HCMC — Vietnam’s textile and garment exports in the first five months of 2025 picked up 9% from the same period last year to US$17.58 billion, according to the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS).
Imports during the period totaled US$10.63 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of US$6.95 billion for the sector, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
VITAS said global demand has yet to fully recover and geopolitical tensions continue to affect trade. However, many firms have maintained stable operations and are shifting toward sustainable production and niche markets.
The association noted that changes in U.S. tariff policy require Vietnamese firms to diversify export destinations with greater market potential.
A VITAS survey of six countries, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Nepal, China, and Vietnam, found that Vietnam’s competitiveness ranked just behind China in several indicators.
VITAS urged the Ministry of Industry and Trade to speed up negotiations on the ASEAN–Canada free trade agreement to ease rules of origin. It also called for talks with the Eurasian Economic Union to raise export quotas and for the development of large textile industrial zones to boost domestic fabric production.
Vietnam’s ambassador to Russia said the Russian market offers opportunities for Vietnamese garment exporters due to its large size and demand for quality products. Businesses were encouraged to actively explore market opportunities in Russia.
