HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam recorded a trade surplus of US$3.8 billion in the first four months of 2025, a sharp decline of 58.2 per cent compared to the $9.05 billion surplus in the same period last year, according to the General Department of Customs under the Ministry of Finance.

The country’s total import-export turnover reached nearly $277 billion during the period, marking a year-on-year increase of 15.7 per cent, or $37.5 billion. Of this, exports rose by 13 per cent, while imports surged by 18.6 per cent.

State budget revenue from import and export activities stood at VNĐ142.1 trillion ($5.5 billion), equivalent to 34.5 per cent of the annual target and up 12.1 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

Despite strong trade flows, customs authorities reported ongoing complexity in combating smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeiting and illicit goods transportation, particularly along key routes.

Sea transport remains the most problematic, accounting for 52.8 per cent of total recorded violations. Major seaports such as Đình Vũ, Nam Hải Đình Vũ, Tân Vũ, VIP Green, Cát Lái, ICD Phước Long, Hiệp Phước, Vict and Cái Mép were frequently involved in cases of misdeclaration of goods — including incorrect names, categories, quality, customs values, tariff codes and origins — aimed at evading taxes.

Air routes have seen a spike in cases involving illegal transport of narcotics, currencies and gold. Offenders often exploit streamlined procedures, the rise of e-commerce and the popularity of express delivery and goods consignment services to commit increasingly sophisticated violations.

Meanwhile, on land routes, the illicit trade and transport of firecrackers and white sugar have continued in central provinces and along the Việt Nam–Laos border. Other common smuggled items — often without valid invoices or documentation — include frozen food, consumer goods and tobacco products, particularly along the borders with China and Cambodia.

Between January and April, customs forces uncovered and handled 5,206 violation cases, with an estimated total value of violating goods reaching VNĐ10.3 trillion (over $400 million). Administrative penalties contributed over VNĐ347 billion ($13.4 million) to the State budget. — VNS