Import and export accelerate
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in the first 7 months of 2025, Vietnam's export turnover is estimated to reach 261.8 billion USD, up 14.6% over the same period in 2024 and exceeding the set growth target. On average, exports reached 37.4 billion USD per month; May and June alone exceeded 39.5 billion USD, while July is forecast to reach the highest level, over 41.6 billion USD.
In terms of imports, in the past 7 months, turnover reached 252.1 billion USD, up 17.9% over the same period. The recovery of production and export has led to the demand for imported raw materials and components to serve export orders.
Talking to reporters of the Industry and Trade Newspaper, economic expert, Associate Professor, Dr. Dinh Trong Thinh, commented that Vietnam's import and export activities in the past 7 months have had many positive changes. "Some items have benefited from tax cuts, effective implementation of trade agreements, and expanded markets. Thanks to that, both export and import turnover have increased, contributing to improving the trade balance and 'warming up' the economic picture."
The 14.8% export growth in the past 7 months is considered a clear signal of improved competitiveness of the economy. Mr. Dinh Trong Thinh analyzed: "Many industries have maintained good growth momentum, affirming their position in the international market. Of course, there are still some sectors that have slowed down due to reduced demand or being affected by fluctuations in global trade, but in general the trend is positive."
However, the existing challenges cannot be ignored. The trend of trade protectionism in many large countries is still complicated, along with fluctuations in interest rates, exchange rates and input material prices. In addition, technical barriers in import markets are increasing, especially for agricultural products and processed foods.
A notable point is that while the export turnover of the FDI sector increased sharply, the domestic economic sector decreased in July compared to the same period. This shows that the high dependence on the FDI sector is still an issue that needs attention if Vietnam wants to improve its autonomy in international trade.
Mr. Dinh Trong Thinh commented that the last months of the year still have many unknowns: "The outlook is still positive if we maintain existing markets well, take advantage of incentives from FTAs and promote the exploitation of new markets. It is likely that export growth will continue but at a slower pace than in the early stages of the year, before recovering more strongly next year".
Towards sustainable growth
To maintain export growth momentum, according to Mr. Dinh Trong Thinh, Vietnam needs to focus on three main directions. First, improve the quality of goods to meet the increasingly strict technical standards and regulations of import markets. Second, strengthen negotiations, remove trade barriers and promote international cooperation. Third, support businesses to improve their competitiveness, especially small and medium enterprises, helping them access market information and preferential capital sources.
"Businesses need to play a pioneering role, proactively preparing all necessary conditions to meet the development requirements of the new stage. At the same time, state management agencies, especially the Ministry of Industry and Trade, must be ready to support, perfect mechanisms and policies in the direction of creating favorable conditions, helping businesses to be flexible in production, business, expanding markets, while maintaining growth momentum and moving towards sustainable development", said expert Dinh Trong Thinh.
In addition, closely following global market developments to promptly adjust export strategies is a key factor. Industry associations are recommended to play a bridging role, providing information and supporting businesses to update new regulations of each market.
In particular, with 16 free trade agreements (FTAs) signed and in effect, Vietnam has a special advantage in expanding its market. Effectively utilizing FTAs not only helps Vietnamese goods reduce taxes, but also creates conditions to upgrade production quality to meet international standards.
However, taking advantage of FTAs does not stop at direct exporting enterprises. Even enterprises supplying raw materials and export support services need to clearly understand the commitments, requirements and standards to participate more deeply in the global supply chain.
The trade picture in the first 7 months of 2025 shows that Vietnam has recovered strongly and achieved a record surplus of more than 10 billion USD. However, behind the numbers is a significant requirement for improving competitiveness, reducing dependence on the FDI sector and increasing the resilience of the domestic economic sector.
With the initiative of enterprises, along with flexible and timely support policies from the State, especially the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam has every reason to expect to maintain a stable growth rate, moving towards a more sustainable and self-reliant trade in the future.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn