VIETNAM’S ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS IN 2025
Vietnam’s economy saw a series of landmark developments in 2025, from major policy decisions and administrative reforms to infrastructure milestones and the establishment of an international financial center. These events, highlighted in a year-end review by Kinh Te Saigon Online, have laid the groundwork for stronger, more resilient growth in the years ahead.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT INTO HCMC RISES 24% IN 2025
Foreign direct investment (FDI) into HCMC has risen more than 24% in 2025 from a year earlier, reaching nearly US$8.37 billion, the city’s Department of Finance said on December 25. The increase included newly licensed projects, capital expansions and capital contributions through share purchases. The number of foreign investment transactions rose 19% year-on-year, while total registered capital increased 24.2%.
VIETNAM’S TRADE TOPS US$900 BILLION FOR FIRST TIME
Vietnam’s total import-export turnover has surpassed US$900 billion for the first time, marking a historic milestone as full-year turnover is expected to reach around US$920 billion in all of 2025, according to the Department of Vietnam Customs. At a ceremony held today, December 25, the customs authority officially confirmed that Vietnam’s total trade had exceeded the US$900-billion threshold, the highest level ever recorded for the country’s merchandise trade.
VIETNAM FRUIT AND VEGETABLE EXPORTS HIT RECORD
Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports have reached a record high of more than US$8.5 billion in 2025, driven largely by durian shipments and a strong recovery in demand from China. According to estimates from the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit), export revenue in December 2025 is about US$795 million, lifting full-year exports to above US$8.5 billion, the highest level ever recorded for the sector.
VIETNAM’S TRADE SET TO SURPASS US$900 BILLION FOR FIRST TIME
As of December 15, Vietnam’s total trade turnover stood at US$883.7 billion, according to the Agency of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Export growth in 2025 has been particularly strong, with export value forecast to exceed US$470 billion, up 16% from 2024, the Vietnam News Agency reported.
VIETNAM’S AGRO-FORESTRY-FISHERY EXPORTS SET NEW RECORD IN 2025
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien said export turnover for the sector reached US$64.01 billion in the first 11 months of 2025. If December results match recent monthly performance, full-year exports could approach US$70 billion, well above the US$65 billion target. Several product groups are expected to post their highest export values on record.
VIETNAM PUTS PUBLIC INVESTMENT DISBURSEMENTS AT VND603.6 TRILLION
Vietnam’s public investment disbursements had amounted to VND603.6 trillion in the year to December 18, equivalent to 66.1% of the plan assigned by the prime minister. According to the Ministry of Finance, actual disbursements by December 11 had totaled VND577.7 trillion, or 63.3% of the prime minister-approved plan of VND913.2 trillion, the Vietnam News Agency reported.
VIETNAM’S TRADE SET TO SURPASS US$900 BILLION FOR FIRST TIME
Vietnam’s total import-export turnover is expected to reach about US$920 billion by the end of the year, marking the first time the country’s trade value has exceeded the US$900-billion mark. As of December 15, Vietnam’s total trade turnover stood at US$883.7 billion, according to the Agency of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
