Vietnam Industry and Trade News Bulletin for December 09, 2025

A. POSITIVE NEWS

1. Import-Export Turnover Exceeds $839 Billion in 11 Months According to the General Statistics Office, Vietnam’s total import-export turnover in the first 11 months of 2025 reached $839.75 billion, a 17.2% increase compared to the same period last year.

• Exports: $430.14 billion (up 16.1%).
• Imports: $409.61 billion (up 18.4%).
• Trade Balance: A surplus of $20.53 billion. The domestic sector recorded a deficit of $25.99 billion, while the FDI sector (including crude oil) posted a surplus of $46.52 billion.
• Key Products: 36 items achieved export turnover over $1 billion (94.1% of total), with 8 items exceeding $10 billion .

2. E-visa Expansion at 41 Border Gates Vietnam has expanded the application of electronic visas (E-visas) to 41 international border gates (air, land, and sea). This strategic policy shift from a “restricted gateway” to an “open gateway” model aims to boost tourism and investment, reflecting the government’s commitment to administrative reform .

B. GENERAL ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS

1. Aiming for Double-Digit Growth (2026–2030) Experts believe Vietnam’s goal of double-digit growth for the 2026–2030 period is challenging but feasible due to stable macroeconomics and strong FDI. To achieve this, Vietnam must activate three key drivers: exports, investment, and domestic consumption. Experts emphasize participating in high-tech supply chains rather than just assembly, and improving labor productivity and public administration transparency .

2. PM Dialogue with Farmers: Over 5,000 Recommendations Ahead of the Prime Minister’s dialogue with farmers on December 10, over 5,000 suggestions have been submitted. Key topics include:

• Mechanisms for science and technology transfer in agriculture.
• Credit and tax support for high-tech and organic farming.
• Controlling input material quality (fertilizers) and fighting fake goods.
• Infrastructure investment for remote areas .

3. Vietnam Holds >25% of SE Asia’s Supply Chain Jobs An ILO report highlights Vietnam’s growing role in global supply chains. In 2023, Vietnam accounted for over 25% of the 75 million supply chain-linked jobs in Southeast Asia. Manufacturing makes up 49% of these jobs. However, the reliance on foreign demand (76% of supply chain jobs depend on external demand) exposes the economy to global fluctuations .

4. HCMC Targets 10% Growth in 2026 At the HCMC People’s Council meeting, the city reported an estimated GRDP growth of 8.03% for 2025. For 2026, HCMC sets a target of 8.5-9% growth (striving for 9.5-10% with strategic investors). The budget revenue target is over 805,000 billion VND. The city aims to clear institutional bottlenecks and achieve infrastructure breakthroughs .

5. US Announces $12 Billion Aid for Farmers On December 9, US President Donald Trump announced a $12 billion aid package for US farmers to offset damages from trade disputes and tariffs. This move comes as the US agricultural sector faces pressure from trade tensions with major partners like China .

C. ENERGY

1. Urgent Review of Hydropower Systems Following extreme weather events, experts urge a comprehensive review of the hydropower system. Issues include overlapping planning management and reservoir operation procedures that are ill-suited for extreme rainfall. Experts emphasize the need for better water resource governance and technology in operations .

2. Proposal to Close Dangerous Hydropower Plants National Assembly Delegate Nguyen Anh Tri called for a review of small hydropower plants, noting that many have caused floods and threatened lives due to inadequate flood control capacity and untimely discharge notifications. He proposed shutting down plants that cannot ensure safety and criminally prosecuting those causing loss of life .

3. Encouraging Private Investment in SMR Nuclear Power Delegate Trinh Thi Tu Anh proposed encouraging both state and private enterprises to invest in Small Modular Reactors (SMR). SMRs offer flexibility, safety, and suitability for replacing coal power or supplying remote areas. A public-private partnership model is suggested to mobilize resources and technology for this high-tech sector .

D. EXPORT – IMPORT

1. Pepper Exports Hit Historic Peak In the first 11 months of 2025, pepper exports reached $1.5 billion, breaking the 2016 record. While volume dropped slightly (-0.5%), value surged 24% due to a 30% increase in average price ($6,764/ton). The US remains the largest market (23% share). The industry benefits from the US waiving reciprocal tariffs on agricultural products Vietnam cannot produce in bulk .

2. Rice Exports Drop Amidst Philippines Market Volatility Rice exports in 11 months reached 7.5 million tons ($3.83 billion), down 11.5% in volume and 27.7% in value. The decline is largely due to the Philippines (largest market) extending its import suspension until Dec 31, 2025, to support domestic farmers. The Philippines is expected to reopen imports in Jan 2026 with a flexible tariff mechanism .

3. Shrimp Exports Set Record Shrimp exports reached over $4.3 billion in 11 months (up 21%), a historic high. The full-year forecast is $4.6 billion. Growth was recorded in all major markets, including China (+31%) and CPTPP (+24%), despite trade defense challenges in the US .

4. China’s Exports Rebound China’s exports increased by 5.9% in November 2025, defying forecasts, as manufacturers expanded into non-US markets to offset tariff impacts. However, domestic demand remains weak with imports growing only 1.9% .

E. DOMESTIC MARKET

1. Son La Agricultural Exports Son La province achieved $215 million in exports in 2025 (up 8%). The province aims for $400 million by 2030, focusing on key products like tea, coffee, mango, and passion fruit .

2. Hanoi Stabilizes Tet 2026 Market Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade has increased reserves of essential goods by 10-20% for the Lunar New Year. The city is implementing a major promotion program allowing discounts of up to 100% from Dec 1, 2025, to Jan 18, 2026, to stimulate consumption .

3. Bringing Goods to Rural Areas Hanoi and other localities are organizing trade fairs to bring Vietnamese goods to rural consumers. While these events connect producers with consumers, retail giants remain hesitant due to low profit margins and high logistics costs in rural areas .

F. TRADE REMEDIES

1. Canada Reviews OCTG Anti-Dumping Duties The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) initiated an expiry review of anti-dumping duties on Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) from Vietnam. Stakeholders must submit notices of participation by Dec 16, 2025 .

2. US Initiates Global Safeguard on Quartz The USITC initiated a global safeguard investigation on quartz surface products on Nov 17, 2025, following a surge in imports. Hearings on injury and remedies are scheduled for Feb and April 2026 .

3. EU Requires Steel Import Registration The EC issued a regulation requiring the registration of all cold-rolled flat steel imports from Vietnam (and others) starting Dec 4, 2025. This allows for the potential retroactive application of anti-dumping duties pending the investigation outcome .