Opportunities and Challenges for Goods Export in 2025

In 2025, Vietnam aims for a 10–12% increase in goods export turnover compared to 2024. According to many experts, exports in 2025 will face intertwined advantages and challenges.

Textile and garment exports in 2025 are forecast to grow higher than in 2024.

Opportunities intertwined with major challenges

In 2025, to contribute to the high GDP growth target of 8%, the Ministry of Industry and Trade sets a target of a 12% increase in exports compared to 2024. Sharing the difficulties and challenges facing export activities in 2025, Mr. Luong Hoang Thai, Director of the Multilateral Trade Policy Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade, said that Vietnam is one of the countries benefiting the most from global integration trends. Especially in the recent period, when the global supply chain is shifting, this is an opportunity for Vietnam to capture trends such as digital transformation, green transition… These are also trends that Vietnam has grasped well in recent times.

In addition, free trade agreements (FTAs) that Vietnam has signed, especially the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the Vietnam – EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and the CPTPP Agreement, have been and are proving effective in expanding export markets and reducing tariff barriers. These FTAs not only boost exports but also create opportunities for Vietnam to increase the import of technology and modern production equipment from partner countries.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuong Lang, Lecturer at the National Economics University, the export foundation from 2024, especially the signing and implementation of many FTAs, will be a strong driving force for 2025.

In addition to taking advantage of FTAs, in recent times, improving logistics infrastructure and applying technology in import and export continue to be an important factor in reducing costs and improving trade efficiency. Vietnamese businesses are increasingly applying digital technology in warehouse management, transportation, and customs procedures. From there, efficiency is improved and clearance times are shortened, increasing the effectiveness of import and export activities.

However, according to many experts, in the context of many unpredictable variables affecting import-export activities, the 12% export growth target is a challenge — on average, exports must increase by USD 4 billion per month compared to the monthly average of 2024.

Highlighting some impacts on export activities in 2025, Mr. Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), said that the crisis in the Middle East has been affecting global and Vietnamese cargo transportation; trade protectionism trends are rising; and developed markets like the EU are introducing new requirements for sustainable development...

In that trend, Vietnam is among the countries with the highest economic openness, heavily reliant on international trade and investment, which sets challenges for the Vietnamese economy in 2025. Especially as Vietnam integrates by complying with global “rules of the game,” with the foundation being its WTO participation — applying a common set of rules to all countries — these are challenges that exporting businesses must overcome.

High growth target, but still achievable

Many businesses are also setting optimistic export targets for 2025. For example, in 2025, the leather and footwear industry targets a 10% increase in exports compared to 2024, reaching a turnover of about USD 29 billion. According to Ms. Phan Thi Thanh Xuan, Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association, to achieve this goal, in the coming time, the leather and footwear industry will continue focusing on exporting to existing and easier markets like Africa and Asia to gain suitable customer segments and increase revenue...

After that, it will gradually apply higher standards such as green production, green products to conquer more demanding markets such as: Japan, Europe, the US… Businesses are also initially approaching large e-commerce platforms such as: Alibaba, Amazon… to open more sales channels. Currently, some large enterprises have signed contracts extending to mid-2025.

Mr. Cao Huu Hieu, General Director of the Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group, said that Vietnam’s textile and garment exports next year could reach USD 45.5–46 billion, an increase of 5–6% compared to USD 43.5 billion this year.

Mr. Nguyen Anh Son, Director of the Import-Export Department, stated that in 2025, goods exports will continue to face unpredictable global fluctuations. However, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has been striving to create favorable conditions for businesses, and at the same time advising the Ministry’s leadership to complete legal documents in a way that facilitates enterprises’ import-export activities.

Representatives of the Import-Export Department believe that the Industry and Trade sector needs a synchronized implementation of solutions from ministries, sectors, localities, and the participation of the import-export business community. This includes focusing on supporting businesses to utilize commitments in FTAs to boost exports, through promoting rules of origin and issuing certificates of origin, opportunities, and how to take advantage of FTAs; enhancing market information dissemination via digital platforms to localities, industry associations, and enterprises; supporting businesses in overcoming new trade barriers in importing markets.

According to Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will continue to promptly provide information to industry associations and enterprises on export market developments to timely adjust production plans, especially regarding policy changes in major markets such as the US and China.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will also continue to regularly maintain trade promotion briefing conferences with the system of Vietnam Trade Offices abroad. Vietnam’s trade offices abroad continuously update information on the foreign market situation, regulations, standards, and conditions that may affect Vietnam’s import-export activities and provide recommendations to localities, associations, and import-export enterprises.

Source: According to Thu Trang/ Bao Tin Tuc
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