Vietnam has rapidly transformed into one of Asia’s most dynamic export-driven economies. Over the past decade, the country has leveraged its strategic geographic location, competitive labor costs, and deep integration into global supply chains to become a critical manufacturing and trade hub. As a result, Vietnam exports have grown consistently, positioning the country among the world’s top exporters.
According to Vietnam export customs data and global trade statistics, the total value of Vietnam exports reached $403.2 billion in 2024, registering a 6.4% year-on-year increase. Based on global rankings, Vietnam now stands as the 21st largest exporter worldwide, a remarkable achievement for an economy that was once heavily agriculture-dependent.
This growth momentum has continued into 2025. As per Vietnam shipment data, exports totaled $102.8 billion in Q1 2025, reflecting a 10.6% increase compared to the same period last year. Total trade turnover reached $202.5 billion, while Vietnam recorded a trade surplus of $4.67 billion in the first five months of 2025.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of Vietnam exports, focusing on top export products, major trade partners, leading exporters, shipment trends, and policy risks, using insights from Vietnam export customs data and shipment statistics.
Vietnam’s Export Growth Story: Key Drivers
The sustained rise of Vietnam exports can be attributed to several structural advantages:
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Strong foreign direct investment (FDI), especially in electronics and machinery
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Participation in multiple free trade agreements (CPTPP, EVFTA, RCEP)
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Competitive manufacturing costs
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Strategic positioning within Asia-Pacific supply chains
Today, manufacturing and processing industries account for nearly 89% of Vietnam’s total exports, while FDI-driven enterprises contribute over 72% of export value. This underscores Vietnam’s role as a global manufacturing base for electronics, apparel, footwear, and machinery.
Vietnam Exports Products: Top 10 Export Categories by HS Code
Vietnam exports a diverse basket of goods, ranging from high-tech electronics to agricultural commodities. According to Vietnam export customs data, the following are the top Vietnam exports products for 2024–25:
1. Electrical Machinery & Equipment (HS 85) – $121.7 Billion
This category dominates Vietnam exports, accounting for nearly 30% of total export value. Products include smartphones, semiconductors, displays, and electronic components, driven largely by multinational manufacturers such as Samsung and Intel.
2. Footwear (HS 64) – $25.4 Billion
Vietnam is a global footwear manufacturing hub, supplying major international brands. Footwear exports represent 6.1% of total exports, making Vietnam one of the world’s leading shoe exporters.
3. Machinery & Mechanical Appliances (HS 84) – $23.5 Billion
This segment includes engines, industrial machinery, pumps, and mechanical parts, contributing 5.7% to Vietnam exports.
4. Articles of Apparel – Knit (HS 61) – $21.2 Billion
Knitwear exports such as t-shirts, sweaters, and sportswear remain a key strength, especially to the U.S. and EU markets.
5. Articles of Apparel – Not Knit (HS 62) – $19.7 Billion
Non-knit garments, including suits and jackets, account for 4.8% of export value, reinforcing Vietnam’s role as a textile powerhouse.
6. Furniture & Bedding (HS 94) – $14.2 Billion
Vietnam has emerged as a major furniture supplier globally, especially for the U.S. and EU, supported by large-scale sourcing from global retailers.
7. Fish & Seafood (HS 03) – $9.8 Billion
Seafood exports—shrimp, fish fillets, squid—remain vital, especially to Japan, the U.S., and Europe.
8. Wood & Wood Articles (HS 44) – $6.5 Billion
Wood products and furniture components continue to grow, though future exports face scrutiny under EU deforestation regulations.
9. Coffee, Tea & Spices (HS 09) – $5.6 Billion
Vietnam is the world’s second-largest exporter of coffee, making this category a strategic agricultural export.
10. Rubber & Articles (HS 40) – $4.3 Billion
Rubber products such as tires and gloves round out the top ten export categories.
Together, these Vietnam exports products highlight the country’s balanced mix of high-tech manufacturing and traditional commodities.
Vietnam Exports by Country: Major Trade Partners
Vietnam’s export economy is supported by a broad and diversified network of global trade partners. Based on Vietnam exports by country data for 2024–25, the top destinations include:
United States – $113.9 Billion (27.5%)
The U.S. remains Vietnam’s largest export market, driven by demand for electronics, textiles, footwear, and furniture. The bilateral trade relationship is central to Vietnam exports growth.
China – $60.7 Billion (14.7%)
China imports agricultural products, electronics, and intermediate goods, making it Vietnam’s second-largest export destination.
South Korea – $28.2 Billion (6.8%)
Strong electronics and machinery trade underpins Vietnam–South Korea economic cooperation.
Japan – $26.8 Billion (6.5%)
Exports to Japan focus on technology components, automotive parts, and seafood.
European Union Markets
Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom collectively represent a major share of Vietnam exports by country, especially for textiles, furniture, and machinery.
Other key partners include Hong Kong, Thailand, and India, reflecting Vietnam’s expanding presence across Asia and Europe.
Top Vietnam Exporters: Leading Companies Driving Trade
Vietnam exports are heavily influenced by large multinational manufacturers as well as strong domestic players. According to Vietnam shipment data and exporter databases, the leading exporters include:
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Samsung Group (Vietnam) – $65 billion (electronics, smartphones)
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Intel Products Vietnam – $12.9 billion (semiconductors)
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LG Group – $8.2 billion (displays, electronic components)
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Foxconn Vietnam – $4.5 billion (electronics assembly)
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VINATEX – $800 million (textiles and garments)
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Intimex Group – $320 million (coffee exports)
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Vinamilk – $180 million (dairy products)
These firms play a central role in shaping Vietnam imports and exports, reinforcing the country’s export-led growth model.
Vietnam Shipment Data & Export Trends
Recent Vietnam shipment data highlights accelerating export momentum:
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May 2025 exports: $39.6 billion (+17% YoY)
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Jan–Feb 2025 exports: $64.27 billion (+8.4%)
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Trade surplus with the U.S.: $12.2 billion in May 2025 (+42%)
Electronics alone account for 35% of total exports, followed by textiles & footwear (18%) and machinery (10%).
Tariffs, Policy Risks & Trade Outlook
Despite strong growth, Vietnam exports face emerging challenges:
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U.S. Section 232 tariffs: 25% on steel and aluminum
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Proposed reciprocal tariffs up to 46% (currently paused)
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EU deforestation rules impacting wood exports
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Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) affecting metals
However, Vietnam continues to mitigate risks by leveraging FTAs, strengthening origin compliance, and diversifying export markets beyond the U.S.
Forward Outlook for Vietnam Exports
Looking ahead, Vietnam exports are forecast to grow 10–15% in 2025, potentially surpassing $450 billion, provided tariff risks remain contained. Key opportunities lie in:
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Electronics and middle-tech manufacturing
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Value-added agricultural processing
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Market diversification into ASEAN, Africa, and the Middle East
Vietnam’s export engine remains robust, adaptable, and strategically positioned within global trade realignments.
Conclusion
Vietnam has firmly established itself as a global export powerhouse. Supported by strong manufacturing capacity, diversified Vietnam exports products, and wide-ranging Vietnam exports by country networks, the nation continues to attract buyers and investors worldwide. While tariff uncertainties and regulatory pressures pose challenges, Vietnam’s proactive trade strategies, FTA utilization, and supply-chain resilience position it well for sustained growth.
For businesses, traders, and analysts, tracking Vietnam export customs data and Vietnam shipment data is essential to understanding emerging opportunities in one of Asia’s most dynamic trade markets.
