HCMC – The total value of goods shipped from Vietnam to China through the Lao Cai border gate has dropped by 40% compared to the same period last year, according to the Vietnam News Agency.
Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh, deputy head of the Lao Cai Border Gate Customs Branch, was quoted by the news agency as saying that the total import and export value of goods through the border gate in January and February reached over US$160 million, down by 15% year-on-year.
Main imports through the Lao Cai border gate include agricultural products, confectionery, iron and steel, steel products, machinery, fertilizers, chemicals, and coke. Key exports feature peeled wood, dragon fruit, cassava, green bananas, footwear, and durian.
The sharp drop in exports is attributed to stricter import regulations from China, including increased costs for pesticide residue inspections. This has significantly reduced the export volume of durian and jackfruit compared to previous months and the same period last year.
Additionally, a seasonal shortage of some agricultural products has contributed to the decline, as many fruit varieties are not yet in harvest season, limiting the supply available for export.
The Lao Cai government has instructed relevant authorities at the border gate to support businesses and facilitate import-export activities, particularly for Vietnam’s agricultural products. Officials will continue to streamline administrative procedures and expedite customs clearance to ease trade.
