CaliToday (20/12/2025): In a landmark achievement that underscores its rapid transformation into a global manufacturing hub, Vietnam has officially surpassed the $920 billion mark in total import-export turnover for 2025. This historic figure not only shatters previous records but cements the nation’s position among the Top 15 largest trading economies in the world.
This milestone reflects Vietnam's remarkable resilience and strategic adaptation in a fluctuating global economy, marking a significant leap from its standing just five years ago.
A Year of Breaking Records
According to the latest data released by the General Statistics Office (GSO) and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the surge to $920 billion represents a robust double-digit growth compared to 2024.
Crucially, Vietnam continues to maintain a healthy trade surplus, estimated at nearly $35 billion for the year. This surplus has been a vital buffer for the macro-economy, helping to stabilize the exchange rate and bolster foreign exchange reserves amidst global monetary tightening.
The Three Pillars of Growth
Analysts attribute this historic achievement to three primary drivers that defined Vietnam's economy in 2025:
1. The Semiconductor & Tech Boom Vietnam has successfully transitioned from basic assembly to more advanced manufacturing. 2025 saw the full operational capacity of major semiconductor packaging and testing facilities across the North and the South. High-tech exports including smartphones, chips, and electronics accounted for over 30% of total export value, driven by giants like Samsung, Intel, and new entrants from the "Chip 4" alliance.
2. "Green" Agriculture Vietnamese agriculture has undergone a rebranding. No longer competing solely on quantity, Vietnam is now a top exporter of high-value, sustainable agricultural products. Rice exports achieved record prices due to the global food security crisis, while fruit exports (particularly durian and processed coffee) saw exponential growth in the Chinese and EU markets.
3. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) Paying Off The comprehensive utilization of new-generation FTAs, such as the CPTPP and EVFTA, has reached maturity. Vietnamese goods now enjoy wider access and preferential tariffs in demanding markets like Canada, Mexico, and the European Union, diversifying the country's export portfolio beyond traditional partners.
Global Implications: The New "Factory of the World"
Entering the Top 15 global trading nations is more than just a ranking; it is a geopolitical statement.
"Vietnam has effectively solidified its role as a critical node in the global supply chain. It is no longer just an alternative to China; it is a primary destination for strategic manufacturing," remarks Le Hoang, a senior economist at the Vietnam Institute for Economic Research.
With infrastructure projects accelerating including the completion of key sections of the North-South Expressway and the expansion of deep-sea ports like Cai Mep-Thi Vai Vietnam is poised to handle even larger trade volumes in 2026.
The Road to $1 Trillion
With the $920 billion milestone secured, the ambitious goal of reaching $1 trillion in trade turnover is no longer a distant dream but a tangible target for 2026-2027. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding green energy compliance and the global minimum tax regulations.
For now, the mood in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is one of optimism. As the year draws to a close, Vietnam stands tall as a bright spot in the global economic landscape.