Bustling export-import activities signal a boon year ahead

Vibrant export-import operations at the start of Lunar New Year

On January 31, 2025 (the third day of Tet), 752 tons of seafood and fruit were successfully exported through the Bac Luan 2 border gate to China. These shipments, which had been pre-registered, were cleared smoothly and quickly.

To facilitate export-import activities, border gate authorities arranged for staff to work during Tet to ensure the swift and efficient processing of goods, ensuring the safety and smooth flow of cross-border operations. Additionally, immigration services operated throughout Tet to serve both locals and visitors at the Mong Cai (Vietnam) – Dong Hung (China) International Border Gate.

At the Kim Thanh International Border Gate (Lao Cai, Vietnam) – Bac Son (China), export-import activities continued as usual throughout Tet. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, nearly 200 tons of Vietnamese fruits, valued at over US$100,000, were exported to China. The main exports included dragon fruit, rambutan, mango, and watermelon, driven by strong demand in China during Tet. Over the past few days, it is estimated that between 200 and 350 trucks have passed through the gate daily, with exports mostly consisting of traditional products like dragon fruit, watermelon, bananas, and rambutan, while imports included coke, fertilizers, and vegetables.

Along with the lively activities at the border gates, on January 31, at Cai Lan Seaport, Quang Ninh Port Co., Ltd. welcomed two ships: Sendai Spirit, carrying 38,000 tons of wood chips for exports, and Oriental Breeze, transporting 35,000 tons of wood chips. Upon their arrival, the port efficiently managed the cargo to expedite unloading.

On January 29 (the first day of Tet), the Cai Mep – Thi Vai Port complex welcomed six container ships. The EVER MEMO, a Singaporean-flagged vessel, which is 366 meters long and carries 16,285 TEUs, was one of the largest.

According to the Vung Tau Maritime Port Authority, during the 29th and 30th of January, the Cai Mep – Thi Vai complex hosted 13 container ships, including large vessels from global markets. These ships mainly carried export and import goods. During the holiday, customs officers and port workers maintained regular shifts to ensure smooth operations for both cargo handling and clearance.

In Ho Chi Minh City, on New Year’s Eve, Cat Lai Port welcomed seven container ships, handling nearly 10,000 TEUs (equivalent to 140,000 tons of cargo). In the first week of Tet, Cat Lai Port is expected to receive 76 ships, with a throughput of 110,000 TEUs, or over 1.5 million tons of goods, marking a 9% increase compared to last year’s holiday.

Optimism for a prosperous year ahead

Export-import activities were viewed as a bright spot of 2024, with the country’s trade turnover reaching over US$786.28 billion, up 15.2% compared to 2023. This marked a new record, surpassing the previous high of US$730 billion set in 2022, according to the General Department of Customs.

Dr. Le Quoc Phuong, former Deputy Director of the Center for Industrial and Trade Information, predicts that export-import activities in 2025 will benefit from favorable conditions, driven by an improving global economy, particularly after the US Federal Reserve stopped raising interest rates. The high inventory levels in key export markets, especially the EU and the US, are gradually being resolved.

Meanwhile the government has carried out comprehensive support measures for the national economy. The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has proactively identified challenges and risks in export markets and proposed solutions to develop new markets. Additionally, trade defence measures have been promptly applied, benefiting local businesses.

The Vietnamese business community, with its growing capabilities, has shown greater agility in adapting to a volatile and unpredictable market.

In this context, the MoIT has carried out several initiatives to further promote export-import activities in 2025. Minister Nguyen Hong Dien emphasized that the ministry will focus on market information to better support businesses in export-import operations. The ministry will also streamline administrative procedures and promote e-commerce and the digital economy to diversify export markets.

Additionally, the ministry will continue to enhance border trade operations, focusing on official exports through border gates, especially to China.

On January 16, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha approved a detailed master plan for ports and related infrastructure from 2021 to 2030, with a vision to 2050. The plan includes a capital investment of approximately VND351.5 trillion for port infrastructure by 2030, which covers maritime and port facilities.

This plan highlights the government’s commitment to improving the port system and transport connectivity, which will significantly boost export-import activities in the coming years, while enhancing Vietnam’s foreign trade performance.

In 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Trade aims for a 12% growth in export-import turnover compared to 2024, a challenging but achievable target.