Vietnam’s 2025 Economic Surge: China’s Dual Role Boosts Growth but Deepens Trade Deficit

Vietnam aims for $454 billion in export revenue by 2025, setting an ambitious 12% year-on-year growth target despite growing economic pressures.
Dinh Vu Port in Haiphong. Vietnam’s trade with China grew in the first two months of 2025, but not in Vietnam’s favor. Image: Nhac Nguyen / AFP

Vietnam’s economic story in the first two months of 2025 took an interesting turn, driven largely by deepening ties with China.

While the country enjoyed robust export gains and a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI), its trade deficit with China widened significantly, reaching $15.4 billion—an increase of 36.9%.

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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