Hanoi (VNA) - Businesses must develop market plans, forecast orders, and prepare response scenarios meticulously, in order to maintain growth momentum in 2026 amidst many fluctuations, according to Deputy Director of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Agency of Foreign Trade Tran Thanh Hai.
The total trade turnover reached 839.75 billion USD in the first 11 months of this year, a 17.2% increase year-on-year; of which exports increased by 16.1% and imports by 18.4%. The trade balance shows a surplus of 20.53 billion USD.
With the current growth rate, Vietnam can be confident that the total trade revenue for 2025 will reach and exceed the target of over 900 billion USD, Hai said, adding that this is not only a symbolic figure but also a significant milestone in the context of the market witnessing major fluctuations.
The achievements reflect the resilience and adaptability of Vietnam's production and export sectors, given the US's reciprocal tariff policies, supply chain disruptions, and unpredictable weather and natural disasters, he affirmed.
However, the official noted that the impact of the new tariff policies, although originating from the US unilaterally, has a ripple effect because the it is the largest consumer market in the world, and any fluctuations will spread to other markets. For Vietnam, the US is an important export market, so key industries such as textiles, footwear, aquatic products, electronics, and others are all affected.
To maintain and expand exports in the coming time, Hai emphasised that the key strategy for enterprises remains improving product quality. For example, in sectors such as aquatic products, furniture, textiles, or electronics, maintaining long-term market presence requires ensuring sustainable quality to build customer trust.
Moreover, when quality is guaranteed, businesses must take the crucial next step of building a brand. This becomes the foundation of trust and a value that differentiates them in the global market. Many Vietnamese businesses have developed well in production but have yet to make proportional investments in branding, he pointed to.
Another important point is the green transition. Starting in 2026, the EU will implement a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) for steel, aluminum, and potentially other products. This will become a trend that spreads to other markets, so energy-intensive industries like steel, aluminum, cement, and construction materials must proactively raise production standards and reduce emissions to meet the inevitable global market demands, he stated.
Regarding the issuance of Certificates of Origin (C/O), Hai shared that to date, 26 out of 34 localities are ready to implement this work, representing a positive development, demonstrating the determination to support exporting businesses.
In 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will continue to closely coordinate with localities through training and workshops to enhance the capacity of officials, ensuring they understand and correctly implement regulations.
In addition, the low added value of Vietnam's exports and dependence on outsourcing is a long-standing issue that requires time to address, the deputy director said, stressing the importance of increasing the localisation rate and gaining more control over raw materials.
While full autonomy may not be possible yet, diversifying raw material sources is essential to avoid risks related to origin disputes. Businesses must also focus on innovation and mastering technology to improve cost competitiveness. In today’s era of rapid AI development, making the most of technology to optimise production, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness is crucial, he advised./.
VNA
