In recent years, Vietnam has emerged as one of the fastest-growing export-driven economies in Asia. Backed by competitive labor costs, a strategic geographic location, strong foreign direct investment (FDI), and expanding manufacturing capacity, the country has become a critical node in global supply chains. According to Vietnam export customs data, total Vietnam exports reached USD 403.2 billion in 2024, marking a 6.4% year-on-year increase and positioning Vietnam as the 21st largest exporter globally.

Momentum has continued into 2025. Based on Vietnam shipment data, exports totaled USD 102.8 billion in Q1 2025, reflecting 10.6% growth YoY, while total trade turnover reached USD 202.5 billion, up 13.7%. Vietnam also recorded a trade surplus of USD 4.67 billion in the first five months of 2025, underlining the strength of its export-led growth model.

This guest post explores Vietnam exports, focusing on top export products by HS code, Vietnam exports by country, major Vietnam trade partners, leading exporters, shipment trends, tariff risks, and the forward outlook for global buyers and suppliers using Vietnam export customs data.

Overview of Vietnam’s Export-Led Growth

Vietnam’s economic success is closely tied to manufacturing and processing activities, which accounted for 88.7% of total exports in 2024. Electronics, textiles, footwear, machinery, and agricultural products dominate outbound shipments, supported by a robust network of free trade agreements such as EVFTA, CPTPP, and RCEP.

FDI continues to play a defining role. Nearly 72% of Vietnam exports are generated by foreign-invested enterprises, particularly in electronics and high-value manufacturing. Global brands such as Samsung, Intel, LG, and Foxconn have transformed Vietnam into a regional production hub, helping the country climb global export rankings.

Vietnam’s Main Exports: Top 10 Products by HS Code

Vietnam is known for its diversified export basket, spanning high-tech electronics, labor-intensive apparel, and resource-based agricultural goods. Below are the top Vietnam exports in 2024-25, based on Vietnam export customs data:

1. Electrical Machinery & Equipment (HS 85) – USD 121.7 Billion

Accounting for 29.5% of total Vietnam exports, electrical machinery leads the export portfolio. Products include smartphones, semiconductors, displays, and electronic components, primarily driven by FDI manufacturers.

2. Footwear (HS 64) – USD 25.4 Billion

Vietnam is one of the world’s largest footwear exporters, supplying global brands across the U.S. and Europe. Footwear represents 6.1% of total exports.

3. Machinery & Mechanical Appliances (HS 84) – USD 23.5 Billion

This category includes engines, pumps, and industrial equipment, contributing 5.7% to total export value.

4. Apparel (Knit) (HS 61) – USD 21.2 Billion

Knit garments such as T-shirts and sweaters remain a cornerstone of Vietnam’s textile exports.

5. Apparel (Not Knit) (HS 62) – USD 19.7 Billion

Non-knit apparel like suits and jackets further strengthens Vietnam’s dominance in global clothing supply chains.

6. Furniture & Bedding (HS 94) – USD 14.2 Billion

Vietnam has become a key furniture sourcing destination, especially for U.S. and EU buyers.

7. Fish & Seafood (HS 03) – USD 9.8 Billion

Shrimp, fish fillets, and squid exports make Vietnam a major seafood supplier worldwide.

8. Wood & Wood Articles (HS 44) – USD 6.5 Billion

Wood products and plywood exports continue to grow, though they face new EU environmental compliance rules.

9. Coffee, Tea & Spices (HS 09) – USD 5.6 Billion

Vietnam remains the world’s second-largest coffee exporter, with strong demand from Europe and the U.S.

10. Rubber & Articles (HS 40) – USD 4.3 Billion

Rubber products, including tires and industrial items, complete the top ten list.

Together, these categories highlight the structural strength and diversity of Vietnam exports, balancing high-tech manufacturing with traditional commodities.

Vietnam Exports by Country: Major Trade Partners

A key driver of Vietnam’s export resilience is its diversified destination markets. Vietnam exports by country data shows strong demand across North America, Asia, and Europe.

Top Vietnam Trade Partners (2024-25)

1. United States – USD 113.9 Billion (27.5%)
   The U.S. is Vietnam’s largest export destination, importing electronics, textiles, furniture, and seafood.

2. China – USD 60.7 Billion (14.7%)
   China remains a vital partner for agricultural goods, machinery, and intermediate components.

3. South Korea – USD 28.2 Billion (6.8%)
   Strong electronics and industrial trade ties support bilateral growth.

4. Japan – USD 26.8 Billion (6.5%)
   Exports include automotive parts, machinery, and seafood.

5. Hong Kong – USD 20.1 Billion (4.9%)
   Acts as a re-export and logistics hub for Asian markets.

6. Germany – USD 14.7 Billion (3.6%)
   Key EU market for machinery, electronics, and textiles.

7. Netherlands – USD 10.3 Billion (2.5%)
   A strategic EU gateway for Vietnamese exports.

8. United Kingdom – USD 9.2 Billion (2.2%)

9. Thailand – USD 8.8 Billion (2.1%)

10. India – USD 7.5 Billion (1.8%)

These figures reinforce the importance of diversified Vietnam trade partners, reducing over-reliance on any single market.

Top Vietnam Exporters: Leading Companies

According to Vietnam export customs data, several multinational and domestic firms dominate export activity:

• Samsung Group (Vietnam) – USD 65B (Electronics)

• Intel Products Vietnam – USD 12.9B (Semiconductors)

• LG Group – USD 8.2B (Displays & components)

• Foxconn Vietnam – USD 4.5B (Electronics assembly)

• VINATEX – USD 800M (Textiles & garments)

• Intimex Group – USD 320M (Coffee exports)

FDI-driven exporters account for the bulk of high-value shipments, while local firms remain strong in agriculture and textiles.

Vietnam Imports and Exports: Shipment & Trend Analysis

Vietnam’s trade performance over the last decade highlights a clear upward trajectory:

• 2014 exports: USD 150.2B

• 2024 exports: USD 403.2B

• Q1 2025 exports: USD 102.8B

In 2025, export shipments surged ahead of potential tariff actions, particularly to the U.S., where trade surplus reached USD 12.2B in May 2025, up 42% YoY. Manufacturing continues to dominate, while agricultural exports remain critical for diversification.

Tariff Risks and Policy Impacts

Despite strong growth, Vietnam exports face policy-driven risks:

• U.S. Section 232 tariffs:

  • Steel: 25%

  • Aluminum: 25% (Feb 2025)

• Proposed “reciprocal tariffs” of up to 46% on Vietnamese goods were paused, creating short-term export volatility.

Buyers and suppliers increasingly rely on Vietnam export customs data to monitor compliance, origin traceability, and cost fluctuations.

Insights for Global Buyers & Suppliers

For Buyers:

• Expect price volatility in steel, coffee, and pepper.

• Lock long-term contracts for textiles and furniture.

• Leverage FTAs to reduce landed costs.

For Suppliers:

• Strengthen documentation and origin compliance.

• Diversify beyond the U.S. into EU, ASEAN, and Africa.

• Invest in value-added manufacturing to remain competitive.

Forward Outlook for Vietnam Exports

Looking ahead, Vietnam exports are projected to grow 10–15% in 2025, potentially exceeding USD 450 billion, barring major tariff shocks. Vietnam’s role in global supply-chain diversification—especially amid U.S.–China decoupling—positions it as a long-term trade beneficiary.

However, environmental regulations (EU CBAM, deforestation rules) and geopolitical tensions will increasingly shape Vietnam imports and exports strategies.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s export engine—powered by electronics, textiles, footwear, and agriculture—continues to show remarkable resilience. With diversified Vietnam trade partners, strong FDI inflows, and expanding global demand, the country has firmly established itself as a global export powerhouse. For importers, exporters, and analysts, leveraging accurate Vietnam export customs data is essential to navigate risks and unlock new opportunities in 2025 and beyond.