Import earnings from foreign trade have increased by 9.1% over a period of seven months
In the first seven months of 2025, Vietnam's state budget revenue from import-export activities reached an impressive VND 261.37 trillion (US$9.97 billion), marking a 9.1% increase year-on-year [1]. Exports accounted for $262.46 billion, up 14.8% compared with the same period last year, while imports made up $252.26 billion, a 17.9% increase [2]. Despite this positive trade growth, smuggling and illegal cross-border transport persist as complex issues [2].
E-commerce platforms have increasingly become a hotbed for the sale of counterfeit and unverified products, raising concerns about public health and safety, particularly for goods affecting public health such as food, pharmaceuticals, and dietary supplements [5]. This trend highlights the ongoing challenges in fully controlling these illicit flows in the expanding digital marketplace.
In response, the Ministry of Finance is tightening customs supervision to combat smuggling and transshipment amid a large trade surplus and growing cross-border trade [1][2]. Customs forces detected and dealt with 10,351 cases involving goods valued at an estimated VND15.1 trillion during the first seven months of the year [3]. The maritime route accounted for the largest share of smuggling incidents, with 899 out of 1,790 cases detected [4].
The government is also cooperating internationally and applying stricter enforcement measures to reduce smuggling and intellectual property infringement. For instance, in July alone, 669 smuggling cases were handled on land routes, primarily along the Vietnam-China and Vietnam-Cambodia borders [6]. However, no direct prosecutions were made by customs authorities for ten cases; 68 others were transferred to other agencies for prosecution [3].
The ongoing efforts reflect the significant challenges in fully controlling smuggling and intellectual property infringement in Vietnam as of mid-2025. As the digital marketplace continues to expand, it is crucial for the government to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing these regulatory and public health challenges.
AI and finance are being leveraged by the Vietnamese government to bolster their efforts against smuggling and intellectual property infringement. By using AI technology, customs authorities can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and anomalies that may indicate illicit activities, ensuring more efficient trade control [7].
Moreover, the government is seeking to improve regulations in various industries, such as finance and business, to create a more transparent and accountable environment. This move aims to discourage illegal activities and increase public trust, ultimately promoting a robust, health-conscious economy [8].
In addition, the government is working closely with trade partners to combat the sale of counterfeit products online, particularly those affecting public health, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and dietary supplements [5]. Collaboration with international organizations will play a pivotal role in establishing comprehensive policies and systems to ensure the safety and integrity of goods traded across borders.
