Bac Ninh province has overtaken the economic powerhouse of Ho Chi Minh City to become the nation's top exporter in July 2025, with an export turnover of nearly $8.68 billion.

According to statistical data, in this past July, the country's total merchandise exports reached $42.29 billion, an increase of 7% (up $2.76 billion) compared to the same period in 2024. For the first seven months of the year, total export turnover reached $262.46 billion, a 14.8% increase (up $33.92 billion) compared to the same period last year.

Notably, in the breakdown of merchandise exports by province and city for this past July—the first month that 34 provincial-level administrative units (including 28 provinces and 6 centrally-run cities) officially began operating under a new administrative model—the export turnover of localities saw a relatively significant shift.

Specifically, with a turnover of nearly $8.68 billion, Bac Ninh province unexpectedly surpassed the long-time leader, HCM City, to become the country's top exporting locality in July 2025.

After holding the top spot for a long period, HCM City's export turnover unexpectedly dropped to second place this past July, reaching $7.81 billion, approximately $870 million less than Bac Ninh.

The top 5 provinces and cities with the highest export turnover in July 2025 also included Hai Phong with $4.15 billion, Phu Tho with $3.22 billion, and Dong Nai with $3.18 billion.