Vietnam’s economy expanded by 7.52% in the first half of 2025, the highest H1 growth rate recorded between 2011 and 2025, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO). The service sector grew 8.14%, contributing over half of the growth, while industry and construction rose by 8.33%. Agriculture, forestry, and fishery grew by 3.84%. Q2 growth reached 7.96%, second only to Q2/2022.
Trade turnover reached USD 432 billion, up 16.1% year-on-year, with a surplus of USD 7.63 billion – down from USD12.15 billion in H1/2024. Retail sales rose 9.3% to nearly USD 130.5 billion. Over 152,000 businesses were established or resumed operations in H1, while around 114,800 closed or suspended activities.
Consumer price index (CPI) increased by 3.27% year-on-year, with core inflation at 3.16%. Optimism is rising among manufacturers, with 43% expecting better business in Q3.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) registrations surged 32.6% to over USD 21.5 billion, the highest since 2009. This included USD 9.3 billion in new capital, USD 8.95 billion in additional capital (more than double the previous year), and USD 3.28 billion in stake acquisitions.
GSO Director Nguyen Thi Huong called the results “very positive” and noted that Vietnam’s H1 growth was the highest in Southeast Asia. However, she warned that the second half of the year will bring significant challenges. The government remains committed to its 8% growth goal for 2025, despite global uncertainties and rising trade tensions, including with the US.
(Source: The Investor)
