Vietnamese exports soar despite global tariff pressure

THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam’s exports rose 13% year-on-year to US$140.3 billion in the first four months of 2025, delivering a trade surplus of nearly US$3.8 billion, according to Finance Minister Nguyen Van Thang.

Speaking at the government’s monthly meeting on May 6, Thang noted that the country’s socio-economic indicators remained positive through April, despite external uncertainties and ongoing structural reforms aimed at long-term growth.

Of the total exports, domestic enterprises contributed 29%, up 18% year-on-year. 

During the period, 22 product categories surpassed the $1 billion export mark, accounting for 88% of the total export value. Among them, seven categories exceeded $5 billion, making up 67%.

As for the structure of exports, processed industrial products accounted for $123.7 billion or 88% of the total. Agricultural and forestry products accounted for $12.4 billion or 8.8%, seafood for $3.2 billion or 2.3%, and fuels and minerals for $1 billion or 0.7%.

The import value for the first four months hit US$136.5 billion, up 18.6% year on year. Twenty-five product categories recorded import value over US$1 billion, which made up 84.2% of total imports, while two exceeded US$5 billion, accounting for 44.3%.

Minister Thang noted that in April, the US reciprocal tariff measures affected global business sentiment and economic momentum. In response, Vietnam has acted proactively and strengthened engagement at all levels with the US side, including Party General Secretary To Lam's telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump.

Over the past time, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired 11 meetings on tariff negotiations, helping Vietnam become one of only six countries prioritized by the US for trade talks out of some 100 economies.

As a result, Vietnam's economy continued to grow in April, with stabilized macro-economy, inflation under control, and key economic balances maintained.

To get ready for the next changes, the Ministry of Finance urged ministries and National Assembly agencies for proposals and law amendments at the upcoming 9th session of the National Assembly and guidance for newly adopted laws. At the same time, it's necessary to improve investment climate, accelerate domestic investment and consumption, and emerging sectors

In addition, it requires more focus on restructuring administrative units and developing two-tier local government.

Minister Nguyen Van Thang said Vietnam will push forward trade negotiations with the US, strengthen anti-counterfeiting efforts, promote exports, and pursue balanced and sustainable trade development with international partners. Meanwhile, it   continues maintaining macroeconomic stability and fostering cultural and social development.