Import-Export: Vietnam trade turnover tops US$78.6 billion in May

Vietnam’s total import-export turnover in May reached US$78.64 billion, up 5.8 percent month-on-month and 15.5 percent year-on-year, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office.

In the first five months of 2025, total trade hit US$355.79 billion, up 15.7 percent compared to the same period last year.

Exports:

• May export value: US$39.6 billion, up 5.7 percent MoM and 17.0 percent YoY.
• YTD exports: US$180.23 billion, up 14.0 percent YoY.
  • Domestic sector: US$49.62 billion (+12.5%), or 27.5 percent of total.
  • Foreign-invested sector (incl. crude oil): US$130.61 billion (+14.5%), or 72.5 percent of total.
  • Processed industrial goods: US$158.93 billion, or 88.2 percent of total exports.

Imports:

• May import value: US$39.04 billion, up 5.9 percent MoM and 14.1 percent YoY.
• YTD imports: US$175.56 billion, up 17.5 percent YoY.
  • Domestic sector: US$62.04 billion (+12.9%)
  • Foreign-invested sector: US$113.52 billion (+20.2%)
  • Production materials: US$164.75 billion, or 93.8 percent of total imports.

Trade balance:

• May trade surplus: US$0.56 billion
• YTD trade surplus: US$4.67 billion (vs US$8.71 billion same period in 2024)
  • Domestic sector: deficit of US$12.42 billion
  • Foreign-invested sector: surplus of US$17.09 billion

Top markets:

• Top export destination: United States, with US$57.2 billion
• Top import source: China, with US$69.4 billion

Vietnam is a highly trade-dependent economy, with total import-export turnover regularly exceeding its GDP.

Key exports include electronics, textiles, footwear, machinery, and agricultural products, while major imports consist of raw materials, machinery, and electronic components.

The United States, China, South Korea, Japan, and the EU are among Vietnam’s top trading partners. The country maintains a large trade surplus through its foreign-invested manufacturing sector, which accounts for the majority of exports.

Vietnam’s trade data is published monthly by the National Statistics Office and plays a crucial role in tracking economic performance and shaping policy.

See also: Vietnam Trade: Exports, Imports & FTAs