Over the past decade, Vietnam has transformed into one of Asia’s most dynamic export-driven economies. Supported by competitive labor costs, strong foreign direct investment (FDI), strategic free trade agreements, and an increasingly sophisticated manufacturing base, Vietnam has steadily climbed the global trade rankings. According to Vietnam export customs data, the country recorded total exports worth USD 403.2 billion in 2024, reflecting a 6.4% year-on-year increase. This performance positioned Vietnam as the 21st largest exporter globally, highlighting its growing importance in international supply chains.
Momentum continued into 2025. As per Vietnam shipment data, exports reached USD 102.8 billion in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 10.6% increase compared to the same period last year. Total trade turnover for Q1 2025 stood at USD 202.5 billion, with year-on-year growth of 13.7%, while Vietnam posted a trade surplus of USD 4.67 billion in the first five months of the year. These figures reinforce how Vietnam exports remain resilient despite global uncertainty, tariffs, and geopolitical shifts.
This guest post explores Vietnam main exports, top HS-code categories, major export destinations, leading exporters, and shipment trends shaping Vietnam’s trade outlook in 2025.
Vietnam’s Export Structure: A Manufacturing-Led Growth Story
Vietnam exports are driven predominantly by manufacturing and processing activities, which account for nearly 89% of total export value. Electronics, textiles, machinery, and footwear continue to dominate, supported by large multinational corporations such as Samsung, Intel, LG, and Foxconn.
FDI-backed enterprises play a crucial role, contributing over 72% of export value, while domestic companies steadily expand their presence in agriculture, food processing, furniture, and textiles. According to Vietnam export customs data, the diversification of products and markets has helped the country maintain export growth even amid tariff risks and slowing global demand.
Vietnam Main Exports: Top 10 Products by HS Code
Vietnam’s export basket is broad, spanning high-tech electronics to traditional agricultural goods. Based on Vietnam export statistics for 2024–25, the following products represent the top Vietnam main exports:
1. Electrical Machinery & Equipment (HS 85) – USD 121.7 Billion
Electrical machinery is Vietnam’s largest export category, accounting for 29.5% of total exports. Products include smartphones, integrated circuits, consumer electronics, and telecom equipment. This segment clearly represents Vietnam largest export, driven by Samsung’s manufacturing ecosystem and supporting suppliers.
2. Footwear (HS 64) – USD 25.4 Billion
Vietnam is a global footwear powerhouse, supplying major brands worldwide. Footwear contributes 6.1% of total exports, supported by cost efficiency and strong compliance standards.
3. Machinery & Mechanical Appliances (HS 84) – USD 23.5 Billion
This category includes industrial machinery, engines, pumps, and agricultural equipment, reflecting Vietnam’s move toward higher-value manufacturing.
4. Apparel – Knit (HS 61) – USD 21.2 Billion
Knit garments such as T-shirts, sportswear, and innerwear remain strong performers, benefiting from CPTPP and EVFTA preferences.
5. Apparel – Not Knit (HS 62) – USD 19.7 Billion
Formalwear, jackets, and woven garments form another major apparel segment, keeping textiles among Vietnam main exports.
6. Furniture & Bedding (HS 94) – USD 14.2 Billion
Vietnam has become a global furniture hub, supplying major retailers in the US and EU with wooden and upholstered products.
7. Fish & Seafood (HS 03) – USD 9.8 Billion
Shrimp, fish fillets, and squid drive seafood exports, particularly to the US, Japan, and EU.
8. Wood & Wood Articles (HS 44) – USD 6.5 Billion
This sector supports both furniture exports and semi-processed wood products, though it faces future compliance challenges under EU deforestation regulations.
9. Coffee, Tea & Spices (HS 09) – USD 5.6 Billion
Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter, making this category strategically important for agricultural trade.
10. Rubber & Rubber Articles (HS 40) – USD 4.3 Billion
Tires, gloves, and industrial rubber products round out the top ten.
Together, these categories underline the strength and diversity of Vietnam exports, balancing industrial scale with agricultural specialization.
Vietnam Exports by Country: Top Trade Partners
A key strength of Vietnam exports by country is market diversification. While the United States remains the largest destination, exports are well distributed across Asia and Europe.
1. United States – USD 113.9 Billion (27.5%)
The US is Vietnam’s biggest export market, driven by electronics, textiles, footwear, furniture, and seafood. Trade surplus with the US surged in 2025, reflecting strong consumer demand.
2. China – USD 60.7 Billion (14.7%)
China is both a major export destination and a critical supply-chain partner. Vietnam exports agricultural goods, electronics, and intermediate components to China.
3. South Korea – USD 28.2 Billion (6.8%)
Strong electronics and machinery trade define this partnership, supported by Korean FDI in Vietnam.
4. Japan – USD 26.8 Billion (6.5%)
Exports to Japan focus on automotive parts, machinery, seafood, and electronics.
5. Hong Kong – USD 20.1 Billion (4.9%)
Hong Kong acts as a re-export hub, especially for textiles and electronics.
6. Germany – USD 14.7 Billion (3.6%)
Germany leads Vietnam’s EU exports, particularly machinery and electronics.
7. Netherlands – USD 10.3 Billion (2.5%)
A logistics gateway for Europe, importing textiles, agriculture, and machinery.
8. United Kingdom – USD 9.2 Billion (2.2%)
UK demand remains strong for apparel, footwear, and electronics.
9. Thailand – USD 8.8 Billion (2.1%)
Regional ASEAN trade supports machinery and agri-products.
10. India – USD 7.5 Billion (1.8%)
Exports to India include textiles, agricultural goods, and chemicals.
This balanced structure makes Vietnam exports by country less vulnerable to single-market shocks.
Leading Exporters Powering Vietnam’s Trade Growth
Large multinational manufacturers anchor Vietnam’s export ecosystem. According to Vietnam exporters data:
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Samsung Group (Vietnam) – USD 65 billion
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Intel Products Vietnam – USD 12.9 billion
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LG Group – USD 8.2 billion
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NatSteelVina – USD 8 billion
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Foxconn Vietnam – USD 4.5 billion
Domestic firms such as VINATEX, Intimex Group, and Vinamilk also play vital roles in textiles, coffee, and food exports, strengthening local value chains.
Vietnam Export Trends & Policy Impact
Recent shipment trends show exporters front-loading shipments due to tariff uncertainty. In May 2025 alone, exports surged 17% year-on-year, driven largely by electronics, furniture, and textiles.
However, tariff risks remain:
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US Section 232 tariffs: 25% on steel and aluminum
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Proposed reciprocal tariffs (up to 46%) remain paused but unresolved
Despite this, Vietnam’s extensive FTA network—CPTPP, EVFTA, and RCEP—continues to support market access and competitiveness.
Outlook: What Lies Ahead for Vietnam Exports
Looking ahead, Vietnam exports are projected to grow 10–15% in 2025, potentially surpassing USD 450 billion, provided tariff negotiations remain stable. The country is well positioned to benefit from supply-chain diversification away from China, though rising compliance standards and environmental regulations will shape future strategies.
For buyers and suppliers alike, leveraging Vietnam export customs data, diversifying markets, and investing in value-added manufacturing will be essential for long-term success.
Conclusion
Vietnam has firmly established itself as a global export powerhouse. From electronics and apparel to agriculture and furniture, Vietnam main exports continue to gain global market share. With strong trade partnerships, a resilient manufacturing base, and expanding FTA advantages, Vietnam exports are set to remain a cornerstone of global trade in the coming years.
Access to accurate Vietnam export customs data will be critical for businesses seeking to capitalize on this growth and navigate evolving trade dynamics.
