Exploring Vietnam Exports to US & Vietnam-US trade 2025: What Does Vietnam Export to USA?

Introduction

Vietnam has become one of the fastest-growing export economies in the world, and the United States is its single largest export destination. In 2025, this trade relationship is not only thriving but also facing new complexities. On the one hand, Vietnam has established itself as a manufacturing and export powerhouse across electronics, textiles, footwear, wood products, and seafood. On the other hand, U.S. tariffs, stricter sustainability standards, and regulatory hurdles pose fresh challenges. According to the Vietnam export data and the Vietnam customs data, the total value of Vietnam exports to the US reached a record-high $136.5 billion in 2024, a 19% increase from the previous year. 

The enormous increase in exports helped Vietnam achieve a substantial & record-high trade surplus with the United States in 2024-25, totaling more than $123 billion, a 20% increase, according to the latest US import data and Vietnam trade data. Vietnam is the 10th largest trade partner of the US, as per the global trade data for 2025. This blog examines the state of Vietnam–US trade in 2025, analyzes the products Vietnam exports to the U.S., and explores key trends and drivers, as well as the challenges and opportunities shaping the future.

Vietnam–US Trade in Numbers

By 2024, total goods trade between Vietnam and the United States reached nearly 150 billion USD, making Vietnam one of America’s largest trading partners in Southeast Asia, as per the data on Vietnam-US trade. Of this, Vietnam exported roughly $136–137 billion worth of goods to the U.S., while imports from the U.S. stood at just over $13 billion.

In 2025, Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. are projected to remain in the range of $125–130 billion. By mid-year, exports had already surpassed $85 billion in the first seven months, growing more than 25% compared to the same period the year before. This growth reaffirms the U.S. as Vietnam’s largest export market, accounting for close to one-third of the country’s total export turnover. The trade relationship is asymmetric: Vietnam exports far more to the U.S. than it imports. This trade surplus has fueled growth but also raised sensitivities in trade policy discussions.

Top 10 Vietnam Exports to US: What Products Does Vietnam Export to USA?

Vietnam holds a significant position in the global market as a top exporter to the United States. The top 10 Vietnam exports to the USA encompass a diverse range of products, including apparel, footwear, electronics, seafood, furniture, and coffee. Vietnamese exports to the US have been steadily increasing due to the country's competitive prices, quality products, and strategic trade agreements, and the latest Vietnam-US trade deal. The top 10 goods that Vietnam exports to US, as per the customs data on Vietnam export to USA and Vietnam shipment data for 2024-25, include: 

1. Electrical Machinery & Equipment (HS Code 85): $23.20 billion 

Electrical machinery and equipment are among the top exports from Vietnam to the US, accounting for 19.42% of the total export value, as per the customs data on Vietnam electronics exports to the US by HS code. These products include items such as electrical appliances, lighting equipment, and telecommunications equipment.

2. Machinery & Mechanical Appliances (HS Code 84): $22.05 billion 

Another significant export category is machinery and mechanical appliances, which cover a wide range of products, including industrial machinery, agricultural equipment, and construction machinery, as per the data on Vietnam machinery exports to USA. Vietnam has made a name for itself in producing high-quality machinery for exports to the US, with a total export share of 18.45%.

3. Knitted Apparel & Clothing (HS Code 61): $8.25 billion 

Vietnam is also known for its textile and garment industry, with knitted apparel and clothing accessories being a major export category. The country produces a variety of clothing items, including t-shirts, sweaters, and socks, which are exported to the US market, accounting for a total export share of 6.90% in 2024-25.

4. Non-Knitted Apparel & Clothing (HS Code 62): $7.90 billion 

In addition to knitted apparel, Vietnam also exports non-knitted apparel and clothing accessories to the US with a 6.62% export share. This category includes items such as shirts, pants, and dresses, which are popular among American consumers.

5. Wood & Wooden Products (HS Code 44): $9.06 billion 

Wood and wooden products are another significant export category for Vietnam, with items such as furniture, plywood, and wooden handicrafts being exported to the US market, accounting for an export share of 7.58%. Vietnam is known for its skilled craftsmanship and high-quality wood products.

6. Footwear (HS Code 64): $8.28 billion 

Vietnam is one of the leading footwear producers in the world, with a wide range of shoes and footwear being exported to the US market with a 6.93% export share. The country's footwear industry is known for its innovation and quality, making it a preferred choice for many American consumers.

7. Vehicles (HS Code 87): $3.08 billion 

Vietnam also exports vehicles other than railway and tramway vehicles to the US, including motor vehicles, bicycles, and motorcycles. The country saw an increase in vehicle exports in recent years, catering to the demand in the US market, with a total export share of 2.58% in 2024-25. 

8. Plastics & Plastic Articles (HS Code 39): $2.45 billion

Plastics and plastic articles are another important export category for Vietnam, with products such as plastic bags, containers, and packaging materials being exported to the US, having a 2.05% substantial export share. Vietnam has a well-established plastic industry that produces a wide range of products for export.

9. Fish & Seafood (HS Code 03): $1.83 billion 

Vietnam is also a major exporter of fish and seafood products to the US market, including shrimp, fish fillets, and frozen seafood. The country's coastal location and abundant marine resources make it a leading supplier of seafood products to the US, with a total export share of 1.53%.

10. Leather Goods, Travel Bags, Handbags (HS Code 42): $1.80 billion 

Leather goods, travel bags, and handbags are among the top exports from Vietnam to the US, with a variety of leather products being exported to meet the demand in the US market, accounting for a 1.51% export share. Vietnam's leather industry is known for its quality and craftsmanship.

What Does Vietnam Export to the US?

Vietnam’s export basket to the U.S. is diverse, but several product categories dominate. These sectors reflect both Vietnam’s strengths as a manufacturing hub and U.S. consumer demand patterns.

1. Electronics and Electrical Components

Electronics and related products are the largest single category, accounting for about a quarter of all exports to the U.S. in 2025. This includes computers, semiconductors, electronic components, and spare parts, as per the Vietnam electronics export data. The sector’s rapid growth is fueled by heavy foreign direct investment (FDI) from companies such as Samsung, Intel, and LG, which use Vietnam as a production base for global supply chains.

Key factors driving this growth include competitive labor costs, government incentives, and the global push to diversify supply chains away from China. U.S. demand for electronics remains high, and Vietnam has become a critical supplier in this ecosystem.

2. Machinery, Equipment, and Tools

The second-largest category is machinery and mechanical equipment, which represents about 15–17% of exports to the U.S. This segment includes manufacturing equipment, electrical machinery, and industrial tools. Like electronics, it is heavily tied to FDI and integration into global manufacturing networks.

3. Textiles and Apparel

Textiles and garments are one of Vietnam’s most established export strengths. In 2025, the country aims to export around 25 billion USD worth of apparel to the U.S. Knitwear, non-knit apparel, and fashion products remain in strong demand.

Vietnam has retained competitiveness despite competition from Bangladesh, India, and other low-cost producers, thanks to large-scale production capacity, improved design and quality standards, and increasing emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable production. However, this sector is vulnerable to rising raw material costs and compliance with strict U.S. labor and environmental standards.

4. Mobile Phones and Accessories

Mobile phones and their parts make up nearly 9% of Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. Assembly, and the export of phones is another area where Vietnam has benefited from supply chain realignment. Global brands rely on Vietnam for cost-effective production, though this category is more exposed to policy risks and trade disputes.

5. Wood Products and Furniture

Vietnam is now one of the largest furniture exporters to the U.S., with wood products expected to reach around $10 billion in exports in 2025. This includes wooden furniture, handicrafts, and decorative items.

The sector benefits from Vietnam’s skilled craftsmanship and cost advantages, but what really drives growth is rising U.S. demand for eco-friendly and sustainably sourced furniture. Vietnamese companies are investing in certifications and sustainable wood sourcing to capture this market.

6. Footwear

Footwear exports make up about 6% of Vietnam’s shipments to the U.S. This includes sports shoes, casual shoes, and specialty footwear. Vietnam has become a leading global footwear producer, supplying major brands. However, the sector faces pressures from fluctuating input costs, trade tariffs, and competition from other Asian exporters.

7. Agricultural and Seafood Products

Agricultural exports, while smaller in overall share, remain strategically important. In 2025, exports of seafood, shrimp, pangasius (basa fish), cashew nuts, coffee, and rice to the U.S. are expected to surpass 7 billion USD.

Shrimp and pangasius are particularly strong performers, but they are subject to intense scrutiny over quality, food safety, and environmental standards. Cashews, for which Vietnam is the world’s largest exporter, remain a key agricultural product entering the U.S. market.

Vietnam Exports to US in the Last 10 Years: Historical Vietnam-US Trade Data

Key Trends in Vietnam–US Trade

Several major trends define Vietnam’s export relationship with the U.S. in 2025.

1. Supply Chain Diversification

The global push to diversify supply chains away from China has been one of the most important drivers of Vietnam’s export boom. Electronics, machinery, and mobile phones are all benefiting from multinational companies moving production to Vietnam. This trend shows no sign of slowing in 2025.

2. Rise of Sustainability and ESG Standards

U.S. consumers and importers increasingly demand sustainability, traceability, and compliance with environmental and social governance (ESG) standards. Wood, textiles, and seafood exporters are under pressure to prove responsible sourcing, fair labor practices, and low carbon footprints. Firms that invest in green production and certification gain an edge.

3. Tariffs and Trade Policy Shifts

The U.S. imposed new tariffs on Vietnamese goods in 2025, including a 20% duty on certain exports and higher penalties on goods suspected of being transshipped through Vietnam to evade tariffs. This has created cost pressures for Vietnamese exporters, especially in electronics and industrial goods.

4. Regulatory Barriers in Agriculture and Seafood

Beyond tariffs, non-tariff measures are increasingly important. U.S. regulations on seafood imports, such as those under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, have threatened to restrict or even ban exports of certain Vietnamese seafood products. These rules require compliance with strict environmental and fishing practices, which many Vietnamese fishing enterprises are still struggling to meet.

5. Heavy Role of FDI

Foreign-invested enterprises dominate Vietnam’s high-tech exports, particularly electronics and machinery. While this brings capital and integration into global supply chains, it also raises questions about how much of the value-added stays in Vietnam. Domestic firms face challenges in scaling up to compete at higher levels of the value chain.

Challenges Facing Vietnam’s Exports

Despite strong growth, Vietnamese exporters face a range of risks and challenges in 2025:

• Tariff Exposure: New U.S. tariffs erode competitiveness, particularly in price-sensitive sectors like textiles and electronics.

• Regulatory Risks: Agricultural and seafood exports are vulnerable to bans or restrictions if standards are not met.

• Rising Input Costs: Higher prices for raw materials, energy, and logistics strain profitability.

• Global Competition: Countries such as Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia are aggressively competing in garments and footwear.

• Overreliance on Imported Inputs: Many Vietnamese manufacturers depend on imported raw materials, often from China, which exposes them to supply chain shocks and trade disputes.

• Pressure to Upgrade: Exporters must invest in ESG compliance, certifications, and technology upgrades to meet U.S. buyer expectations.

Outlook and Forecasts

Vietnam’s government and industry associations expect exports to the U.S. to reach $125–130 billion in 2025. Key sectors leading the charge will be:

• Electronics and components, which continue to expand as more multinational companies relocate production.

• Textiles and apparel, targeting $25 billion in exports with a focus on sustainable and high-value-added products.

• Wood products and furniture, projected to exceed $10 billion, are driven by U.S. housing and lifestyle demand.

• Agricultural and seafood exports, expected to contribute more than $7 billion, provided regulatory barriers are managed.

Growth, however, will be moderated by the impact of tariffs, non-tariff regulations, and cost pressures affecting the US-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement. 

Strategic Implications

Vietnam’s exporters and policymakers need to adapt to ensure continued success in the U.S. market:

1. Move Up the Value Chain: Competing purely on cost is no longer sustainable. Investing in design, branding, and higher-value production will allow Vietnam to capture more margin and build resilience.

2. Strengthen Compliance Systems: Meeting U.S. requirements for quality, sustainability, and traceability is essential. This means investing in certifications, testing labs, and transparent supply chain systems.

3. Diversify Markets and Products: While the U.S. is Vietnam’s top market, overdependence is risky. Expanding exports to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East can balance risks. Within the U.S. market, diversifying product lines also helps mitigate sector-specific shocks.

4. Develop Supporting Industries: Reducing reliance on imported raw materials by building stronger domestic supply networks will make Vietnam’s exports more resilient.

5. Leverage Diplomacy and Trade Policy: Proactive engagement with U.S. regulators and trade bodies can help address disputes and secure more favorable terms.

Conclusion and Final Words

Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. in 2025 tell a story of both opportunity and challenge. Electronics, machinery, textiles, footwear, wood products, and seafood continue to drive record trade flows, putting Vietnam firmly among the top suppliers to the American market. Yet, the rise of tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and ESG requirements means exporters cannot stand still.

To achieve sustainable growth, Vietnam must move up the value chain, embrace green and responsible production, and diversify both inputs and markets. If these steps are taken, Vietnam’s goal of reaching 140 billion USD in exports to the U.S. in 2025 is not only achievable but also a foundation for long-term resilience in its most important trade partnership.

We hope that you liked our data-driven and insightful blog report on Vietnam exports to US & what goods does Vietnam export to USA in 2024-25. For more insights into the latest Vietnam import-export data or to search live data on Vietnam exports by country, product, or HS code, visit VietnamExportdata. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in for customized trade reports, market insights, & exclusive Vietnam customs database.