HCMC – Vietnam recorded a trade deficit of US$3.3 billion in the first half of January 2026, as imports reached US$21.3 billion while exports totaled US$18 billion, according to Vietnam Customs.
Exports were led by industrial and high-tech products. Computers, electronic products and components topped the list with more than US$4.2 billion, the Vietnam News Agency reported, quoting Vietnam Customs data.
Machinery, equipment and spare parts followed at US$2.1 billion, while phones and components brought in US$2 billion. Garments generated US$1.4 billion.
Several traditional export items also posted notable figures. Footwear reached US$923 million. Coffee earned US$433 million, and seafood exports totaled US$417 million.
Imports during the same period rose sharply, driven mainly by goods used for production. Computers, electronics and components accounted for nearly US$8 billion of import value. Machinery and equipment reached US$2.8 billion. Fabrics totaled US$597 million, plastic materials US$542 million, and iron and steel US$511 million.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises continued to dominate trade activity. They exported more than US$14 billion worth of goods, making up about 77.7% of the total. Their imports reached US$15.3 billion, equivalent to 71.9% of Vietnam’s total during the period.
