Over the past decade, Vietnam has transformed into one of Asia’s most dynamic and export-driven economies. Supported by a strategic geographic location, competitive labor costs, strong foreign direct investment (FDI), and proactive trade policies, the country has steadily strengthened its role in global commerce. Today, Vietnam stands as a critical manufacturing and export hub connecting Asia with North America, Europe, and emerging markets.
According to Vietnam export customs data, the total value of Vietnam’s exports reached USD 403.2 billion in 2024, reflecting a 6.4% year-on-year growth. This performance positioned Vietnam as the 21st largest exporter globally, highlighting its expanding influence in international trade. Early indicators for 2025 show even stronger momentum. Based on Vietnam shipment data, exports totaled USD 102.8 billion in Q1 2025, up 10.6% YoY, while total trade turnover reached USD 202.5 billion, registering 13.7% growth.
This article provides a detailed overview of Vietnam exports, covering the country’s top export products by HS code, major trade destinations, leading exporters, shipment trends, and the forward outlook for 2025 and beyond.
Overview of Vietnam Imports and Exports
Vietnam’s economic growth is closely tied to its external trade performance. Manufacturing and processing industries account for nearly 89% of total exports, driven largely by electronics, machinery, textiles, and footwear. FDI enterprises dominate export activity, contributing over 72% of export value, while domestic firms are steadily moving up the value chain.
The consistent expansion of Vietnam imports and exports reflects deeper integration into global supply chains, supported by free trade agreements such as CPTPP, EVFTA, and RCEP. These agreements have significantly reduced tariff barriers and enhanced Vietnam’s competitiveness in global markets.
Vietnam’s Main Exports: Top 10 Products by HS Code
Vietnam’s export basket is diverse, spanning high-tech manufacturing, labor-intensive industries, and agricultural commodities. According to official Vietnam export customs data, the top export categories for 2024–25 are as follows:
1. Electrical Machinery & Equipment (HS Code 85) – USD 121.7 Billion
Electrical machinery is Vietnam’s largest export, accounting for nearly 30% of total export value. This category includes smartphones, semiconductors, consumer electronics, and components, driven by multinational manufacturers such as Samsung, Intel, and LG.
2. Footwear (HS Code 64) – USD 25.4 Billion
Vietnam is one of the world’s leading footwear suppliers, exporting athletic shoes, leather footwear, and sandals primarily to the U.S. and EU markets.
3. Machinery & Mechanical Appliances (HS Code 84) – USD 23.5 Billion
This category includes engines, pumps, industrial machinery, and agricultural equipment, reflecting Vietnam’s growing capabilities in mechanical manufacturing.
4. Apparel (Knit) (HS Code 61) – USD 21.2 Billion
Knit garments such as T-shirts, sweaters, and underwear remain a strong contributor to Vietnam exports, supported by cost efficiency and large-scale production capacity.
5. Apparel (Non-Knit) (HS Code 62) – USD 19.7 Billion
Non-knit apparel, including suits, jackets, and trousers, continues to attract strong demand from Western markets.
6. Furniture & Bedding (HS Code 94) – USD 14.2 Billion
Vietnam has become a major global furniture supplier, with brands like IKEA sourcing extensively from the country.
7. Fish & Seafood (HS Code 03) – USD 9.8 Billion
Shrimp, fish fillets, and squid dominate seafood exports, particularly to the U.S., EU, and Japan.
8. Wood & Wood Articles (HS Code 44) – USD 6.5 Billion
Wooden furniture, plywood, and panels form a key part of Vietnam’s manufacturing exports.
9. Coffee, Tea & Spices (HS Code 09) – USD 5.6 Billion
Vietnam is the world’s second-largest exporter of coffee, making this one of its most globally recognized agricultural exports.
10. Rubber & Rubber Articles (HS Code 40) – USD 4.3 Billion
This includes tires, gloves, and industrial rubber products.
Together, these categories define Vietnam’s largest export sectors, demonstrating the country’s balance between high-value manufacturing and traditional commodities.
Vietnam Exports by Country: Major Trade Destinations
Vietnam’s export success is closely linked to its diversified global markets. An analysis of Vietnam exports by country highlights strong demand across North America, Asia, and Europe.
Top Vietnam Trade Partners (2024–25)
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United States – USD 113.9 Billion (27.5%)
The U.S. is Vietnam’s largest export destination, importing electronics, textiles, furniture, and seafood. -
China – USD 60.7 Billion (14.7%)
China remains a vital partner, particularly for electronics, machinery, and agricultural products. -
South Korea – USD 28.2 Billion (6.8%)
Strong electronics and industrial trade underpins bilateral exports. -
Japan – USD 26.8 Billion (6.5%)
Japan imports technology components, seafood, and automotive parts from Vietnam. -
Hong Kong – USD 20.1 Billion (4.9%)
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Germany – USD 14.7 Billion (3.6%)
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Netherlands – USD 10.3 Billion (2.5%)
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United Kingdom – USD 9.2 Billion (2.2%)
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Thailand – USD 8.8 Billion (2.1%)
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India – USD 7.5 Billion (1.8%)
These figures confirm the strategic importance of Vietnam trade partners in sustaining export growth and reducing market dependency risks.
Leading Exporters in Vietnam
Vietnam’s export ecosystem is driven by a mix of multinational corporations and strong domestic enterprises. According to exporter databases:
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Samsung Group (Vietnam) leads with approximately USD 65 billion in exports, primarily electronics.
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Intel Products Vietnam exports semiconductors valued at nearly USD 12.9 billion.
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LG Group, Foxconn Vietnam, and Hanyang Digitech Vina contribute significantly to electronics and component exports.
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Domestic firms like VINATEX, Intimex Group, and Vinamilk represent Vietnam’s strengths in textiles, coffee, and dairy products.
These companies collectively shape the global footprint of Vietnam exports.
Vietnam Shipment Data & Export Trends
Recent Vietnam shipment data indicates accelerated export activity in 2025:
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Jan–Feb 2025 exports: USD 64.27 billion (+8.4% YoY)
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May 2025 exports: USD 39.6 billion (+17% YoY)
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Trade surplus with the U.S.: USD 12.2 billion in May 2025
Manufacturing continues to dominate shipments, while agriculture and wood products maintain steady growth.
Policy Impacts and Trade Risks
Tariff developments, especially U.S. Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, have introduced volatility. Proposed reciprocal tariffs briefly accelerated shipments as exporters front-loaded orders. Despite these challenges, Vietnam’s extensive FTA network provides a buffer, reinforcing its long-term export competitiveness.
Outlook for Vietnam Exports in 2025
Analysts forecast 10–15% export growth in 2025, potentially pushing total exports beyond USD 450 billion, assuming stable trade policies. Continued supply-chain diversification away from China further strengthens Vietnam’s role as a global manufacturing hub.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s rise as a global export powerhouse is underpinned by strong manufacturing capacity, diversified markets, and strategic trade agreements. From electronics and apparel to agriculture and furniture, Vietnam exports continue to expand across sectors and destinations. As global supply chains evolve, Vietnam’s adaptability and market access position it for sustained growth.
For businesses seeking insights into Vietnam exports by country, Vietnam export customs data, or Vietnam shipment data, detailed trade intelligence remains essential. With the right data-driven strategies, buyers and suppliers alike can unlock significant opportunities in Vietnam’s fast-growing trade landscape.
