Vietnam Import-Export Turnover Reaches Record High in 2025: Exploring Vietnam Trade Records

Vietnam's import-export industry has been thriving in recent years, with the country's turnover reaching a record high in 2025. Thanks to its strategic location, competitive labor force, and progressive trade policies, Vietnam has emerged as a key player in the global import-export market. According to Vietnam import data, Vietnam’s imports accounted for $99.68 billion in the first quarter of 2025, while Vietnam exports reached a total value of $102.84 billion, as per the Vietnam export data for 2025. Based on the Vietnam customs trade data, Vietnam’s total trade turnover reached $276.89 billion in the first 4 months of 2025, with a total trade surplus of $3.79 billion. The country's import-export sector encompasses various goods, including textiles, electronics, agricultural products, and machinery. In this article, let's look closely at Vietnam's trade records and explore the factors behind this impressive growth in Vietnam's imports & exports, with a key focus on Vietnam trade data for 2024-25.

Unravelling the Record-Breaking Vietnam Trade Figures

In the first quarter of 2025, Vietnam's total trade turnover reached $202.52 billion, up 13.7% year-on-year. Exports accounted for $102.84 billion, a 10.6% increase, while imports rose by 17% to $99.68 billion, as per Vietnam imports data 2025. The domestic sector contributed $29.02 billion to exports, up 15%, and the foreign-invested sector contributed $73.82 billion, up 9%. By mid-April, the cumulative Vietnam export value reached $119.62 billion, a 16.3% increase year-on-year, with significant growth in key sectors such as computers, electronic products, and components, as per Vietnam exports data 2025. 

In recent years, Vietnam has actively pursued trade agreements with various countries and regions, such as the European Union, the United States, and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). These agreements have opened up new markets for Vietnamese products and boosted the country's export volumes.

Vietnam’s Trade Performance – 2025

Sectoral Highlights of Vietnam Import-Export Data 2025

Electronics and Technology

The electronics sector has been a major driver of export growth. In the first four months of 2025, exports of computers, electronic products, and components reached $29.26 billion, reflecting a 36.2% increase and accounting for 21% of total exports. 

Agricultural and Aquatic Products

Agricultural and forestry products contributed $8.86 billion to exports in Q1, while aquatic products added $2.31 billion. These sectors continue to play a vital role in Vietnam's export portfolio.

Trade Balance Dynamics

Vietnam maintained a trade surplus of $3.8 billion in the first four months of 2025, although this represents a 58.2% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. The narrowing surplus is attributed to the faster growth rate of imports (18.6%) compared to exports (13%). 

Key Trade Partners

• United States: Vietnam Exports to the United States have surged, reaching over $12 billion in April 2025, a 34% year-on-year increase. The trade surplus with the U.S. expanded by nearly 25% in the first four months, highlighting the growing importance of the American market. 
• China: Vietnam Imports from China exceeded $15 billion in April, marking a 31% year-on-year increase. This underscores China's role as a critical supplier of raw materials and components for Vietnam's manufacturing sector.

Sectoral Breakdown – What’s Fueling the Trade Surge?

1. Electronics and Tech

• Computers, Electronics & Components (Jan–Apr): $29.26B
• Growth: +36.2% YoY
• Share of Total Exports: 21%

2. Machinery & Equipment

• Strong recovery due to global supply chain recalibration.
• Vietnam remains a key hub in Southeast Asia for the assembly of machinery and electronics, as per the Vietnam customs export data of electronics.

3. Agriculture, Forestry & Aquaculture

Vietnam's Top Trade Partners in 2025

United States

• Exports to U.S. (April 2025): Over $12 billion
• YoY Growth: +34%
• Trade Surplus with U.S. (Jan–Apr): up by 25%

China

• Imports from China (April 2025): Over $15 billion
• YoY Growth: +31%
• Essential supplier of input goods for Vietnam's factories

Vietnam Trade Products Composition Snapshot 2025

Vietnam’s Top 10 Imports & Exports (2024)

In 2024, Vietnam's top 10 imports include electronics, machinery, textiles, plastics, and mineral fuels. These products showcase the country's strong industrial base and its growing role in global trade. On the export side, Vietnam's top 10 exports feature electronics, textiles, footwear, machinery, and agricultural products, reflecting the diverse range of goods that the country produces and exports to international markets. 

As Vietnam continues to strengthen its position as a key player in the global economy, these import and export trends underscore the nation's ability to compete on a global scale. The top 10 Vietnam imports & Vietnam exports are mentioned in the table below, as per the Vietnam trade statistics and Vietnam customs data for 2024: 

Top 10 Vietnam Trade Partners (2024)

Vietnam's top 10 trade partners play a crucial role in shaping its economy and trade landscape. These partners are instrumental in fostering strong business relationships and driving economic growth for the country. With well-established trade ties and strategic alliances, Vietnam continues to strengthen its position in the global market. These partners include countries like China, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Germany, showcasing a diverse range of international collaboration.

According to the customs data on Vietnam exports to the USA, the US is the biggest Vietnam export partner, while China is the leading import partner of Vietnam, as per the data on Vietnam imports from China. The top 10 trade partners of Vietnam, as per Vietnam shipment data on Vietnam imports by country & Vietnam imports by country for 2024, include: 

Vietnam Import-Export Data in the Last 10 Years: Historical Vietnam Trade Data

Challenges on the Horizon & Outlook

Despite the impressive trade figures, Vietnam faces challenges, including potential U.S. tariffs of up to 46% on its exports. To mitigate these risks, the government is actively addressing concerns about transshipment and origin certification.

Looking ahead, Vietnam aims to achieve an 8% GDP growth rate in 2025, up from the previous target of 6.5%-7%, with a projected 12% growth in imports and exports. The continued focus on industrial manufacturing and foreign investment is expected to sustain the country's economic momentum. Despite the high turnover, Vietnam faces several obstacles:

• U.S. Tariff Threat: Up to 46% tariff risk on key Vietnamese exports
• Trade Fraud Concerns: Transshipment and origin fraud scrutiny
• Shrinking Trade Surplus: A steep 58.2% decline in surplus YoY signals rising import pressure
• High Dependence on FDI Sector: Over 70% of exports come from foreign-invested enterprises

Economic Ambitions: The Road Ahead for Vietnam Trade 

Vietnam has revised its macroeconomic targets in light of strong trade momentum:

Strategic Trade Shifts

To sustain momentum and address risks:

• Trade Diversification: Vietnam is expanding its presence in Latin America, Europe, and Africa through new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
• Domestic Value Addition: Push to move up the value chain in electronics and high-tech manufacturing.
• Digital Trade Hubs: E-commerce exports are a growing slice of Vietnam’s trade pie.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Total Trade Turnover (as of April 15, 2025): $237.97 billion
• Q1 2025 Trade Turnover: $202.52 billion (up by 13.7% YoY)
• Exports: $102.84 billion (up by 10.6%)
• Imports: $99.68 billion (up by 17%)
• April 2025 alone: $35.44 billion turnover in the first half
• Trade Surplus (Jan–Apr 2025): $3.8 billion (down by 58.2% YoY)

Summary of Vietnam’s Trade Turnover in 2025: Why This Matters

• Record Highs Signal Maturity: Vietnam has outgrown its low-cost manufacturer tag—it’s now a key global trade node.
• Policy Must Keep Pace: Tariffs, compliance, and value chain localization need tight management.
• Opportunities in Adversity: While the trade surplus is shrinking, a booming import sector means industrial expansion.

Conclusion and Final Take

Vietnam’s 2025 trade boom is no fluke. It’s the result of careful positioning, economic liberalization, and strategic global engagement. As risks rise from geopolitical tensions and trade protectionism, Vietnam must pivot smartly, diversifying its markets, elevating its tech game, and owning more of its value chain. This year is a milestone. What happens next could define the next decade. As we look ahead to the future, it is clear that Vietnam's import-export industry will play a crucial role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing the country's reputation as a reliable and dynamic trading partner.

To conclude, we hope that you liked our insightful blog report on Vietnam's import-export trade turnover for 2025. To get more such trade trends on Vietnam import-export data & global trade data, visit TradeImeX. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in and get a customized Vietnam customs database report along with the list of top Vietnam exporters.