Proactive adaptation is key to maintaining export momentum

Escalating conflicts in the Middle East, coupled with maritime security risks, rising logistics costs, and volatile energy prices, are creating a chain reaction of shocks for the global economy. Against this backdrop, Viet Nam's exports are striving to maintain their growth momentum. As of March 15, 2026, total import and export turnover is estimated at nearly US$190 billion; of which exports reached over US$92 billion, an increase of over 17% compared to the same period last year.

The key concern is not the current growth figures, but the ability to sustain this positive momentum in the coming months as uncertainties increase: geopolitical conflicts, protectionist trends, rising input costs, and increasingly stringent market standards. The challenge is for businesses to solve a "double problem": maintaining orders while preserving profit margins. Therefore, maintaining export momentum cannot be approached in a short-term way, but requires systemic solutions, shifting from reactive to proactive adaptation.

According to economic experts, businesses first need to change their approach to export markets towards data-driven management. Classifying markets into high-growth, stable but highly competitive, high-risk, and emerging markets is not just a technical matter but a shift in mindset. When business resources are limited, targeting the right market is more important than targeting many markets. This approach helps businesses avoid spreading themselves too thin and effectively utilize free trade agreements.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is accelerating the development of an integrated digital trade platform, connecting the trade system with domestic businesses to create more favorable conditions. In a context where market information changes daily, even hourly, the ability to access fast, accurate, and analytical data will determine the effectiveness of export strategies. When businesses can forecast consumer trends, import policies, or trade risks, they will no longer passively "follow the market," but can proactively shape their strategies.

Given the current global market developments, Viet Namese trade missions abroad serve not only as a bridge for trade promotion but also as a market coordination center. This means deeper involvement in providing in-depth information, early warning of risks, supporting businesses in resolving disputes, and connecting partners in a substantive way. As technical barriers, trade protection measures, and environmental standards become increasingly complex, the role of trade missions as a "soft shield" becomes even more crucial in helping businesses maintain their market share.

Another fundamental solution proposed by industry business associations is to promote diversification of export markets. Viet Nam, with its stable production base and extensive network of free trade agreements, has the advantage to capitalize on this trend. To turn opportunities into actual orders, many businesses have been proactively improving their capacity to meet standards and building distribution channels suitable for each market.

Another factor is that, in the context of fluctuating transportation and energy costs, logistics becomes a crucial "bottleneck" determining the competitiveness of export goods. Therefore, businesses need to flexibly adjust shipping routes, utilize transshipment ports, or restructure supply chains to reduce costs. In the long term, a comprehensive strategy is needed, including: investing in logistics infrastructure, developing multimodal transport, and improving port connectivity. When logistics costs are reduced, businesses not only improve profit margins but also increase price competitiveness.

Of course, the decisive factor still lies in the internal capabilities of the business. In an increasingly competitive market, cost advantage is no longer enough to maintain a position if it is not accompanied by quality, brand, and compliance with standards. The trend of "greening" supply chains, requirements for transparency and traceability are becoming "entry tickets" to many major markets. Therefore, businesses must invest in technology, increase localization rates, improve management, and build brands to both maintain export momentum and expand market share.

Source: SGGP