from the successful implementation of numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) like the EVFTA and CPTPP, which have opened up new markets and reduced tariffs for Vietnamese goods.
The robust increase in imports is also viewed as a positive economic indicator, signaling strong domestic production demand. A significant portion of the import value consisted of raw materials, machinery, and equipment essential for manufacturing export-oriented goods. This reflects the confidence of businesses in the economic outlook and their ongoing efforts to expand production capacity.
Analysts suggest that Vietnam's consistent policy of economic integration and its strategic position in diversifying global supply chains are key factors behind this success.
"These figures are a testament to Vietnam's economic vitality," commented Michael Pham, a senior analyst at a Ho Chi Minh City-based investment firm. "The double-digit growth in both exports and imports shows a vibrant economy at work. Vietnam is not just exporting finished goods; it's deeply integrated into global value chains, importing inputs to produce and export higher-value products. This is a sign of a maturing industrial base."
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Industry and Trade remains optimistic but cautious. While the positive momentum is expected to continue, potential headwinds such as global inflation, geopolitical uncertainties, and fluctuating demand in key markets will require flexible and proactive trade policies to ensure sustainable growth for the remainder of the year.
