IMPORT–EXPORT CUSTOMS REVENUE NEARS VND380 TRILLION IN JAN–OCT

Shipping containers are loaded onto a vessel at Tan Cang-Cai Mep Port – PHOTO: VNA

HCMC – Vietnam’s customs revenue from import and export activities totaled nearly VND380 trillion in the first 10 months of this year, achieving 92.4% of the full-year target and rising 9.3% year-on-year, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

During the same period, the country’s total import–export value reached more than US$762 billion, up 17.4% from a year earlier. Exports amounted to nearly US$391 billion, an increase of 16.2%, while imports grew 18.6% to US$371.4 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of over US$19.5 billion.

In October alone, Vietnam’s total trade stood at US$81.49 billion, down a slight 1.2% from September, but the nation still posted a monthly trade surplus of US$2.6 billion, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

The main growth driver continued to come from foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises, which accounted for a large portion of the country’s trade turnover.

Meanwhile, customs authorities warned of rising risks in smuggling and trade fraud. The wide price gap between domestic and international gold markets in October increased the likelihood of gold and currency smuggling, particularly through land and water routes.

Violations involving counterfeit goods and intellectual property infringements via transshipment and transit activities also persisted, often through false labeling or mixing counterfeit items with legitimate goods.

From December 15, 2024, to October 14, 2025, customs units nationwide handled 15,121 violation cases with goods valued at around VND19.55 trillion. These operations generated VND710.3 billion in revenue for the state budget, with 16 cases prosecuted and 100 others transferred to other authorities for legal action.

In response, the General Department of Vietnam Customs has enhanced early warning systems, tightened border controls, and directed local customs offices to conduct internal audits to strengthen anti-smuggling efforts.

Source: The Saigon Times