Diversifying markets, effectively leveraging existing import-export markets, incentives from Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and continuing to tap into new potential markets in order to enhance the efficiency of import-export activities.
Trade balance continues to maintain a reasonable surplus
Data from the Statistics Department (Ministry of Finance) show that in April, Vietnam’s total import-export turnover of goods reached USD 74.32 billion, down slightly 1.4% from the previous month, but up sharply 21.3% year-on-year.
For the first four months of the year, total turnover reached USD 276.89 billion, up 15.7% over the same period in 2024. This result reflects the positive and sustainable recovery of international trade activities, amid signs of renewed growth in many major markets.
Notably, goods exports continued to be a bright spot in the trade picture. In April alone, export turnover reached USD 37.45 billion, down 2.8% from March, mainly due to a 6% decline in the foreign-invested (FDI) sector.
However, the domestic economic sector achieved impressive growth of 5.2%, reaching USD 11.66 billion. Compared to the same period last year, total export turnover rose 19.8%, with the domestic sector growing outstandingly by 25.7%, while the FDI sector grew 17.2%.
For the first four months of the year, total export turnover reached USD 140.34 billion, up 13%. Of this, the domestic economic sector contributed USD 40.74 billion, up 18.1% and accounting for 29% of total turnover; the FDI sector reached USD 99.6 billion, up 11%, accounting for as much as 71%.
Notably, 22 commodities achieved export turnover of over USD 1 billion, of which 7 commodities exceeded the USD 5 billion mark, reflecting an export structure increasingly concentrated in key industries with high value content.
Import turnover of goods in April 2025 reached USD 36.87 billion, nearly equal to March (USD 36.88 billion). The domestic economic sector rose slightly by 3.6% to USD 14.48 billion, while the FDI sector fell 2.2% to USD 22.39 billion. Compared to the same period in 2024, April imports rose sharply by 22.9%, with the domestic sector up 26% and the FDI sector up 21%.
For the first four months of the year, total import turnover reached USD 136.55 billion, up 18.6% year-on-year. Of this, the domestic economic sector imported USD 51.26 billion (up 21.1%), while the FDI sector imported USD 85.29 billion (up 17.1%). 25 commodities reached import value of over USD 1 billion, of which 2 commodities exceeded the USD 5 billion mark, showing a clear recovery in domestic production and consumption demand.
Regarding the structure of imported goods, the group of production materials continued to hold an overwhelming share with total turnover of USD 128.17 billion, accounting for 93.9% of total imports. Of this, the group of machinery, equipment, and spare parts accounted for 50.6%; the group of raw materials and fuels accounted for 43.3%. The group of consumer goods reached USD 8.38 billion, a modest share of 6.1%, in line with the trend of prioritizing imports for production over consumption. The trade balance continued to maintain a surplus, though narrower than in the same period last year.
Diversifying import-export markets
According to Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has identified the diversification of export markets, products, and supply chains as one of the consistent focuses of its direction and management, especially amid complex fluctuations in the world market. Accordingly, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued a number of important directive documents to promote exports and market development, such as: the Directive on solutions to develop markets, promote exports, and manage imports in 2025; documents recommending that enterprises strengthen control of imported raw materials used for producing export goods; and managing rice exports in line with market requirements while ensuring domestic supply-demand balance.
At the same time, through the system of Vietnam Trade Offices abroad and the National Trade Promotion Program, the Ministry of Industry and Trade effectively supports Vietnamese enterprises in accessing and expanding market share in key export markets such as the United States, the EU, Japan, and South Korea – markets that require high standards but also have large purchasing power and stable growth potential – connecting supply and demand, promoting trade, and boosting exports.
To expand the space for trade cooperation, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has actively reviewed, researched, and advised the Government to promote negotiations and the signing of new bilateral and multilateral Free Trade Agreements, especially with potential partners. This diversification aims to reduce dependence on a number of traditional markets and strengthen the resilience of export activities amid rising global trade risks.
At the same time, in coordination with ministries, sectors, and localities, efforts are being stepped up to build and connect new supply chains, especially in industries with potential such as garments & textiles, footwear, electronics, and processed agricultural products. Through this, enterprises are supported in gradually participating more deeply in global value chains…