Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)Vietnam’s trade activity recorded a strong rebound in early March 2026, with both exports and imports rising sharply compared with the second half of February, reflecting a recovery in manufacturing demand and global shipments. According to preliminary data released by the General Department of Customs, total import-export turnover in the first half of March reached $41.23 billion, representing an increase of 78.9%, or $18.18 billion, compared to the previous period.
Exports accounted for $20.35 billion, marking a 98.1% increase, equivalent to an additional $10.08 billion. The sharp rise was mainly driven by key industrial sectors that continue to dominate Vietnam’s export structure. Computers, electronics and components posted an increase of $2.52 billion, up 81.9%, while machinery, equipment and spare parts rose by $1.25 billion, or 114.3%. Textile exports increased by $881 million, up 182.2%, and footwear exports grew by $412 million, up 102.5%. These gains reflect a strong recovery in manufacturing activity, particularly in export-oriented industries such as electronics and garments, which remain central to Vietnam’s trade growth.
By March 15, Vietnam’s cumulative exports reached $96.81 billion, up 17.1% year-on-year, equivalent to an increase of $14.14 billion compared to the same period in 2025. Electronics exports increased by $6.69 billion, or 40.3%, while phone and component exports rose by $2.66 billion, up 23.1%. Machinery exports also expanded, gaining $1.79 billion, or 18.2%, highlighting continued strength in industrial production.
Foreign-invested enterprises (FDI) continued to dominate Vietnam’s export sector. In early March alone, FDI firms recorded $16.39 billion in exports, up 88% from the second half of February. Cumulatively, FDI exports reached $76.68 billion by mid-March, up 30% year-on-year, accounting for 79% of Vietnam’s total exports. This underscores the critical role of multinational manufacturers in the country’s trade performance.
On the import side, Vietnam recorded $20.88 billion in imports during the first half of March, up 63.5%, or $8.11 billion, compared to the previous period. Imports increased mainly in production-related categories. Computers and electronic components rose by $3.44 billion, up 69.7%, while machinery and equipment imports increased by $923 million, up 69.3%. Plastic materials also recorded notable growth, reflecting higher demand for manufacturing inputs.
By March 15, total imports reached $100.32 billion, up 24.6% year-on-year, equivalent to an increase of $19.78 billion. Electronics imports increased by $12.41 billion, or 48%, while machinery and equipment imports rose by $2.12 billion, up 21%, compared to the same period last year. FDI enterprises also dominated imports. In early March, their import value reached $15.1 billion, up 64.4%, while cumulative imports totaled $72.04 billion, up 40.7% year-on-year, accounting for 72% of total imports.The strong growth in imports of machinery, equipment and materials suggests that Vietnam’s manufacturing sector is expanding production capacity, which is expected to support export growth in the coming months.