Vietnam’s Trade Turnover Reaches USD 39.3 Billion in Early January 2026

Vietnam’s total import-export turnover reached USD 39.3 billion in the first half of January 2026, according to the latest data released by the General Department of Customs. Of this total, exports exceeded USD 18 billion, while imports reached nearly USD 21.3 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of approximately USD 3.29 billion. Foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises continued to dominate Vietnam’s external trade activities. By January 15, 2026, the FDI sector recorded export turnover of over USD 14 billion and import turnover of more than USD 15.3 billion, accounting for about 77% of the country’s total exports and nearly 72% of total imports.

Technology and Manufacturing Drive Export Growth

During the first half of January 2026, Vietnam’s export structure remained heavily concentrated in technology-intensive and manufacturing products, highlighting the country’s growing role in global supply chains. Computers, electronic products and components led exports with a turnover exceeding USD 4.2 billion. Machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts followed with export value reaching USD 2.1 billion, while mobile phones and components generated more than USD 2.04 billion. These categories continued to serve as key pillars of Vietnam’s export performance.

Traditional export sectors also maintained stable contributions. Garment and textile exports reached over USD 1.36 billion, while transport vehicles and spare parts earned more than USD 780 million. Wood and wood products recorded export turnover of approximately USD 656.7 million.In the agricultural and fisheries sector, coffee exports brought in more than USD 433 million, while seafood exports reached over USD 417 million, reflecting sustained demand in major overseas markets.

Imports Focus on Production Inputs

On the import side, Vietnam spent nearly USD 21.3 billion in the first half of January 2026, largely on goods serving domestic manufacturing and processing activities. Computers, electronic products and components topped imports with a value of over USD 7.95 billion.Machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts ranked second with nearly USD 2.8 billion. Other key imported items included fabrics of all kinds worth more than USD 597 million, other base metals exceeding USD 573 million, plastic materials at over USD 542 million, and iron and steel products reaching more than USD 511 million.The strong demand for imported inputs suggests that industrial production remains active at the beginning of the year, despite uncertainties in the global economic environment.

Trade Outlook for 2026

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam aims to increase total export turnover by more than 8% in 2026 compared to 2025. The country is also targeting a trade surplus exceeding USD 23 billion, representing an increase of around 15% year-on-year.However, global trade conditions remain challenging, with risks stemming from geopolitical tensions, protectionist measures and changes in tariff policies in major markets. Against this backdrop, experts note that sustaining export growth will depend on market diversification, higher value-added production and deeper integration of domestic enterprises into global supply chains.