Vietnam’s economy has been making waves on the international stage, and the latest figures from the nation’s Customs Department only reinforce that story. Despite a slight month-on-month dip in October 2025, Vietnam’s trade numbers for the year so far are nothing short of impressive, with a robust trade surplus, surging import-export turnover, and a notable uptick in state budget revenues. But that’s not all—behind the scenes, customs authorities have also been busy tackling smuggling and drug trafficking, adding another layer to the country’s economic narrative.
According to data released by the Customs Department on November 11, 2025, Vietnam’s total export turnover in October reached $42.05 billion, while imports stood at $39.44 billion. This brought the month’s total import-export turnover to $81.49 billion. While that figure represents a 1.2% decrease compared to September (about $1 billion less), the country still managed to post a trade surplus of $2.6 billion for the month. That’s no small feat, especially given the complex global economic environment that’s left many nations grappling with deficits or stagnation.
Zooming out to the broader picture, the first 10 months of 2025 have been a period of substantial growth for Vietnam’s trade sector. Export turnover from January through October reached nearly $391 billion, an increase of 16.2% (or $54.56 billion) compared to the same period in 2024. Imports for the same stretch totaled $371.44 billion, marking an 18.6% rise (or almost $58.18 billion) year-over-year. All told, the country’s total import-export turnover during these 10 months soared to $762.44 billion, up 17.4% or $112.74 billion from the previous year, as reported by both baolaocai.vn and PLVN.
This surge in trade activity has translated into a healthy trade surplus for Vietnam. The trade balance for the first 10 months of 2025 stood at $19.56 billion, a figure that underscores the nation’s growing prowess as an export powerhouse. The Customs Department highlighted this achievement, noting that even with imports rising sharply, exports have kept pace, ensuring that the country remains firmly in the black.
One might ask: what’s driving this surge in trade? While the official reports don’t break down the specifics by sector, Vietnam’s export machine is typically powered by electronics, textiles, footwear, and agricultural products. The country’s ability to maintain double-digit growth in both exports and imports suggests that its manufacturing sector is humming along and that domestic demand for foreign goods is also on the rise. It’s a delicate balancing act, but for now, Vietnam appears to be pulling it off.
State budget revenues have also benefited from this boom. In October 2025 alone, revenue from import-export activities reached 41,564 billion VND, a 10% increase compared to the previous month—equivalent to an additional 3,770 billion VND. For the first 10 months of the year, cumulative state budget revenue from these activities hit 379,816 billion VND. That’s 92.4% of the assigned estimate and 80.8% of the first phase expenditure, representing a 9.3% increase (or 32,384 billion VND) over the same period in 2024, according to the Customs Department’s November announcement. These figures are more than just numbers; they reflect the government’s ability to fund infrastructure, social programs, and other priorities that underpin Vietnam’s ongoing development.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. The Customs Department’s report also shines a light on the less glamorous—but equally important—side of trade: enforcement. From September 15 to October 14, 2025, customs officials detected and handled 1,793 cases of commercial fraud and smuggling, a slight increase (1.01%) compared to the same period last year. The value of goods involved was estimated at 1,856 billion VND, with state budget revenue from these enforcement actions totaling about 46.1 billion VND. Over a longer stretch—from December 15, 2024, to October 14, 2025—the department dealt with a staggering 15,121 cases, involving goods valued at 19,551 billion VND and contributing 710.33 billion VND to the state coffers.
Drug trafficking remains another serious challenge. During the month-long period from mid-September to mid-October, customs authorities, often in coordination with police and border forces, detected and seized 13 drug cases involving 24.94 kilograms of various narcotics. This haul included 13.39 kg of heroin, 9.55 kg of ketamine, and 2 kg of synthetic drugs. Looking at the broader period from December 2024 to October 2025, authorities uncovered 165 drug cases involving approximately 2,326 kilograms of narcotics—ranging from heroin and ketamine to cannabis, cocaine, and a variety of synthetic substances. Customs initiated prosecution in 16 cases and transferred 100 others to relevant agencies for further action.
These enforcement efforts are a reminder that Vietnam’s trade success isn’t just about moving goods across borders—it’s also about ensuring those flows are legal, safe, and beneficial to society. The Customs Department’s vigilance, whether in combating smuggling or drug trafficking, plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the country’s trade system and protecting public health and safety.
Still, the overall mood is one of cautious optimism. The slight decrease in October’s trade turnover—a 1.2% dip compared to September—hasn’t dampened the broader trend of growth. In fact, officials and analysts alike see the sustained trade surplus and rising state revenues as evidence of Vietnam’s resilience and adaptability in a rapidly shifting global landscape. The country’s ability to weather external shocks, maintain robust export growth, and keep its fiscal house in order is drawing attention from investors and policymakers across the region.
Of course, challenges remain. The fight against smuggling and drug trafficking is ongoing, and the government will need to stay vigilant to ensure that the benefits of trade are not undermined by illicit activities. Additionally, as Vietnam’s economy becomes more deeply integrated into global supply chains, it will have to navigate risks ranging from geopolitical tensions to shifting consumer demands and technological change.
But for now, the numbers tell a compelling story: Vietnam is on a roll. With strong trade growth, a healthy surplus, rising revenues, and a proactive approach to enforcement, the country is positioning itself as a key player in the global economy—one that’s worth watching in the months and years ahead.
