Vietnam's exports target US$500 billion in 2026
The vibrant trade momentum in the final months of 2025 is sending positive signals for Vietnam’s export performance in 2026, marking the beginning of a phase of selective yet steady recovery.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam is aiming to push export growth of about 8%, lifting revenue to around US$513 billion in 2026, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
"This goal is feasible, but challenging amid ongoing global uncertainties," said Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director of the Agency of Foreign Trade under the ministry.
In 2025, the country's export revenue reached more than $475 billion, a 17% increase compared to 2024 despite weak global growth and tough trading conditions in major markets.
Export cargoes at Chu Lai Port in the central city of Danang. Photo: Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper
"Vietnam is also expected to maintain a trade surplus of more than $23 billion, up 15% from 2025. Therefore, export sectors have set ambitious plans to support the goal," said Hai.
Specifically, the textile and garment industry expects a 9% on-year increase to $50 billion this year, reflecting long-term supply chain restructuring and more effective use of free trade agreements (FTAs), according to Vu Duc Giang, Chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (Vitas).
In agriculture, some product groups are approaching the $10-billion threshold. Fruit and vegetable exports reached nearly $8.6 billion in 2025, up 20% year-on-year. Exports in 2026 are projected to range from $9.5 to $10 billion.
According to Nguyen Nam Hai, Chairman of the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association (VICOFA), coffee exports hit a record US$9 billion in 2025, up 59% year-on-year.
"High global prices have encouraged reinvestment in farming and replanting with higher-quality varieties, which could lift output by 5% to 10% in 2026," said Hai.
Electronics, computers and components remained Vietnam’s largest export group, with revenue of nearly $108 billion in 2025, accounting for 23% of total exports and rising 48% year-on-year. Total electronics exports are expected to keep growing in 2026.
Vietnam’s exports enter 2026 on high note
According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thuong Lang from the Institute of International Trade and Economics under the National Economics University (NEU), Vietnam is well-positioned to reach the $500-billion export thanks to strong performance across key sectors and the country’s extensive network of free trade agreements (FTA).
"Both high-tech and traditional industries, including textiles, footwear and agro-forestry-fisheries products, have shown increasing resilience amid volatile global trade conditions," said Lang.
A surge in trade activity at the end of 2025 has set an optimistic tone for Vietnam’s export landscape in 2026, with businesses reporting steady orders, expanding markets and growing benefits from FTAs for sustainable growth.
Production line of DHA Export Garment Co., Ltd. in Hanoi. Photo: Ngoc Anh/The Hanoi Times
“FTAs are once again proving to be an effective lever for expanding market access and enhancing growth across multiple sectors,” Lang noted.
He emphasized that beyond traditional destinations, new opportunities are emerging from markets linked to FTAs and high-standard trade frameworks, mostly the halal markets that are estimated at over $2 trillion globally.
Reports from Vietnamese trade offices abroad also point to positive signals. In the Nordic region, importers are seeking Vietnamese partners to produce confectionery and processed foods under private labels, with a focus on long-term cooperation and strict compliance with EU food safety standards.
Stable orders demonstrate Vietnam's confidence
At Phuc Sinh Group, one of Vietnam’s leading agricultural exporters, business results in December 2025 were the strongest on record. General Director Phan Minh Thong said that the company's agricultural exports totaled at $460 million in 2025, including nearly $50 million in December.
The firm expects revenue to increase by 27% in 2026, supported by stable and diversified orders.
"Among the 120 countries the company exports to, pepper mainly goes to the Americas, coffee to Europe, while the Middle East prioritizes halal-certified products. This diversification helps the firm avoid overreliance on any single market and raises the value of each order," said Thong.
Other major exporters are seeing signs of recovery. At Bidrico, General Director Nguyen Dang Hien said the beverage company began 2025 with export orders to Japan for fruit juices, bird’s nest and white fungus drinks and salted lemon beverages.
“Early orders helped us maintain a steady production rhythm and reinforced Japanese partners’ confidence in our product lines. We expect continued growth throughout 2026,” said Hien.
The wood processing industry is also showing renewed resilience. According to Nguyen Liem, Chairman of the Binh Duong Furniture Association (BIFA), Vietnam’s wood products are now exported to over 160 countries and territories.
“The return of large orders under strict quality standards shows that Vietnamese manufacturers are becoming more adaptive and competitive,” said Liem.
Vietnam’s export outlook for 2026 blends cautious optimism with growing confidence, supported by strong 2025 momentum, diversified markets, wider use of FTAs and improving product quality.
With continued adaptability from businesses and timely policy support, exports are expected to surpass the $500-billion mark and advance toward more resilient, higher-value growth.
