Viet Nam’s export outlook is holding firm despite unpredictable global trade, supported by stronger manufacturing capacity, higher realised foreign direct investment and a widening web of free trade agreements (FTAs).

The Australian market continues to see positive growth in trade with Viet Nam in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular. However, to expand their market share, businesses must do more than capitalise on tariff preferences under free trade agreements (FTAs); they must also meet requirements relating to quality, rules of origin, and environmental standards.

With a network of 17 free trade agreements currently in effect, Viet Nam has a series of "highways" at its disposal connecting it to most of the world's economy. However, for exports to truly become the driving force for double-digit growth in this new development phase, the preferential treatment from new-generation FTAs ​​needs to be translated into real value.

New-generation free trade agreements (FTAs) are creating significant opportunities for Vietnamese goods to penetrate more deeply into Middle Eastern and South Asian markets. However, to turn these opportunities into sustainable export revenues and market share, businesses must strictly comply with Halal standards and remain adaptable to geopolitical uncertainties.

Viet Nam has set a target of expanding exports by 8% in 2026, equivalent to a turnover of around 513 billion USD by broadening market access and increase added values.

The global trade landscape is witnessing significant upheaval as protectionism has continued to spread. However, new trends are also gradually emerging and becoming increasingly clear, most notably the increased negotiation and signing of free trade agreements (FTAs) by various countries, creating a “shield” to protect their economies.

To meet these goals, the agency will continue refining the legal framework governing import-export activities and gather feedback from local authorities and relevant agencies to propose amendments, supplements or replacements for outdated circulars.

After 5 years of implementing the European Union - Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), Viet Nam’s exports to the EU market continue to grow. However, according to experts, businesses need to take more advantage of EVFTA incentives to cope with the reciprocal tax policy that the US is applying and effectively exploit the EU market.

Viet Nam has signed and implemented many important bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) such as CPTPP, EVFTA, UKVFTA, RCEP... These agreements open up many opportunities for enterprises to expand export markets, take advantage of tariff incentives... to improve the position of Vietnamese goods in the international market.

In addition to ensuring goods standards and quality, firms are recommended to pay attention to sustainable development, especially issues concerning biodiversity and wildlife conservation, in order to take advantage of new generation free trade agreements (FTAs).