Record-Breaking Exports Driven by Vietnam’s Effective Integration Strategy

Vietnam’s record-breaking exports mark a defining milestone in the nation’s journey toward deep and comprehensive global integration. Once an emerging economy, Vietnam has transformed into one of Asia’s most dynamic markets, demonstrating strategic vision through trade expansion, export growth, and a better investment climate.In the first nine months of 2025, the total import-export turnover reached nearly USD 700 billion equivalent to the entire year of 2023 representing a 17.3% increase year-on-year, the highest growth in the past three years. Notably, exports hit USD 348.74 billion, up 16%, surpassing the annual growth target of 12%. The trade surplus reached USD 16.8 billion, contributing significantly to macroeconomic stability and foreign reserves. Analysts project that total trade could reach USD 900 billion this year a new high in Vietnam’s record-breaking exports history. Foreign direct investment (FDI) has also remained robust, while industrial and agricultural production continued to expand. Vietnam now ranks among the world’s top 15 FDI destinations, with a steady annual growth of 20-25% over the past decade.

Nguyen Anh Son, Director General of the Import-Export Department, noted that the Ministry of Industry and Trade is determined to execute Directive No. 29/CT-TTg (dated September 23, 2025) on accelerating export promotion and external market development. “With the Government’s strong leadership and the Ministry’s comprehensive measures, we are confident that the export growth target of 12% or higher for 2025 will be achieved,” he said. Experts agree that these achievements are a testament to Vietnam’s record-breaking exports and its ability to navigate global economic uncertainty. Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thuong Lang of the National Economics University commented that Vietnam’s economy has “rebounded spectacularly,” reflecting harmony between domestic policy reforms and a new growth cycle.

After 18 years of WTO membership, Vietnam’s economy now ranks 32nd globally, with one of the world’s highest trade openness levels. Total import-export turnover has increased 47% since 2020 and is expected to reach a record-breaking exports value of USD 920–930 billion by 2025, up from USD 545 billion in 2020. Vietnam has signed and implemented 17 out of 20 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), covering 90% of global GDP. Dr. Le Quoc Phuong, former Deputy Director of the Industry and Trade Information Center, emphasized that trade and investment success demonstrates Vietnam’s strong position in the global economy. “These record-breaking exports prove that Vietnam’s integration strategy has yielded tangible results,” he added.

Economist Vo Tri Thanh highlighted that Vietnam’s rise into the world’s top 20 trading nations reflects the country’s reform momentum and macroeconomic stability. He stressed that global integration has become a catalyst for institutional reform, helping Vietnam align with international norms through high-standard FTAs like CPTPP and EVFTA. At a recent National Committee on International Integration meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged ministries to shift from “joining and signing” to “actively shaping and implementing” global frameworks. He underscored the need to strengthen economic diplomacy, expand record-breaking exports markets especially for agricultural products and tap into emerging regions like the Middle East, South America, and Africa. The Prime Minister affirmed that international integration must place people and enterprises at the center of policy, turning record-breaking exports and economic diplomacy into the foundation for Vietnam’s long-term prosperity. With decisive leadership and proactive enterprise participation, Vietnam is confidently stepping into a new era one defined by innovation, wealth, and sustainable development.