Challenges for enterprises in wave of shifting orders
In context of global supply chain being disrupted by political conflicts and economic fluctuations, many countries and foreign enterprises tend to shift orders to Vietnam. Anticipating this shift trend, domestic enterprises are seizing the opportunity quite well and have more orders. However, supply capacity of domestic enterprises is still limited.
Regarding this story, sharing with Industry and Trade Newspaper, leader of Department of Foreign Market Development, Ministry of Industry and Trade, commented that trend of shifting orders to Vietnam is a great opportunity for Vietnamese economy and enterprises. Especially in context of trade wars and global geopolitical fluctuations.
Mr. Ta Hoang Linh, Director of Foreign Market Development Department, said that Vietnam is emerging as an attractive destination thanks to its strategic geographical location, stable political environment, competitive labor costs, and a network of 17 free trade agreements (FTAs) with more than 60 countries and regions.
Foreign enterprises are looking to diversify their supply chains to reduce risks from tariffs and trade restrictions from some key export markets.
According to data, Vietnam has recorded impressive export growth, with export turnover in the first half of 2025 reaching nearly 220 billion USD, up 14.4% over the same period last year. In particular, traditional markets such as the United States and the EU still maintain good growth rates, especially other markets such as Northern Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia are making remarkable breakthroughs. This is a clear demonstration of this trend.
In addition, FDI inflows into Vietnam are also constantly increasing with registered capital reaching 11.72 billion USD in the first 6 months of 2025, a growth rate of 8.1% compared to the same period in 2024. This opportunity not only helps increase exports but also promotes technology transfer, improves production capacity and integrates more deeply into the global supply chain.
Although the opportunity is clear, according to analysis from the leader of the Foreign Market Development Department, Vietnamese enterprises also face many challenges:
First, supply capacity is still limited, especially in processing and manufacturing industries that require high technology and strict standards from markets such as the United States and the EU.
Many Vietnamese enterprises still depend on imported raw materials and have not invested enough in modern technology, leading to difficulties in meeting requirements on quality, quantity and delivery time.
Second, high-quality human resources, especially in fields such as semiconductors and high technology, have not yet met demand. Although Vietnam has a young and abundant workforce, further training is needed to meet international standards.
Third, trade barriers, such as anti-dumping duties and trade defense investigations from the United States and EU are also major challenges, requiring businesses to strictly comply with regulations on goods origin and intellectual property protection.
In addition, domestic and international competition is increasingly fierce. FDI enterprises often have advantages in capital, technology and distribution networks, forcing domestic enterprises to work harder to win orders.
“To overcome challenges, businesses need to proactively participate in trade promotion programs, take advantage of FTAs and invest in upgrading technology and training human resources,” emphasized Director Ta Hoang Linh, adding that Ministry of Industry and Trade, through Department of Foreign Market Development, is actively supporting businesses to connect and cooperate in trade by organizing events such as Vietnam International Sourcing, connecting businesses with hundreds of large distributors and importers, as well as providing market information and removing trade barriers. Notably, according to Mr. Linh, in 2025, Vietnam International Sourcing will have many special highlights as it will not only be a connecting exhibition but also an opportunity to create long-term cooperation; is a point of connection for purchasing, cooperation and consulting for businesses worldwide...
Director Ta Hoang Linh emphasized that Vietnam International Sourcing 2025 not only opens up direct export opportunities for businesses, but also contributes to positioning Vietnam as a prestigious center for production and supply of goods in the regional and global supply chain. This is the result of proactive and flexible international trade promotion and the Government's strong commitment to supporting businesses to reach out to the world market.
What do businesses need to seize opportunities?
In the context of anticipating the waves of shifting orders from foreign businesses to Vietnam, recommending solutions to help domestic businesses make the most of opportunities, Mr. Ta Hoang Linh noted:
Firstly, domestic business community needs to improve production capacity through investment in technology, process optimization and ensuring compliance with international standards on quality and sustainable development.
Secondly, enhance understanding of FTAs, especially regulations on goods origin, to take advantage of tariff incentives.
Thirdly, build close relationships with international distributors and partners through networking events organized by Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Leader of Foreign Market Development Department emphasized that Ministry of Industry and Trade will continue to support businesses through seminars and forums providing market information, and coordinate with Vietnamese Trade Offices abroad to connect businesses with potential partners. Businesses need to be proactive, flexible and creative to not only participate but also enhance their position in the global supply chain.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn