Hanoi’s exports up 12.3% to nearly $12 billion in January-July

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi’s exports surged 12.3% year-on-year to nearly US$12 billion in January-July of 2025, according to the Hanoi Statistics Office.

Local firms exported $6.8 billion worth of goods and services to overseas markets, about 1.3 times higher than that of the foreign-invested sector, the state agency reported.

Key products, from machinery and textiles to agricultural goods, continued to expand their markets, strengthening the “Made in Vietnam” brand.

Strong performers include machinery and spare parts ($1.8 billion, up 39%), vehicles and components ($1.6 billion, up 33%) and textiles ($1.3 billion, up 7.3%). Other products accounted for $3.3 billion, up 25.6%.

The government data agency said that the use of free trade agreements, global economic recovery and innovative strategies to expand markets worldwide were major reasons behind Hanoi’s positive export result.

Vu Duc Giang, Chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association, said that textile enterprises across Hanoi have leveraged the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to expand export markets in the EU, Africa and Russia.

According to the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade, online trade promotion and e-commerce platforms have been useful models for local exporters amid global inflation challenges.

The companies have also formed partnerships with major foreign retailers like AEON, Central Retail, and MM Mega Market to strengthen trade links with key markets, including the US, Japan and the EU.

Le Anh Tuan, Deputy General Director of the Hanoi Trade Corporation, said that the company has sought new destinations and diversified its export portfolio as many overseas markets cut orders.

Today, its products are available in 80 countries and territories worldwide, he said.

“We have secured supplies by investing in raw material areas and agricultural processing plants,” Tuan added.

Building bridges for businesses

According to economists, Hanoi exporters must seek stronger business connections in addition to exploring new export destinations to boost export growth and realize the city’s growth target of 7% for 2025.

Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade Nguyen The Hiep said that the city has taken comprehensive measures to improve business competitiveness.

The measures include streamlining administrative procedures, upgrading infrastructure and intensifying trade promotion at home and abroad, he said.

Local authorities have partnered with international distribution channels, fostered cross-border e-commerce and leveraged advantages from FTAs, Hiep added.

“These efforts give Vietnamese products a ‘passport’ to enter demanding markets like Japan, the EU and the US,” the deputy director said.

Vo Nguyen Phong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade, said trade fairs and exhibitions demonstrate the city’s strong commitment to supporting businesses in diversifying markets, promoting sustainable growth, and deepening global integration.

“With Hanoi’s steadfast support in trade promotion, local enterprises can better expand their export markets while strengthening pride in the ‘Made in Vietnam’ brand,” he said while taking the Vietnam Export Brand Fair 2025, held on August 21-24 in Hanoi, as an example.

The event attracted 100 enterprises with 120 booths. These companies brought high-quality products with clear origins and defined export destinations.

Many of the products displayed at the fair were Hanoi’s key exports including rice, dried banana, coffee, fruits, sugar, tea, furniture and traditional crafts, and interior items.

The Vietnam Export Brand Fair 2025 was also a chance for participating companies to meet, connect and organize online sales sessions.

Echoing this, Dang Ngoc Phung, Director of Phung Hung Export Bamboo and Rattan Cooperative, said that around 90% of the cooperative’s products are exported.

Phung’s company was also among 100 businesses that participated in the Vietnam Export Brand Fair 2025.

“Trade fairs such as the Vietnam Export Brand Fair 2025 help us showcase products, boost sales, and connect with partners to expand export markets,” he said.