Signs of export recovery became more evident in May, with clear growth observed across various industries and businesses.

According to data from the General Department of Customs, total import-export value in May reached $78.6 billion, up 5.8 per cent or $4.33 billion more compared to April.

Of this, exports accounted for a little under $40 billion, up $2.15 billion on-month, while imports stood at just over $39 billion, up almost $2.2billion.

The garment and textile industry sector posted $15 billion in the first five months of 2025, up 12 per cent on-year

Cumulatively, by the end of May, Vietnam’s total import-export value approximated $356 billion, showing a 15.7 per cent jump or $48.2 billion on-year.

Specifically, exports exceeded $180 billion, up 14 per cent equal to more than $22 billion, while imports amounted to $175.5 billion, up 17.5 per cent equal to just over $26 billion.

One positive outcome is the sustained trade surplus of $4.67 billion, contributing to foreign currency stability, balanced exchange rates, and favourable macroeconomic indicators.

Import-export performance has maintained strong momentum across diverse localities, especially those with border gates, such as Lang Son province.

Along with this, total trade value through Lang Son’s border gates alone exceeded $33 billion, up 34 per cent on-year.

Among the 25 product categories with export revenues exceeding $1 billion, several recorded record-breaking figures. Computers, electronics, and components reached nearly $38.5 billion, up close to 40 per cent on-year.

Machinery, equipment, tools, and spare parts hit $22 billion, up 16.4 per cent on-year, while textiles and garments totalled $15 billion, up 12 per cent on-year.

This growth in key export sectors – especially consumer goods such as electronics, garment and textiles, and machinery – highlights Vietnam’s status as a trusted global manufacturing and export hub.

One encouraging sign is the resurgence in demand from China, Vietnam’s second-largest export market.

China has ramped up imports of billion-dollar product groups including electronics, footwear, fibres, and agro-aquatic products. In the first five months, exports to China rose by 3.2 per cent, reaching $23.5 billion.

To achieve the 2025 export growth target of around $50 billion, equivalent to a 12 per cent increase, Nguyen Thi Huong, director general of National Statistics Office under Ministry of Finance, proposed that regulatory agencies enhance information dissemination and support businesses in meeting new international standards.

"It is crucial to develop initiatives that assist enterprises in anti-dumping cases, improve access to capital, and adopt high-tech production methods to expand markets and boost exports," said Huong.

Meanwhile, trade promotion activities and efforts to open new markets remain a priority to relevant state management agencies.

At the end of May and early June, a delegation of more than 20 Vietnamese companies conducted a market survey and trade promotion mission in Japan.

Accompanying the delegation, Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, deputy director of Centre for Trade and Investment Promotion Support under the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (the Ministry of Industry and Trade), highlighted Vietnam’s strategic location as a gateway to Southeast Asia, its robust manufacturing sector, and over $400 billion in annual exports. These make Vietnam a favoured destination for Japanese buyers.

"Our export structures complement each other well, with minimal direct competition. Vietnam also benefits from numerous free trade agreements such as the Vietnam – Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Additionally, the presence of thousands of Japanese firms in the country further strengthens this relationship," said Thuy.

In July, the VIETRADE will lead a new delegation of over 20 Vietnamese businesses to South Korea, focusing on Seoul and Busan.

The market survey aims to help companies understand consumer preferences, technical requirements, and market demands in this Top 10 export destination, enabling more effective market entry strategies.