Vietnamese trade counsellors abroad have emphasised that diversifying markets can only be effective if Vietnamese goods meet green, sustainable, and innovative standards, adding that expanding markets and securing raw material sources are crucial to sustaining the country’s export growth momentum.
Speaking at the September 9 conference on trade promotion with Vietnam’s overseas trade offices, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien highlighted that the country’s total import-export turnover in the first eight months of 2025 was estimated at nearly 600 billion USD, up 16.3% year on year. Exports alone reached 306 billion USD, an increase of 14.8%, surpassing the full-year target. The trade surplus of nearly 14 billion USD has contributed to macroeconomic stability.
However, behind these promising figures lie long-term challenges. Global uncertainties, ranging from geopolitical tensions and strategic competition among major powers to stricter US trade policies and supply chain disruptions, could affect Vietnam, given its high economic openness. To achieve the 12% export growth target for 2025, Vietnam needs to secure at least 150 billion USD in the final four months, equivalent to more than 37.5 billion USD per month, a demanding task, he pointed out.
Minister Dien emphasised the need to categorise markets and implement targeted measures. For markets with export contraction, trade offices must quickly identify causes, restore orders, and remove barriers. In low-growth markets, the task is to boost exports by at least 8.5%. Shipments to medium-growth markets should maintain momentum and boost expansion to 12%, while high-growth markets must continue to be seen as growth engines with targeted rates of above 15%.
He also asked local authorities to be more proactive in supporting exporters, particularly by swiftly sharing updates from Vietnam’s trade offices abroad. This will help businesses adjust production and business plans in time to avoid being caught off guard by new barriers. Administrations of provinces and cities were urged to work closely with enterprises and industry associations to build sustainable supply chains, enhance value-added production, and meet strict international standards.
Authorities were also tasked with addressing difficulties facing exporters, especially in agriculture and fisheries, from credit access and production land to export procedures and quality certification. Inter-region linkages should be strengthened to develop internationally certified raw material areas that ensure traceability and green production. Localities were also encouraged to accelerate digital transformation in trade promotion and logistics, support businesses in cross-border e-commerce, and make greater use of logistics centres to cut costs and shorten delivery times.