Exports continue to grow despite mounting challenges

In the first three quarters of 2025, Vietnam’s export landscape, including that of Dong Nai Province, has remained bright, showing steady growth despite mounting challenges from tariffs, technical barriers, and global trade fluctuations.

Wood is among Dong Nai’s key export sectors with high added value. In the photo: A prefabricated wooden house produced by Tan Vinh Cuu Joint Stock Company, Long Binh Ward.

Along with the government’s orientations and policies, each industry and business is actively adapting to accelerate growth in the remaining months of the year, laying the groundwork for the year ahead, which is expected to bring even greater challenges.

Strong growth momentum in exports 

Nationwide, in the third quarter of 2025, Vietnam’s export turnover reached more than US$128.5 billion, up 18.4% year-on-year and 9.6% higher than in the second quarter.

For the first nine months of the year, total export value exceeded US$348.7 billion, marking a 16% increase and generating a trade surplus of over US$16.8 billion. If this growth rate is sustained through the final quarter, Vietnam’s export performance will far exceed the annual target of 12%.

During the nine months, 32 export items each earned more than US$1 billion, accounting for 93.1% of total export turnover. Among them, seven product categories surpassed the US$10 billion mark, contributing 67.9% of total exports.

In Dong Nai Province, official data show that import–export activity has maintained a positive upward trend. In September alone, export turnover reached nearly US$3.2 billion, up 0.25% month-on-month and 12.5% year-on-year. For the first nine months, Dong Nai’s exports totaled US$25.9 billion, a 17.28% rise from the same period last year. Efforts to diversify and expand export markets continue to play a crucial role in driving both provincial and national economic growth. 

The United States remains Dong Nai’s largest export market, with an export value of nearly US$9 billion, accounting for 34.64% of the province’s total. Following are China, Japan, and South Korea.

To meet year-end production needs and fulfill new orders, many local enterprises have intensified their recruitment efforts. On October 11, the 13th Job Fair of 2025 was held, with 16 companies registering to recruit workers and trainees, resulting in a total demand exceeding 3,500 people.

Nguyen Duy Phuong, a representative of E.Z.I Outdoor Furniture Co., Ltd. in Trang Dai Ward, said that the company is in its peak production season and is therefore expanding its workforce. According to him, ongoing tensions between the United States and China have prompted many partners to shift their sourcing strategies, creating new opportunities for Vietnam to strengthen its export position.

Adapting to the changing times

Vietnam’s positive export performance demonstrates strong global demand for locally made goods. However, amid growing uncertainties, enterprises and industries cannot afford to be complacent as global market fluctuations continue to pose significant challenges.

Trade protectionism and geopolitical tensions remain among the most pressing global concerns. At the same time, the world economy is facing persistent challenges and risks, contributing to increased volatility and uncertainty. These factors directly impact consumer demand, global supply chains, and logistics costs for import and export activities.

Despite strong export figures, more than 75% of export revenue still belongs to foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises. Most domestic firms remain small in scale, with operations primarily focused on processing and assembly. They continue to face difficulties related to capital, technology, and quality management. In addition, limited capacity to comply with international standards restricts their ability to access demanding markets.

Furthermore, the potential of new-generation free trade agreements (FTAs) remains largely untapped.

According to Tran Thanh Binh, Head of the Product Origin Division under the Agency of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, given the increasingly unpredictable global trade environment, it is necessary to reassess the implementation of FTAs and equip businesses with sufficient information to adapt effectively and prevent trade disruptions.

To adapt, enterprises must realign their business strategies, enhance competitiveness, and strictly comply with rules of origin to prevent origin fraud. They should also thoroughly research FTA markets to identify opportunities for export expansion, invest in workforce training and technological innovation to seize emerging advantages, and develop contingency plans to respond to potential disruptions, trade remedies, and protectionist measures.

By Vuong The – Translated by Thuc Oanh, Minho