Export breakthrough: Seize the golden opportunity, step deep into the global supply chain

VTV.vn - The export breakthrough is opening up a strategic turning point, when Vietnam not only recovers strongly but also creates a new position in the global value chain.

Resilience stemming from inner strength and the ability to adapt to difficulties.

According to statistics from the Customs Department, as of mid-October, Vietnam's exports reached an impressive figure of US$368.13 billion. This number reflects strong and sustainable growth compared to the same period last year. This high growth rate clearly reflects the recovery of the processing, electronics, textile, and especially agricultural industries, helping to maintain a large trade surplus.

This export surge not only exceeded expectations but also marked the strongest recovery period since the pandemic, demonstrating the effective adaptation and restructuring capabilities of the processing, electronics, textile, and agricultural sectors – pillars that are shaping a new position for Vietnamese goods in the international market.

The export surge since the beginning of the year is ushering in a new phase of breakthrough.

According to the head of the Import-Export Department, the export surge since the beginning of the year is opening up a new breakthrough phase, as Vietnam gradually moves away from a short-term recovery trajectory and enters a growth cycle based on green value, technology, and the sustainable competitiveness of domestic businesses.

In particular, high-tech products and electronic components continue to play a leading role in growth, affirming Vietnam's position in the global technology value chain. At the same time, many businesses have demonstrated proactiveness and effectively utilized new-generation free trade agreements (FTAs) to expand and penetrate more deeply into demanding markets such as the European Union (EU), the United States, and CPTPP partners.

However, alongside this bright picture are unavoidable challenges. Traditional advantages of cheap labor and low production costs are gradually eroding. Changes in the export market structure have highlighted the reality that Vietnamese businesses cannot rely solely on short-term growth. As global rules shift towards greener, more transparent, and sustainable practices, adaptability, digital transformation, and quality upgrades are key to maintaining export momentum and moving up the supply chain.

According to Dr. Vo Tri Thanh, an economic expert, export growth is very impressive, but what is more important is how we shift from quantitative growth to qualitative growth. The capacity for innovation, greening production, and building a national brand are the decisive factors in determining Vietnam's position in the global supply chain in the coming years.

During this period, Vietnam's export strategy needs a strong shift from a "scalability-driven" mindset to a "quality-driven" one. This transformation requires businesses to proactively invest in clean technologies, improve production standards, and apply digital transformation in supply chain management and product traceability. In reality, the localization rate in many export industries remains low, heavily reliant on imported raw materials and components, leading to increasingly high costs of complying with international standards and vulnerability to global fluctuations.

Transform challenges into levers for sustainable development.

According to economic experts, the new trade barriers being established are not a "shackle," but rather a test of resilience and an opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to affirm their standards and reputation. Adopting these new rules – from green barriers to food safety regulations and reciprocal tariffs – is a necessary path to achieving sustainable export goals.

Businesses need to shift from price competition to competition based on green standards, social responsibility, and data transparency.

Exports have been and continue to be a crucial lever propelling Vietnam forward in the global value chain. To sustain growth and transform new challenges into opportunities, the economy needs a genuine transformation – from improving policies and enhancing business capacity to adopting more sustainable production and consumption practices, aiming for a green and inclusive economic development.

Green barriers are becoming the new standard for Vietnamese goods. The European Union has officially applied the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to carbon-intensive import categories such as steel, aluminum, cement, and fertilizers. In the near future, this category will certainly expand to textiles, footwear, and seafood – key export sectors of Vietnam. This not only forces businesses to invest in clean technologies and reduce emissions in production but also to establish transparent systems to prove the origin and carbon footprint of their products. Successfully meeting CBAM requirements will open the door to deeper access to the EU market of 450 million people.

According to Dr. Nguyen Quoc Viet, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Institute for Economic and Policy Research (VEPR), CBAM (Comprehensive and Sustainable Agriculture) is a significant challenge, but if Vietnam adapts early by developing green industries, raising environmental standards, and applying a transparent emission measurement system, this will be a golden opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to enhance their competitiveness and gain deeper access to the European value chain.

Alongside green barriers and new regulations, retaliatory and anti-dumping measures from major markets such as the US, EU, and India are also increasing. Some products, such as steel, iron, wood, and solar panels, have been investigated or subjected to higher tariffs due to suspected transshipment of origin. These actions require businesses to improve their international compliance capabilities, act transparently regarding origin of goods, and strengthen regional cooperation and industry linkages to enhance overall competitiveness.

The success of Vietnam's exports in 2025 is undeniable. However, the "game" has now shifted from price competition to competition based on green standards, social responsibility, and data transparency. Businesses that grasp this trend, invest wisely, and act transparently will continue to thrive. Conversely, if they only pursue production volume while neglecting environmental standards, traceability, and data compliance, Vietnamese goods will struggle to maintain their position in the international market.

Source: https://vtv.vn/xuat-khau-but-pha-nam-co-hoi-vang-buoc-sau-vao-chuoi-cung-ung-toan-cau-100251025001722995.htm