Vietnam Exports to US – 2025 Trends, Data & Opportunities

Vietnam has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing export-driven economies in the world. The United States has become Vietnam’s single largest export destination, making the Vietnam–US trade partnership critical for both nations. Over the past decade, Vietnam exports to US markets have surged, with record-breaking figures in 2024–25. This growth is driven by sectors such as electronics, textiles, footwear, wood products, and seafood.

However, while opportunities abound, new challenges—including tariffs, sustainability standards, and global supply chain shifts—are reshaping this relationship. In this article, we analyze what does Vietnam export to the US, trade data trends, key growth drivers, and the future outlook for US imports from Vietnam in 2025 and beyond.

Vietnam Exports to US: Record-Breaking Growth in 2024–25

According to official trade data, Vietnam exports to US markets reached an all-time high of $136.5 billion in 2024, marking a 19% increase from the previous year. This exceptional growth pushed Vietnam’s trade surplus with the U.S. to $123 billion, up 20% year-over-year.

Total bilateral trade between the two nations reached nearly $150 billion in 2024, with Vietnam exporting about $136–137 billion worth of goods while importing just over $13 billion from the U.S. This imbalance highlights Vietnam’s growing role as a key supplier to the American market.

By mid-2025, US imports from Vietnam had already crossed $85 billion in the first seven months, up 25% compared to the same period in 2024. Analysts project Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. will stay in the $125–130 billion range in 2025, reaffirming the United States as Vietnam’s most important trading partner.

What Does Vietnam Export to the US? Top 10 Export Products

Vietnam’s export portfolio to the U.S. is highly diverse, but several product categories dominate. Based on Vietnam customs data for 2024–25, the top 10 products in Vietnam exports to US markets include:

1. Electrical Machinery & Equipment (HS 85): $23.2B
   Includes telecom equipment, electronic appliances, and electrical components, accounting for nearly 20% of total exports.

2. Machinery & Mechanical Appliances (HS 84): $22.05B
   Industrial machinery, tools, and mechanical equipment contribute 18.4% of exports.

3. Knitted Apparel & Clothing (HS 61): $8.25B
   Major apparel exports include sweaters, t-shirts, and sportswear.

4. Non-Knitted Apparel (HS 62): $7.9B
   Shirts, trousers, and fashion garments dominate this segment.

5. Wood & Wooden Products (HS 44): $9.06B
   Vietnam is a leading furniture exporter, especially eco-friendly products.

6. Footwear (HS 64): $8.28B
   Sports shoes, casual footwear, and fashion shoes for major U.S. brands.

7. Vehicles (HS 87): $3.08B
   Motor vehicles, bicycles, and motorcycles exported to U.S. markets.

8. Plastics & Plastic Articles (HS 39): $2.45B
   Packaging materials, containers, and plastic goods.

9. Fish & Seafood (HS 03): $1.83B
   Includes shrimp, pangasius fish, and frozen seafood.

10. Leather Goods & Handbags (HS 42): $1.80B
    Travel bags, leather products, and accessories for U.S. consumers.

These products highlight what does Vietnam export to the US and show the country’s manufacturing strengths across electronics, textiles, furniture, and agriculture.

Key Drivers of Vietnam Exports to US Markets

Several factors explain the extraordinary growth in Vietnam exports to US markets:

• Supply Chain Diversification: Multinational firms are moving production from China to Vietnam, boosting exports of electronics, machinery, and textiles.

• Trade Agreements: Vietnam benefits from strategic trade deals, including its bilateral trade pact with the U.S.

• Cost Competitiveness: Affordable labor costs and modern manufacturing facilities attract global brands.

• U.S. Consumer Demand: Rising U.S. demand for electronics, apparel, and furniture fuels imports from Vietnam.

This combination has made US imports from Vietnam critical for American retail and manufacturing sectors.

Challenges Facing Vietnam Exports

Despite its success, Vietnam faces growing challenges in 2025:

1. Tariffs and Trade Barriers
   New U.S. tariffs, including a 20% duty on some goods, raise export costs and threaten competitiveness.

2. ESG and Sustainability Standards
   U.S. buyers demand environmentally friendly production, traceability, and labor compliance, particularly in textiles, seafood, and wood products.

3. Regulatory Hurdles in Agriculture
   Strict rules on seafood exports under U.S. environmental laws increase compliance costs for Vietnamese exporters.

4. Global Competition
   Countries like Bangladesh and India compete aggressively in garments and footwear sectors.

5. Rising Input Costs
   Higher prices for energy, raw materials, and logistics affect profit margins for manufacturers.

For Vietnam imports and exports to remain competitive, businesses must adapt to these evolving challenges.

Key Trends Shaping Vietnam–US Trade in 2025

Several major trends are influencing Vietnam exports to U.S. markets:

• Green Production: U.S. importers prefer certified eco-friendly products, particularly in wood, textiles, and seafood sectors.

• High-Tech Manufacturing Growth: Electronics and semiconductor exports continue to rise with foreign direct investment (FDI) from global tech firms.

• Shift to Value-Added Products: Vietnamese exporters are moving from low-cost production toward branded and higher-value goods.

• Digital Trade & E-commerce: Cross-border e-commerce platforms are opening new sales channels for small and medium Vietnamese exporters.

These trends will shape the future of US imports from Vietnam in the coming years.

Future Outlook for Vietnam Exports to US

The outlook for Vietnam exports to US markets in 2025 remains positive but with some uncertainties. Industry projections indicate:

• Electronics and Components: Expected to remain the top export category, fueled by continued FDI and global tech demand.

• Textiles & Apparel: Targeting $25 billion in exports with sustainable production methods.

• Wood Products & Furniture: Expected to exceed $10 billion, driven by U.S. housing and lifestyle trends.

• Seafood & Agriculture: Likely to cross $7 billion if regulatory hurdles are addressed.

If Vietnam addresses tariffs, sustainability compliance, and input cost challenges, total exports could reach $140 billion by the end of 2025.

Strategic Recommendations for Vietnam Exporters

To maintain growth momentum in Vietnam exports to US markets, exporters and policymakers should:

• Invest in Green Production: Meet ESG requirements with sustainable practices and certifications.

• Move Up the Value Chain: Focus on design, branding, and high-value products instead of only low-cost manufacturing.

• Diversify Markets: Expand beyond the U.S. to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East to reduce dependence on one market.

• Strengthen Domestic Supply Chains: Reduce reliance on imported raw materials by developing local supporting industries.

• Enhance Trade Diplomacy: Collaborate with U.S. regulators to resolve tariff disputes and gain better market access.

Conclusion

The story of Vietnam exports to US markets in 2025 is one of rapid growth, diversification, and transformation. From electronics and textiles to seafood and furniture, US imports from Vietnam have reached record highs, making Vietnam a vital trade partner.

However, as tariffs, ESG standards, and global competition rise, exporters must innovate, comply with regulations, and shift toward sustainable, high-value production. By embracing these changes, Vietnam can achieve its goal of crossing $140 billion in exports to the U.S. and build a more resilient, future-ready trade relationship.