According to the General Statistics Office, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) surged by 7.52% in the first half of 2025, marking the strongest six-month performance since 2011. In the second quarter alone, GDP rose 7.96%, second only to Q2 2022 during the 2020–2025 period.

This result indicates a broad-based recovery across economic sectors, supported by stable macroeconomic policies, growing public investment and foreign direct investment (FDI), stronger domestic demand, and the effective use of free trade agreements.

Industry and construction remained the primary engines of growth, rising 8.33% and accounting for over 42% of the overall increase in gross value added. Services grew by 8.14%, making up more than half of total value added, while agriculture, forestry and fisheries soared by 3.84%, representing nearly 5.6%.

Manufacturing continued to lead, with output up 10.1% in the first half. Key export-oriented industries, including garment production, footwear, rubber and plastics, metals, and automobiles saw solid gains. Several industrial provinces recorded double-digit growth, underscoring the spread of momentum across regions.

Vietnam’s economic structure remained stable: agriculture–forestry–fisheries made up 11.28% of GDP, industry and construction 36.96%, services 43.4%, and product taxes minus subsidies 8.3%.

Business activities also showed positive signs. In June, more than 24,400 new enterprises were established, while 14,400 returned to operation. Over the first half of the year, over 152,700 businesses either entered or re-entered the market, averaging 25,500 per month.

At the same time, business closures increased. Around 127,200 firms withdrew from the market during the six-month period, up 15.5% from the same period last year.

Foreign trade maintained strong momentum. The United States was Vietnam’s largest export market in the first half, with turnover reaching US$70.91 billion. China was the top import source, at US$84.7 billion. Throughout the reviewed period, the trade surplus stood at US$7.63 billion, compared to US$12.15 billion in the same period last year.

The General Statistics Office noted that strong export performance reflected Vietnam’s ability to capitalize on free trade agreements, expand market reach, and enhance the value of exported goods amid stable global demand.

First-half economic growth hits 20-year high with positive indicators

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s economy expanded by 7.31% in the first half of 2025, the highest six-month growth in two decades, reflecting a strong, resilient recovery amid ongoing global challenges, said Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang at a regular Government meeting in Hanoi on July 3.

Southern megacity posts 7.5% economic growth in first half

VOV.VN - Ho Chi Minh City’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) rose by 6.56% in the first half of 2025, or 7.49% when crude oil is included, according to a meeting held by the municipal People’s Committee on July 4 to review economic performance in June and outline tasks for the rest of the year.