Vietnam’s export sector is riding a wave of robust growth in 2025, with both government policy and business innovation driving a remarkable performance in the first seven months of the year. According to the latest data from the Customs Department, export turnover reached an impressive 262.44 billion USD by the end of July, marking a 14.8% increase compared to the same period last year. This figure not only surpasses the government’s full-year growth forecast of 12% but also marks the sixth consecutive month of double-digit export growth since the year began, as reported by Haiquan Online.
This upbeat trend is echoed across many sectors, but the wood industry stands out as a particularly bright spot. As noted by Haiquan Online, the industry recorded export turnover of nearly 9.6 billion USD by July’s end, an 8.1% year-on-year increase. Mr. Ngo Sy Hoai, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Timber and Forest Products Association (VIFOREST), acknowledged, “Although the growth rate has not reached the expected 10% per year, given the volatile international market, this is still an acceptable result.”
The United States remains a major destination for Vietnamese wood products, accounting for roughly half of the sector’s export turnover. In the first six months alone, exports to the US reached 4.6 billion USD, up 11.6% over the previous year. Mr. Hoai explained that this performance “reflects the significant efforts of businesses in overcoming tax barriers, especially the basic 10% tax applied to most imported goods into the US. Vietnamese enterprises have negotiated and shared risks with importers in the spirit of jointly bearing market risks.”
Vietnamese companies are not resting on their laurels. They have actively sought new opportunities by participating in international trade fairs, such as those in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, and by forging partnerships with localities to ramp up the production of high-end furniture for export. In South America, particularly Brazil, Vietnamese firms are exploring investment and joint ventures to expand the reach of Vietnamese-branded wood products throughout the region. Mr. Hoai is optimistic, stating that if these markets are effectively tapped, “the export target of 17 - 17.5 billion USD for the whole year is feasible.”
It isn’t just the wood sector that’s thriving. The broader export landscape in Vietnam is showing signs of strong recovery and even breakthrough. In the first seven months of 2025, 28 product categories achieved export values exceeding one billion USD, accounting for 91.7% of total export turnover. Among these, nine items surpassed five billion USD, representing 72.3% of the total. According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thuong Lang of the National Economics University, this robust performance is underpinned by “the growing trust of international partners and the increasing ability of Vietnamese goods to meet global standards.”
Vietnam’s ability to leverage free trade agreements (FTAs) has been a key factor in this growth. Experts note that while Vietnam has signed 17 FTAs with over 60 countries and territories, only about one-third of the available preferential treatments have been utilized so far. This leaves significant room for future expansion. The government and industry leaders are calling for more strategic investment in building Vietnamese brands, especially in manufacturing, high-tech, and artificial intelligence. In addition, over 10,000 OCOP (One Commune One Product) items rated three stars or higher could become important drivers for sustainable export growth if supported by robust production and marketing strategies.
Yet, challenges remain. Vietnamese exporters, particularly those shipping to the US, face a stiff 20% countervailing duty, forcing them to adapt quickly. A recent survey by the Private Economic Development Research Board (Board IV) found that 51.6% of exporters are seeking new markets, 34.9% of manufacturers are following suit, 20.8% are increasing localization, and 14.3% are sourcing alternative materials. Even among companies focused solely on the domestic market, 24.4% are now exploring new markets—a sign that tariff risks are being felt across the board.
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) advises businesses to make full use of FTAs such as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to diversify their export destinations. With the US accounting for just 13% of global imports, there remains a vast 87% of the world market for Vietnamese firms to target. Businesses are also urging the government to ramp up trade promotion efforts and negotiate additional FTAs with promising markets.
Industry representatives stress the importance of developing a robust domestic support industry to reduce reliance on imported materials and components. They suggest that government policies—such as credit support or temporary tax reductions—could help businesses weather current challenges. Mr. Nguyen Anh Son, Director of the Import-Export Department at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, emphasized that in light of the Party and Government’s goal of achieving 8.3-8.5% GDP growth and a 12% increase in export turnover this year, “this is both an urgent and strategic task, requiring the entire sector’s utmost focus.”
To sustain this momentum, experts recommend that businesses stay abreast of trade regulations and policies, regularly update themselves on protective measures and barriers imposed by partner countries, and maximize the benefits of FTAs to minimize legal risks. Proactively seeking out potential markets and tailoring product structures to meet specific market demands and standards will also boost export opportunities. At the same time, investments in technology upgrades, digital transformation, and improving product quality to meet international standards for safety and the environment are seen as crucial steps to enhance value and competitiveness.
Equipping businesses with knowledge of trade defense and fostering close cooperation with regulatory agencies will enable them to respond swiftly to anti-dumping, countervailing, or safeguard investigations. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has pledged continued support for the business community through market information, training, trade promotion, and institutional improvements, all aimed at helping Vietnamese goods seize integration opportunities and strengthen their global standing.
On the regulatory front, customs authorities have clarified procedures for goods exported from bonded warehouses, as detailed in the newly supplemented Decree 167/2025/ND-CP. Units are now required to monitor and report the status of goods—including quantity, expiration dates, condition, and storage location—for all shipments exported from bonded warehouses to border gates. If goods exceed their permitted storage period in Vietnam, customs will handle them according to Decree 128/2020/ND-CP on administrative sanctions. Consignees who claim goods within 90 days after expiration must complete customs procedures, pay fines, and cover any additional costs. After 90 days, unclaimed goods are managed according to regulations on abandoned property and state ownership.
Despite the obstacles, Vietnam’s export sector is demonstrating resilience and adaptability. With a strategic focus on expanding markets, enhancing quality, and leveraging government support, 2025 is shaping up to be a milestone year—one that could solidify Vietnam’s position on the global export map.
