According to the Ha Tinh Department of Industry and Trade, the province's total import-export turnover in the first seven months of 2025 reached approximately 2.7 billion USD, a decrease compared to the same period last year. Of this, exports totaled 958.96 million USD (down 25.96%), and imports were around 1.8 billion USD (down 20.16%).
The main reason is that steel and billet products from Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Company (FHS) — which accounts for more than 83% of the province’s total export value — have faced difficulties accessing markets due to protectionist policies in various countries.
In the first seven months of 2025, FHS’s steel and billet export turnover reached only 795.62 million USD, a sharp decline of 31.16% compared to the same period in 2024.
This challenge in market access led to reduced production, causing a significant drop in demand for imported input materials. FHS's import turnover in the same period stood at 1.3 billion USD (accounting for about 75.2% of the province’s total import turnover), down 17.55%.
Despite the lackluster picture in the first seven months, Ha Tinh's Department of Industry and Trade remains optimistic about a recovery in the latter part of the year. In particular, FHS’s exports are expected to rebound thanks to favorable tariff policies from the U.S. market.
The U.S. easing tariffs on Vietnamese steel could help FHS boost exports to its key market, while also expanding contracts to countries such as Russia, Italy, the UK, Japan, and South Korea.
Other sectors, such as fiber, textiles, and tea, are also showing positive signs.
Ha Tinh Tea Joint Stock Company is among the notable performers. In the first seven months of 2025, the company exported 1,300 tons of pure tea, reaching a value of nearly 3 million USD. “Our main export markets in Central and South Asia have maintained stable orders, with periods of strong growth,” a company representative said. By year-end, the company plans to raise its export volume to 2,300 tons, with an expected value of over 5.5 million USD.
Currently, Ha Tinh is leveraging incentives from 13 out of 17 free trade agreements (FTAs) that Vietnam has signed. Export turnover from these FTAs accounts for more than 50% of the province’s total exports. Ha Tinh’s goods have reached over 20 countries, including major markets such as Japan, India, China, and ASEAN.
Agreements like the CPTPP, EVFTA, and RCEP continue to support local businesses in expanding markets, reducing tariffs, and enhancing competitiveness. Although Ha Tinh has only reached 38.4% of its 2025 export target of 2.5 billion USD, there is still room for growth in the remaining months.
To support businesses, the Department of Industry and Trade has advised the issuance of Plan No. 341/KH-UBND to implement Directive No. 13/CT-TTg on combating smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods. At the same time, the department is also developing a logistics and export development policy for the 2026–2030 period, aiming to improve trade infrastructure, reduce transportation costs, and boost market promotion.
Source: vneconomy.vn
