Vietnam’s export sector is making headlines once again, and for good reason. As of mid-August 2025, the nation’s total export turnover reached a staggering 282.61 billion USD, a leap of over 15% from the same period last year, according to data published by Hai Quan Online. That’s nearly 37 billion USD more in the national coffers, a testament to the country’s resilience and adaptability in a world still rife with economic uncertainty and shifting trade policies.
Seven key export groups each raked in over 10 billion USD by August 15, 2025, a milestone that signals both breadth and depth in Vietnam’s export portfolio. Notably, two new groups joined the ten-billion-dollar club: transport vehicles and accessories, and wood and wood products. From August 1 to 15 alone, transport vehicles and accessories generated nearly 700 million USD, bringing the year-to-date total to over 10.6 billion USD—an impressive 14.04% jump from last year. Wood and wood products, too, saw robust performance, with 720 million USD in just the first half of August, totaling 10.37 billion USD for the year so far, up 8.26% year-on-year.
But the real star of the show remains computers, electronic products, and components. This sector continues to dominate, with nearly 4.6 billion USD in export turnover in the first half of August and a cumulative 61.32 billion USD since January. That’s a whopping 42.6% increase compared to 2024—translating to an additional 18.3 billion USD. Phones and accessories held steady as the second-largest export group, with nearly 35 billion USD by mid-August, though growth here was modest at just 0.37%. Machinery, equipment, and other accessories followed closely, reaching 34.65 billion USD, a 14.86% increase over the previous year.
Textiles and garments, a staple of Vietnam’s export landscape, took the fourth spot with 24.45 billion USD, up 10.13%. Footwear, another traditional strength, rounded out the top five with over 15 billion USD, up 8.33%. Across the board, most key export groups reported positive growth, especially in technology-driven sectors—a reflection of Vietnam’s ongoing transition toward higher-value manufacturing.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises continue to play a pivotal role, especially in those high-tech sectors. According to Hai Quan Online, FDI firms maintain a significant advantage in computers, phones, and machinery exports, underscoring the importance of international capital and expertise in propelling Vietnam’s export engine forward.
On the global stage, the United States remains Vietnam’s largest export partner, with total export turnover hitting 85.1 billion USD. Other major markets include China (35 billion USD), South Korea (16.3 billion USD), and Japan (15.1 billion USD). Vietnam’s export reach extends even further, with ASEAN, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, India, and Germany also serving as important destinations. This diversification isn’t just a point of pride—it’s a strategic buffer against the risks of overdependence on any single market, especially in an era of mounting trade tensions and shifting tariffs.
Amid this broader export surge, one industry’s story stands out for its resilience and adaptability: pangasius fish, or Vietnamese catfish. As of August 22, 2025, the export turnover for pangasius surpassed 1.2 billion USD, marking an 11% increase over the same period last year, according to Dan Viet. This growth comes in spite of a turbulent international landscape, with shifting policies and consumer demand creating both headwinds and opportunities.
China and Hong Kong remain the top importers of Vietnamese pangasius, accounting for nearly 25% of total exports. However, by the end of July, exports to these markets had dipped by 4% to 302 million USD, with a further 3% drop in July alone. The slowdown, particularly in frozen whole and fillet segments, reflects a cooling of demand and inventory adjustments—a reminder that even strong markets aren’t immune to volatility.
In contrast, the CPTPP bloc has emerged as a bright spot. Exports to CPTPP countries reached 208 million USD in the first seven months of 2025, a 34% surge fueled by tax incentives and steady consumer demand in Canada, Malaysia, and parts of Latin America. The US market, too, showed a respectable 8% growth, with 206 million USD in pangasius imports over the same period. However, July saw a slight dip, with exports to the US falling by 0.3% to 31 million USD. The looming specter of new US import taxes, expected to take effect August 1, is casting a long shadow over the industry’s outlook for the rest of the year.
Brazil tells a story of both promise and peril. Pangasius exports to this South American giant soared by 64% to 106 million USD in the first seven months of 2025. Yet, Brazil faces a potential indirect hit from a new 50% US tax on certain goods, should white fish be included in the affected categories. Meanwhile, the European Union remains a stable destination, with pangasius exports reaching 104 million USD by July’s end—a 5% increase—driven by robust demand in Spain, Belgium, Italy, and France, which offset declines in Germany and the Netherlands.
Frozen pangasius fillets continue to be the backbone of Vietnam’s fish exports, earning 976 million USD in the first seven months, an 11% year-on-year rise. There’s also a notable shift toward higher-value products: processed pangasius under HS16 codes brought in 30 million USD, up 41%. This pivot to value-added goods helps mitigate risks from raw material price swings and tariff changes, while meeting stricter market requirements.
Looking ahead, the road is anything but smooth. The Vietnamese pangasius industry faces simultaneous opportunities and challenges. The anticipated 20% US import tax, if implemented, could significantly drive up costs and squeeze margins—especially if China’s market remains sluggish. Companies may be forced to look further afield, expanding exports to ASEAN, South America, and the Middle East to offset potential losses.
Still, there’s reason for cautious optimism. The EU and CPTPP markets are expected to remain stable, thanks to free trade agreements and steady purchasing power. The new US tax policy serves as a wake-up call about the dangers of relying too heavily on a single market. But with proactive strategies and savvy negotiations, industry leaders believe Vietnam can maintain its growth trajectory and hit its 2025 export targets.
Vietnam’s export story in 2025 is one of adaptability and ambition. From high-tech electronics to humble pangasius, the nation’s exporters are navigating a complex global landscape with grit and ingenuity. If current trends hold—and if policymakers and businesses continue to anticipate and adapt to changing tides—Vietnam’s place on the world trade stage seems secure for the foreseeable future.
