Trends & Opportunities

1. 🌎 Middle East – A Promising Destination for Vietnamese Goods: Double-Digit Import Growth

📅 Date Posted: June 2, 2025
Summary: According to reports from the ITC and WTO, Middle Eastern countries are significantly increasing imports of food, furniture, and consumer goods from Asia, particularly Vietnam. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have emerged as high-potential markets for “Made in Vietnam” products.
🔗 Source: ITC Market Analysis Tools

2. 🛢️ Asia–US Ocean Freight Stabilizes, Rates Slightly Decline

📅 Date Posted: June 1, 2025
Summary: After sharp increases due to Red Sea tensions, Asia–US shipping routes are now stabilizing. This is a favorable window for Vietnamese exporters to finalize Q3 orders to the US.
🔗 Source: Freightos Index

3. 🍄 Oyster & Shiitake Mushrooms – Post-COVID Consumption Trend in Europe

📅 Date Posted: May 31, 2025
Summary: Deep-processed agricultural products—especially mushrooms—are seeing strong demand in Germany, the Netherlands, and France. Vietnamese businesses can leverage the EU–Vietnam FTA to boost exports of plant-based meat alternatives.
🔗 Source: EU Food Trends 2025

4. 🧳 “On-Site Sourcing at Trade Shows” is Making a Strong Comeback

📅 Date Posted: May 30, 2025
Summary: Post-pandemic, many international buyers are returning to the model of attending trade shows and meeting suppliers in person. This presents major opportunities for Vietnamese exporters at events such as VietBaby, VIIF, and VILOG.
🔗 Source: Made in Vietnam B2B – Trade Show Updates

5. 📦 Vietnamese Handicraft Exports Slightly Decline – What’s the Next Move?

📅 Date Posted: May 29, 2025
Summary: Vietnam’s handicraft exports dropped 6% year-over-year due to rising competition from India and Bangladesh. However, premium markets like the US, Japan, and France continue to favor handcrafted products with strong brand stories.
🔗 Source: Vietnam Export News – Ministry of Industry and Trade.

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📈 Vietnam’s Trade Performance in Q1 2025

• Total Trade Turnover: Vietnam’s import-export turnover reached $202.52 billion in Q1 2025, marking a 13.7% increase compared to the same period last year. VnExpress Quốc Tế

• Exports: Total export value stood at $102.84 billion, up 10.6% year-on-year. The U.S. remained Vietnam’s largest export market with $31.4 billion, a 22% increase from the previous year. Notably, Vietnam’s trade surplus with the U.S. grew by 22.1% year-on-year to $27.3 billion. VnExpress Quốc TếVietnam+ (VietnamPlus)+1The Investor+1

• Imports: Imports totaled $99.68 billion, up 17% year-on-year. China continued to be the largest source of imports, with a value of $38.1 billion, a 20.7% increase from the previous year. Reuters+4The Investor+4Trading Economics+4VnExpress Quốc Tế

⚠️ Challenges from U.S. Tariffs

• Proposed Tariffs: The U.S. announced a 46% reciprocal tariff on Vietnamese goods, set to take effect in July 2025. This move is part of efforts to address the U.S. trade deficit with Vietnam. Wikipedia+3Shippabo Blog+3Vietnam Briefing+3

• Impact on Textile Sector: Vietnam’s textile industry, a significant export sector, faces potential challenges due to these tariffs. The industry is exploring strategies to mitigate the impact, including diversifying markets and enhancing value-added production. Vietnam Briefing

🌍 Trade Diversification Efforts

• Middle East Markets: Vietnam is actively exploring export opportunities in the Middle East, with countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar emerging as potential markets for Vietnamese goods.

• EU Market: Vietnam continues to leverage the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to enhance exports to European markets, focusing on sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.

🛫 Aviation and Defense Cooperation

• Boeing Aircraft Order: Vietnam Airlines is set to finalize an order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX jets, aiming to enhance its fleet and strengthen trade ties with the U.S. Reuters

• Airbus Deal: VietJet has signed a deal for 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft, reflecting strong aviation ties with France. Reuters+1Wikipedia+1

🥭 Agricultural Trade Developments

• Durian Exports to China: Vietnam has exported its first batch of frozen durian to China, marking a significant step in expanding agricultural exports to the Chinese market. Wikipedia+3Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)+3Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)+3

• U.S. Agricultural Imports: Vietnam is seeking to increase imports of U.S. agricultural products, including animal feed, fertilizers, and meat products, to balance bilateral trade and enhance food security. Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)