Viet Nam Customs on December 25 held a ceremony to mark the country’s total import-export turnover surpassing 900 billion USD for the first time - the highest level ever recorded and a significant achievement in its international economic integration.

According to the agency’s estimates, total trade in 2025 reached about 920 billion USD, up 16.9% year on year. Of the total, exports were valued at 470.59 billion USD, a year-on-year increase of 15.9%, while imports amounted to 449.41 billion USD, up 18%, resulting in a trade surplus of around 21.2 billion USD. This marked the 10th consecutive year Viet Nam has recorded a trade surplus.

With this result, Viet Nam has joined the group of the world’s 25 largest trading economies. Data from the World Trade Organisation shows that Viet Nam currently ranks 21st globally in exports and 20th in imports, up 11 and 12 places, respectively, from a decade ago. In 2025, the import-export turnover of the foreign direct investment (FDI) sector was estimated to exceed 600 billion USD for the first time, reaching around 663 billion USD, accounting for 72% of Viet Nam’s total and contributed up to 99% to the overall trade growth. Meanwhile, the trade value of domestic enterprises stood at about 257 billion USD, largely unchanged from the previous year.

Viet Nam currently maintains trade relations with more than 230 countries and territories. China remained its largest trading partner in 2025, with bilateral trade estimated at 252 billion USD, followed by the United States at 170 billion USD. Together, the two markets accounted for about 46% of Viet Nam’s total trade and contributed 62% of overall growth.

According to customs data, Viet Nam’s total import-export value during the 2015-2024 period reached 5.52 trillion USD. Trade turnover rose from about 328 billion USD in 2015 to 786 billion USD in 2024, an increase of 2.4 times over a decade. The 900 billion USD threshold was officially crossed between December 22 and 26.

Previously, Viet Nam’s trade activities had successively hit major milestones, including 100 billion USD in 2007 when the country joined the WTO; 200 billion USD in 2011; 300 billion USD in 2015; 400 billion USD in 2017; 500 billion USD in 2019; 700 billion USD in 2022; and a historic 900 billion USD in 2025.

Speaking at the ceremony, Director of Viet Nam Customs Nguyen Van Tho noted that 2025 saw continued global and regional uncertainties, while domestically Viet Nam was affected by natural disasters and floods that weighed on production and business activities. Despite these challenges, the economy still recorded positive results, with the trade sector emerging as a standout.

He emphasised that surpassing the 900 billion USD mark reaffirmed Viet Nam’s position as a highly open economy with deep international integration and growing competitiveness in global trade. The achievement reflected the sound leadership of the Party, the decisive management of the Government, and the coordinated efforts of ministries, sectors and the business community.

In the coming period, the customs sector will continue to promote administrative reform, modernisation and digital transformation, strengthen risk management and anti-fraud measures, reduce inspection rates and encourage law compliance among enterprises, thereby further facilitating trade and enhancing Viet Nam’s position in global supply chains.