Taking advantage of FTAs ​​to maintain export growth

Vietnam's exports continue to record positive results. To maintain these results, it is necessary to exploit the maximum potential and overcome challenges from the international market.

Hai Phong 's seaport and logistics systems are constantly being invested in and upgraded.

Maintain growth

Vietnam's exports in August 2025 accelerated strongly with an estimated turnover of nearly 43.4 billion USD, up 14.5% over the same period last year. In the first 8 months of 2025, the total export turnover is estimated to reach nearly 306 billion USD, up 14.8% over the same period in 2024. This shows the stability and resilience of the economy in the face of international market fluctuations.

Major export groups also recorded significant growth. The agricultural, forestry and fishery group reached 29.1 billion USD, up 15.1% and accounting for 9.5% of total export turnover. The processing industry group played the role of driving growth with an estimated turnover of 260.7 billion USD, up 15.4% and accounting for about 85.2% of total export turnover.

Looking back at the production and business results of the past 8 months, Mr. Cao Huu Hieu, General Director of Vietnam Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex), said that despite the continuous fluctuations in the world market, the Vietnamese textile and garment industry still maintained a growth rate of 7% compared to the same period in 2024 with an estimated export turnover of nearly 31 billion USD.

According to a representative of Vietnam Steel Corporation (VNSteel), after 8 months, the company's finished steel consumption reached over 2.7 million tons, an increase of 17% over the same period in 2024.

Notably, Vietnam's exports to all partners achieved positive results. The Asian market increased by 10.2%, accounting for 44.2% of total export turnover; Europe increased by 7.9%, accounting for 14.5%; America increased by 25.4%, accounting for 37.0%; and Africa increased by 40.1%, accounting for 0.9%. This shows the diversification of Vietnam's export markets.

On the other hand, import turnover also increased sharply, reaching nearly 292 billion USD in 8 months, up 17.9% over the same period last year. However, Vietnam still maintained a high trade surplus, with 3.7 billion USD in August and nearly 14 billion USD in 8 months of this year.

Lach Huyen deep-water port can now accommodate the world's largest ships, up to 200,000 DWT. Photo: LE DUNG

Taking advantage of FTAs

To achieve the target of double-digit export growth by 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has deployed a series of strategic solutions. In the past 8 months, 32 trade promotion projects have been completed, including organizing participation in international fairs in major markets such as Germany, the US, Japan, and South Korea.

In addition, trade promotion activities have supported nearly 1,700 businesses and cooperatives to participate in more than 600 booths, with over 70 contracts signed directly, with a total value of more than 9 million USD. These efforts not only help promote Vietnamese products but also create opportunities to connect and expand export markets.

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien emphasized: "It is necessary to promote trade promotion cooperation, connecting domestic enterprises with international partners to improve capacity, diversify supply sources and markets."

Taking advantage of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) continues to be a top priority. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is focusing on strict import control while promoting the application of technology and digital transformation in the import-export sector. This not only helps to optimize processes but also improves efficiency and transparency in international trade.

On the business side, Mr. Cao Huu Hieu said that in the face of the new tariff situation, there is a trend of small, short-term orders, customers placing orders from afar, customers requesting price negotiations... From now until the end of the year, to ensure the growth plan, businesses in Vinatex will prioritize maintaining the workforce, continue to manage production and business activities well, monitor market developments before the new tariff policy; focus on ensuring product origin records; continue to strengthen the chain of links between units in the fiber, weaving, dyeing, and garment industries; balance capital flows for effective operations.

To increase resilience to market fluctuations, the Ministry of Industry and Trade encourages businesses to participate in the digital trade promotion ecosystem, invest in green technology and improve product traceability. Industry associations also play an important role in providing information, guiding the market and building national brands.

In the long term, developing domestic supporting industries and logistics infrastructure will be the key to improving the competitiveness of Vietnamese goods. In particular, applying digital transformation in import-export management will help optimize costs and increase transparency.

Despite many challenges, with the right policies and efforts from the business community, Vietnam can fully expect a successful year in 2025 in the field of international trade. The combination of sustainable development strategy and innovation will help Vietnam improve its position in the global market, while affirming its role as one of the leading export economies in the region.

With positive results and strategic solutions, Vietnam is on track to become a bright spot on the international trade map. To maintain this growth momentum, there needs to be synchronous coordination between the Government and businesses, moving towards a sustainable and effective export economy.

PV (synthesis)

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/tan-dung-cac-fta-de-giu-nhip-tang-truong-xuat-khau-521326.html