Export businesses seek new markets

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - Amidst global economic challenges such as inflation, rising transportation costs, and technical barriers, many businesses in Thanh Hoa have proactively adjusted their strategies, actively seeking, expanding, and diversifying export markets. This is not only a solution to maintain growth momentum but also a long-term approach to enhance competitiveness and resilience against international economic fluctuations.

Workers operate the production line at INTCO Vietnam Industrial Co., Ltd.

Previously heavily reliant on the Asian market, Truong Thang Garment Export Joint Stock Company (located in Cong Chinh commune) has restructured its customer base. The company has proactively expanded cooperation with new partners in Europe, America, and Eastern Europe – markets considered highly potential but largely untapped. Mr. Vu Cong Thang, the company's director, shared: “Although the new markets require us to adjust designs, sizes, and quality certification processes to meet specific standards, the competition is less fierce and prices are more stable.”

Truong Thang is not alone; many other businesses have also flexibly adjusted their strategies. INTCO Vietnam Industrial Co., Ltd. (located in Bim Son ward) – specializing in the production of recycled products from EPS and PS plastics – is actively seeking markets in Europe and North America. Previously, the company's products were mainly exported to China, but since 2024, it has continuously participated in international trade connection programs and gradually expanded its distribution network to Canada, Mexico, and Poland. A company representative stated that to obtain appropriate certificates of origin and overcome the technical barriers of importing countries, the company has invested in improving production technology and strengthening quality control of its output. This is also a mandatory condition for maintaining sustainable exports in the new phase.

Thanh Hoa currently has over 230 businesses directly involved in exports, with a wide range of goods from agricultural products, seafood, textiles to construction materials and electronic components. To expand their markets, many businesses are actively taking advantage of free trade agreements such as EVFTA (with the EU), CPTPP, UKVFTA, and RCEP. According to the Thanh Hoa Department of Industry and Trade, in the first six months of 2025, approximately 47% of the province's export turnover benefited from preferential tariffs under FTAs, an increase of 6 percentage points compared to the same period last year.

A key strategy for Thanh Hoa businesses to expand their export markets is actively participating in international trade promotion activities. In 2024 and the first half of 2025, the province facilitated the participation of many businesses in large-scale trade fairs and exhibitions to promote products, connect with partners, and understand global consumer trends. In addition, many businesses proactively organized online seminars and business networking sessions through platforms such as Zoom, Webex, and Google Meet, contributing to cost savings, expanding reach, and improving market access efficiency in the context of the increasingly widespread digital transformation.

Notably, the application of cross-border e-commerce is gradually becoming a potential export channel for many businesses in Thanh Hoa, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. Through platforms like Amazon, Alibaba, or specialized e-commerce marketplaces, local goods have the opportunity to directly reach international consumers without going through many intermediaries. Thanks to systematic investment in digital marketing strategies and the utilization of comprehensive logistics support packages, many businesses have recorded significant revenue growth from online channels after only a short period of implementation.

Finding new markets is difficult, but retaining them and customers is even more challenging. Export businesses in Thanh Hoa are gradually changing their production and management mindset, moving towards a more systematic and professional approach. Lam Son Sugar Corporation, currently present in more than 10 countries, is applying a low-carbon agricultural model and traceability from the growing region to meet the requirements of "greening" in international trade.

According to statistics from the Thanh Hoa Provincial Statistics Office, total merchandise exports in the first six months of 2025 reached US$3.4 million, a 20.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Of this, processed and manufactured goods accounted for the largest share (over 65%), followed by agricultural products, seafood, and minerals. Despite this significant growth, experts believe that competitive pressure remains very high, especially from competitors in Thailand, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and China.

To achieve the export target of 8 billion USD in 2025, Thanh Hoa province has clearly identified the key roles of technological innovation, market diversification, and green transformation in production. In addition, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accessing market information, preferential capital, and improving management capacity are also priority tasks.

The continuous efforts of export businesses in the province to expand their markets are clear evidence of their adaptability, innovation, and integration. Despite many challenges ahead, with the support of the government and their own determination, Thanh Hoa's exports are steadily overcoming obstacles and expanding their position on the international trade map.

Text and photos: Chi Pham

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/cac-doanh-nghiep-xuat-khau-tim-kiem-thi-truong-moi-255502.htm