Data from the General Department of Customs shows a significant surge across multiple sectors, cementing Vietnam’s position as a standout performer despite global economic uncertainties.

According to preliminary figures, 36 out of 45 export categories each exceeded $1 billion in revenue. Among them, eight groups surpassed the $10 billion mark, contributing a combined $319 billion USD - accounting for 68% of total national exports.

Leading the charge was the group of computers, electronics, and components, with exports valued at $106 billion, representing a remarkable 46% increase over 2024. This is the first time Vietnam has ever recorded an export group breaking the $100 billion threshold.

Electronics and computer parts now make up 22.5% of Vietnam’s total exports, retaining their spot as the country’s top export category for 2025.

Coming in second were machinery and equipment, which reached $58.38 billion, up 11.9% from the previous year. Phones and accessories followed closely at $57.61 billion, a 6.9% increase. Textile and garment exports hit $39.29 billion, growing 6.1%, while footwear reached $23.97 billion, up 4.8%.

Transport vehicles posted a robust 13.5% rise, earning $17.3 billion, while toys, sports equipment, and parts surged 143.6%, bringing in $9.16 billion.

Agricultural goods also shone in 2025. Three agricultural export categories made it into the top 10:

Wood and wood products: $16.98 billion, up 4.3%
Seafood: $11.29 billion, up 12.5%
Coffee: $8.68 billion, a record-setting 54.4% increase over 2024

These gains contributed to Vietnam’s total export turnover of $470.59 billion, a year-on-year rise of 15.9%, equivalent to an increase of $64.65 billion.

With this result, Vietnam now ranks 21st globally in exports, jumping 11 places over the past decade - a notable leap in the country’s international trade presence.

Experts note that this surge was driven by both foreign-invested enterprises (FDI) and increasingly capable domestic firms. In recent years, the export values of both sectors have become more balanced, reflecting improvements in technology, product quality, international standards, and market access by Vietnamese companies.

The expansion of production capacity, deeper participation in global supply chains, and improved product competitiveness are all seen as key factors behind the strong performance.

At the recent 2025 Vietnam Export Promotion Forum, Vu Ba Phu, Director General of the Trade Promotion Agency (Ministry of Industry and Trade), said the 2021–2025 period witnessed robust growth in Vietnam’s exports, with consistent double-digit increases and a sustained trade surplus for over a decade.

However, he stressed that amid rising global volatility, Vietnamese businesses must enhance risk management, innovate in product development, standardize processes, ensure supply chain transparency, and engage more deeply in digital commerce to stay competitive.

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Industry and Trade plans to build a digital trade promotion ecosystem, integrating enterprise–market–product data and applying Big Data and AI for forecasting and analysis.

The roadmap includes launching a national export branding system and rolling out the “Go Global” initiative, which identifies and supports industry-leading enterprises to spearhead Vietnam’s global trade presence.

Phu concluded that if Vietnam continues to diversify export markets, maximize the benefits of free trade agreements, increase local value-added content, drive innovation, and expand services exports, the country is well-positioned to sustain double-digit export growth into 2026.

Ha Giang