The “Talking” Numbers

According to statistics from the General Department of Customs, the total import and export value of goods in Vietnam in January 2025 reached 63.25 billion USD, down 10.3% compared to December 2024. Of which, the export value reached 33.19 billion USD, down 6.6%; imports reached 30.06 billion USD, down 14.1%. Despite a slight decrease compared to the previous month, the trade balance of goods in January 2025 still had a surplus of 3.13 billion USD.

Compared to the same period last year, the total import and export value of goods in the country in January 2025 decreased by 3.3%; of which, exports decreased by 4%, equivalent to a decrease of 1.37 billion USD and imports decreased by 2.6%, equivalent to a decrease of 794 million USD. However, if we look at the overall picture, we still see remarkable bright spots.

“Key Products” and “Strategic Partners”

The General Department of Customs also pointed out that, in January 2025, Vietnam had 7 groups of goods with export values of over 1 billion USD. Those are:

• Computers, electronic products and components (reaching 6.05 billion USD)
• Telephones of all kinds and components (reaching 4.93 billion USD)
• Machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts (reaching 3.86 billion USD)
• Textiles and garments (reaching 3.19 billion USD)
• Footwear of all kinds (reaching 1.9 billion USD)
• Wood and wood products (reaching 1.42 billion USD)
• Transport vehicles and spare parts (reaching 1.19 billion USD)

The export value of these 7 commodity groups reached 22.45 billion USD, accounting for 72% of the country’s total export value. This shows Vietnam’s focus and efficiency in developing key industries.

In particular, there are 6 markets/market areas of Vietnam reaching over 1 billion USD, including:

• United States (10.5 billion USD, up 4.6%)
• EU (27 countries) (4.72 billion USD, up 3.5%)
• China (3.65 billion USD, down 19.7%)
• ASEAN (2.79 billion USD, down 13.8%)
• South Korea (2.2 billion USD, down 5.5%)
• Japan (2.15 billion USD, down 3.5%)

The total export value to these 6 markets/market areas reached 26.01 billion USD, accounting for nearly 80% of the country’s total export value. This demonstrates the important role of strategic partners in Vietnam’s economic development.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite achieving encouraging results, Vietnam also faces many challenges in import and export activities. Fluctuations in the world economy, competition from other countries, and trade barriers can affect the growth momentum of exports.

However, with unremitting efforts, Vietnam is gradually affirming its position on the world trade map. Diversifying markets, improving product quality, and promoting trade will help Vietnam overcome challenges and make the most of opportunities for sustainable development.

Hopefully, this article provides you with an overview and an interesting perspective on Vietnam’s export situation in the first month of 2025.