In recent years, Vietnam has emerged as one of Asia’s fastest-growing and most resilient economies. With its strategic geographic location, competitive labor costs, robust free trade agreements, and rapidly expanding manufacturing ecosystem, the country has firmly positioned itself as a global export powerhouse. According to Vietnam export customs data, the total value of Vietnam exports reached USD 403.2 billion in 2024, marking a 6.4% year-on-year increase. Based on global trade data rankings, Vietnam is now the 21st largest exporter in the world, reflecting its growing influence in international commerce.

Momentum has continued into 2025. Vietnam shipment data shows that exports totaled USD 102.8 billion in Q1 2025, up 10.6% YoY, while total trade turnover reached USD 202.5 billion, growing 13.7% compared to the same period last year. Vietnam also recorded a trade surplus of USD 4.67 billion during the first five months of 2025, underlining the strength of its export-led growth model.

This article explores Vietnam main exports, the Vietnam largest export sectors, leading exporters, and Vietnam exports by country, using verified Vietnam export customs data to provide actionable insights for global buyers, suppliers, and trade analysts.

Vietnam’s Export Growth Story: A Manufacturing-Led Transformation

Vietnam’s export success is driven primarily by manufacturing and processing industries, which accounted for 88.7% of total exports in 2024. Foreign direct investment (FDI) continues to play a critical role, contributing over 72% of total export value, while domestic firms are steadily upgrading capabilities to capture more value.

Electronics, textiles, machinery, footwear, agriculture, and furniture form the backbone of Vietnam exports, supported by major free trade agreements such as EVFTA, CPTPP, and RCEP. These agreements provide preferential market access and enhance Vietnam’s competitiveness across global supply chains.

Vietnam Main Exports: Top 10 Export Products by HS Code

Vietnam’s export portfolio is diversified, but a few sectors dominate in value terms. Below are the top Vietnam main exports, based on Vietnam export statistics for 2024–25.

1. Electrical Machinery & Equipment (HS 85) – USD 121.7 Billion

Electrical machinery is the Vietnam largest export, accounting for nearly 29.5% of total export value. Products include smartphones, semiconductors, displays, and consumer electronics, driven largely by multinational manufacturers such as Samsung and Intel.

2. Footwear (HS 64) – USD 25.4 Billion

Vietnam is one of the world’s top footwear exporters, supplying global brands with athletic and casual shoes. The sector represents 6.1% of Vietnam exports, supported by cost efficiency and skilled labor.

3. Machinery & Mechanical Appliances (HS 84) – USD 23.5 Billion

This category includes industrial machinery, engines, pumps, and agricultural equipment, reflecting Vietnam’s gradual shift toward higher-value manufacturing.

4. Apparel (Knit) (HS 61) – USD 21.2 Billion

Knit garments such as T-shirts, sweaters, and underwear remain a core export segment, benefiting from stable demand in the US and EU markets.

5. Apparel (Non-Knit) (HS 62) – USD 19.7 Billion

Woven garments including suits, jackets, and formalwear further reinforce Vietnam’s strong position in global apparel supply chains.

6. Furniture & Bedding (HS 94) – USD 14.2 Billion

Vietnam has become a major furniture sourcing hub, with strong demand from the US and Europe. Sustainability compliance is increasingly shaping this sector.

7. Fish & Seafood (HS 03) – USD 9.8 Billion

Shrimp, fish fillets, and squid make Vietnam one of the world’s leading seafood exporters, though regulatory compliance remains critical.

8. Wood & Wood Articles (HS 44) – USD 6.5 Billion

This category includes plywood and wooden furniture, supported by Vietnam’s growing processing capacity.

9. Coffee, Tea & Spices (HS 09) – USD 5.6 Billion

Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter, with robust demand across Europe, the US, and Asia.

10. Rubber & Rubber Articles (HS 40) – USD 4.3 Billion

Products such as tires and industrial rubber goods round out the top export categories.

Vietnam Exports by Country: Top Trade Partners in 2025

Understanding Vietnam exports by country is essential for identifying demand centers and trade dependencies. Vietnam’s export markets are well diversified, though the US remains dominant.

1. United States – USD 113.9 Billion (27.5%)

The US is Vietnam’s largest export destination, importing electronics, apparel, footwear, furniture, and seafood. Trade surplus with the US surged in 2025, driven by supply chain diversification away from China.

2. China – USD 60.7 Billion (14.7%)

China is both a key export destination and an important supplier of intermediate goods, highlighting deep production linkages.

3. South Korea – USD 28.2 Billion (6.8%)

Exports to South Korea are led by electronics and machinery, supported by strong FDI ties.

4. Japan – USD 26.8 Billion (6.5%)

Japan imports automotive parts, electronics, and seafood, benefiting from long-standing economic cooperation.

5. Hong Kong – USD 20.1 Billion (4.9%)

Hong Kong acts as a re-export hub, particularly for electronics and textiles.

6–10. EU & ASEAN Partners

Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, Thailand, and India collectively represent a growing share of Vietnam exports, supported by FTAs and rising consumer demand.

Leading Exporters in Vietnam: Top Companies Driving Growth

Vietnam’s export ecosystem is dominated by multinational corporations alongside strong domestic players.

• Samsung Group (Vietnam) – USD 65 billion
  The single largest contributor to Vietnam exports, accounting for a significant share of electronics shipments.

• Intel Products Vietnam – USD 12.9 billion
  A key semiconductor exporter serving global technology markets.

• LG Group – USD 8.2 billion
  Focused on displays and electronic components.

• Foxconn Vietnam – USD 4.5 billion
  Electronics assembly for global OEMs, including Apple.

• VINATEX, Intimex, Vinamilk
  Represent strong domestic players in textiles, agriculture, and food exports.

These exporters illustrate how Vietnam has integrated into global value chains while developing local industrial capacity.

Vietnam Exports Over the Last Decade: A Rapid Ascent

Vietnam exports have grown nearly threefold over the last decade, rising from USD 150 billion in 2014 to over USD 403 billion in 2024. Despite a brief slowdown in 2023 due to global demand weakness, exports rebounded strongly in 2024 and 2025.

Key drivers include:

• Manufacturing upgrades

• FDI inflows

• Trade agreement leverage

• Supply chain realignment amid US–China tensions

Tariffs, Policy Risks, and Market Opportunities

Vietnam’s export outlook is increasingly shaped by global trade policy. US Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, along with proposed reciprocal tariffs, have created short-term volatility. However, Vietnam has benefited from front-loaded shipments and ongoing negotiations.

At the same time, environmental regulations such as EU CBAM and deforestation rules pose compliance challenges for metals and wood exports.

Strategic Insights for Global Buyers and Suppliers

For Buyers:

• Expect price volatility in steel, agriculture, and furniture

• Secure long-term contracts to manage tariff risks

• Leverage Vietnam export customs data for supplier verification

For Suppliers:

• Strengthen origin documentation and traceability

• Diversify export markets beyond the US

• Move toward higher value-added manufacturing

Forward Outlook: Vietnam Exports Beyond 2025

Looking ahead, Vietnam exports are projected to grow 10–15% annually, potentially surpassing USD 450 billion if tariff shocks are avoided. Vietnam’s role as a manufacturing alternative in Asia will continue to expand, supported by infrastructure investment, skilled labor, and policy reforms.

Conclusion

Vietnam has firmly established itself as a critical player in global trade. With a diversified export base, strong manufacturing capabilities, and expanding trade partnerships, the country’s export engine remains robust. While challenges such as tariffs and regulatory compliance persist, strategic adaptation and market diversification position Vietnam for sustained growth.

For businesses seeking reliable insights into Vietnam exports, Vietnam largest export sectors, and Vietnam exports by country, leveraging verified Vietnam export customs data is essential for informed decision-making in 2025 and beyond.