According to a representative of Management Board of Mong Cai International Border Gate (Quang Ninh province), as of 10:00 a.m. on January 1, 2025, there were 25 trucks carrying 137 tonnes of temporarily imported goods through the opening of the Km3+4 Hai Yen pontoon bridge. Also at the opening, there were 61 vehicles carrying nearly 1,400 tonnes of export goods, including 880 tonnes of fruit; 470 tonnes of frozen seafood and 18 tonnes of fresh seafood. At Bac Luan II Bridge Border Gate, there were 70 people exiting the country, 40 vehicles carrying more than 240 tons of frozen goods exported under the form of pre-arranged customs clearance.
On the first day of the new year (January 1, 2025), at Mong Cai International Border Gate, Bac Luan I Bridge area and the opening of the pontoon bridge Km3+4 Hai Yen/Dong Hung border market pair (China) still maintained normal operations. Customs clearance flow for people entering and exiting the Bac Luan II Bridge area still maintained normal operations. Customs clearance flow for import and export goods in Bac Luan II Bridge area implemented the pre-arranged customs clearance regime.
In 2024, total import and export turnover of goods in Mong Cai City is estimated to reach over 13 billion USD; State budget revenue is estimated at VND 5,076 billion, up 4.1% compared to 2023. In order to create conditions for import-export enterprises to operate effectively, every month, border gate sectors organize to review and strengthen inspection and supervision of implementation of discipline and administrative discipline; focus on removing difficulties and obstacles that arise; be on duty 24/7 to ensure arrangement and regulation of import and export vehicles smoothly.
Similarly, according to Lao Cai Border Gate Customs Branch, import of goods through Lao Cai border gate on the first day of 2025 reached over 1.6 million USD. Mr. Pham Van Phuc - Deputy Head of Lao Cai Border Gate Customs Branch - said that volume of import and export goods through Kim Thanh International Road Border Gate No. II on the first day of the new year 2025 took place smoothly and quickly.
Accordingly, volume of import and export vehicles through Lao Cai border gate tends to increase. As of 2:00 p.m. on January 1, total import-export turnover of goods through Kim Thanh International Road Border Gate No. II reached more than 1.6 million USD; of which nearly 929,000 USD was exported and more than 710,000 USD was imported. Exported goods on the first day of the new year were mainly agricultural products such as dragon fruit, watermelon, durian, jackfruit, banana, rambutan, mango, cassava, etc.; imported goods were mainly flowers, ornamental plants, fresh vegetables and fruits. To support businesses participating in import-export on the first day of the new year, Management Board of Lao Cai Economic Zone has directed functional forces working at the border gate to be on duty to ensure sufficient staff according to regulations, complete procedures as quickly as possible and ensure smooth and rapid circulation of goods.
Along with excitement at the border gates, on production front, although it is the New Year holiday (January 1, 2025), many businesses still organize production activities with an urgent and exciting atmosphere. This demonstrates determination and expectations of workers and businesses for a successful and victorious new year 2025, joining the whole country in entering a new era - era of national growth. For example, at A My Industrial Joint Stock Company (Lap Thach district, Vinh Phuc province), on the first day of 2025, more than 700 employees of the company still entered the production shift with an excited and joyful spirit.
Aiming for double-digit export growth
According to data from General Department of Customs, total value of Vietnam's import and export of goods in 2024 is estimated at 786.07 billion USD, an increase of 15.4% (equivalent to an increase of 105 billion USD) compared to the same period in 2023; Trade balance is estimated to have a surplus of 23.75 billion USD. This is the highest import-export turnover ever.
Vietnam's import-export situation in 2025 is forecast to be more favorable thanks to economic growth and global trade growth that has been recovering. According to Reuter, growth rate of the world economy is expected to be at 3% in 2025. Most economies in the world have falling interest rates.
China, the world's second largest economy, has introduced strong monetary stimulus measures and a fiscal stimulus package expected to reach 1,400 billion USD to achieve growth target. The increase in foreign investment capital into Vietnam in recent times promises to improve production capacity, creating a source of goods for export.
Export market continues to expand, diversify, exploit FTA partner markets with preferential tax rates continuing to decrease according to the roadmap; At the same time, seek and develop new markets and new products.
Implementing the latest direction of the Government, the Prime Minister aims for a high GDP growth target of 8% in 2025, Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed raising the growth targets in the industrial and commercial sectors in 2025 to include in Resolution No.01/NQ-CP of the Government on key tasks and solutions to implement Socio-Economic Development Plan and the State budget estimate in 2025.
Regarding the target of striving for import and export in 2025, Ministry of Industry and Trade sets a target of total export turnover increasing by 10-12% compared to 2024. Trade balance continues to have a trade surplus of over 20 billion USD.
Regarding import and export activities, to achieve set goals, Ministry of Industry and Trade will focus on effectively exploiting free trade agreements (FTAs) that have come into effect and been signed, implementing new agreements to expand and diversify markets, import and export products, and supply chains. Strengthening exploitation of neighboring markets with potential, shifting strongly to official exports associated with brand building, promoting sustainable exports. Continuing to innovate and improve effectiveness of trade promotion activities.
With the "getting started" right from the first days and months of the new year by businesses, localities, ministries and branches, along with the support of the Government, it signals a prosperous year for Vietnamese trade. And the figure of 1,000 billion USD for import and export activities will not be too far away.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn