Global media hails Việt Nam growth amid trade headwinds

Global media hails Việt Nam growth amid trade headwinds

Nikkei Asia noted that the 8.02 per cent growth rate was the country's fastest expansion in the past three years and placed the country among the fastest-growing economies over the past 15 years.

A worker at a VinFast factory in Hải Phòng. VNA/VNS Photo

 Việt Nam’s economy emerged as a regional standout in 2025, with major international media outlets highlighting the country’s strong growth as global trade uncertainty continued to weigh on Asia.

After the General Statistics Office announced that Việt Nam’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 8.02 per cent in 2025, foreign media widely reported on and praised the result, describing the country as one of the few bright spots in the Asian economy.

Nikkei Asia noted that the 8.02 per cent expansion was Việt Nam’s fastest growth in the past three years and placed the country among the fastest-growing economies over the past 15 years. The publication pointed to a broad-based recovery, with industry and construction expanding by 8.95 per cent and services by 8.62 per cent. In the fourth quarter of 2025 alone, GDP rose 8.46 per cent year on year, the strongest fourth-quarter growth since 2011. Nikkei said the figures underscored Việt Nam’s economic resilience in a volatile year for global trade, particularly following the United States’ decision to impose additional tariffs.

The Diplomat also highlighted the strength of Việt Nam’s performance, noting that growth remained robust even after the administration of US President Donald Trump imposed a 20 per cent tariff on Vietnamese goods from August 2025. The magazine observed that exports to the United States continued to rise despite the measures, underlining Việt Nam’s increasingly important role in global supply chains. Citing official data, it reported that the country’s total export turnover in 2025 reached about US$475 billion, up 17 per cent from the previous year.

Foreign direct investment was widely cited as another key driver of growth. Nikkei Asia reported that disbursed FDI reached around $27.62 billion in 2025, an increase of 9 per cent from 2024 and the highest level on record, while new investment commitments remained stable, reflecting sustained investor confidence.

The Associated Press described Việt Nam as one of Asia’s most attractive destinations for foreign investors. The news agency said rising FDI inflows have helped position the country as an emerging manufacturing hub, supporting its ambition to become a new regional economic centre.

Việt Nam continues to play a central role in global supply chains for electronics, textiles, footwear and consumer goods. Multinational corporations including Samsung, Apple and Nike operate large assembly facilities in the country, importing components and raw materials mainly from China before exporting finished products to the United States and other markets. 

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