Three decades after normalising relations, the United States has become one of Vietnam's most important trading partners. Figures presented at the Vietnam–US Business Summit in October 2026 show how far the relationship has come — and where the next opportunities lie for exporters.
The numbers at a glance
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Two-way goods trade, 1995 | about USD 450 million |
| Two-way goods trade, 2025 | about USD 209.5 billion (more than 460 times larger) |
| Vietnam's total import-export, first 9 months of 2026 | about USD 888 billion, up 30.4% |
| Registered FDI, first 9 months of 2026 | USD 50.36 billion, up 76.4% |
| GDP growth, first 9 months of 2026 | 9.01% |
Source: figures reported at the Vietnam–US Business Summit 2026.
Five priority areas for cooperation
- High technology — semiconductors, AI and data, from research to production.
- Clean energy — renewables, energy infrastructure, emissions reduction.
- Sustainable supply chains — more resilient, transparent sourcing from Vietnam.
- Finance, innovation and start-ups.
- Education and high-quality workforce.
What businesses say holds them back
American business representatives pointed to compliance costs, logistics costs, customs procedures and power supply uncertainty as the main burdens. Vietnamese business groups called for stable, transparent policy and balanced trade on both sides.
What this means for exporters
- Logistics is a competitive factor: as volumes grow, reliable freight, faster customs and predictable landed costs matter as much as factory price.
- Compliance is non-negotiable: origin, traceability and product safety are under closer scrutiny. See our US customs compliance guide.
- Policy can change quickly: tariff rules have shifted several times since 2025 — build flexibility into contracts and choose Incoterms carefully (DDP vs DDU).
- New sectors, new cargo: electronics, components and energy equipment bring demands for air freight, DG handling and project cargo.
Balance Trans helps Vietnamese and Cambodian exporters reach the US and Canada with door-to-door DDP/DDU service. See our North America service or talk to us.