Export-import growth hits 10-year high

Vietnam witnessed the growth of exports and imports in the first four months of 2021 hitting 10-year record high, data of the General Statistics Office (GSO) shows.
  • Foreign firms hold 95% of Vietnamese electronics export value
  • Aquatic product exports in Q1 predicted to hit 1.64 bln USD
Production of garment for export to Japan. (Photo: VNA)

Production of garment for export to Japan. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam witnessed the growth of exports and imports in the first four months of 2021 hitting 10-year record high, data of the General Statistics Office (GSO) shows.

From January-April, exports totalled 103.9 billion USD, an increase of 28.3 percent against the same period last year.

The domestic sector exported 25.76 billion USD worth of goods and services, up 12.8 percent year-on-year and accounting for 24.8 percent of the total overseas shipments, while the foreign-invested sector contributed 78.14 billion USD, up 34.4 percent and representing 75.2 percent of the total.

Highest growth was seen in the heavy industry and mining sector, which generated 57.58 billion USD in export revenue, a year-on-year rise of 33 percent. It was followed by the light and craft industries, 27.5 percent; and agriculture and forestry, 8.8 percent.

The US was Vietnam’s largest buyer during the period, with a value of 30.3 billion USD, up 50.1 percent year-on-year. China came second, purchasing 16.8 billion USD worth of goods and services from Vietnam, up 32.4 percent; followed by the EU, 12.6 billion USD and 18.1 percent.

Four-month imports rose by 30.8 percent from a year earlier to 102.6 billion USD. Some 93.9 percent of the imports were capital goods, worth a total of 96.31 billion USD, up 31.4 percent. The remainder was consumer goods, valued at 6.3 billion USD, up 22.5 percent.

China remained as Vietnam’s biggest seller with 33.1 billion USD worth of goods and services shipped to Vietnam, up 47.8 percent year-on-year, followed by the Republic of Korea (16.9 billion USD), ASEAN (14.1 billion USD), and Japan (7.2 billion USD).

The GSO also reported trade surplus of 1.29 billion USD and total retail sales of goods and services of close to 1.7 quadrillion VND (73.5 billion USD) in the first four month of the year, up 10 percent year-on-year.

VNA

Other News

A view of a container port in Singapore. (File photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Vietnam-Singapore trade cooperation gains fresh momentum

Analysts noted that Vietnam-Singapore ties are increasingly moving beyond traditional goods trade towards green growth, innovation and high-quality supply chains, laying a stronger foundation for more substantive and sustainable cooperation in the years ahead.

Vietnamese products make strong impression at Foodservice Australia 2026

Vietnamese products make strong impression at Foodservice Australia 2026

International visitors expressed positive impressions of Vietnamese products displayed at the fair. Nelma Sanjines, senior supervisor at ESP Catering in Sydney, praised the flavour of Vietnamese chilli sauce and soy sauce as well as the attractive packaging of confectionery products.

Digital technology helps standardise supply chains, sustain export competitiveness

Digital technology helps standardise supply chains, sustain export competitiveness

Experts noted that supply chain optimisation and risk management are no longer isolated tasks for individual companies but a requirement for the entire export ecosystem. With guidance from regulators, support from industry experts and their own efforts, Vietnamese exporters are expected to enhance their competitiveness and turn technical barriers and market volatility into opportunities for sustainable growth in global markets.

Vietnam seen as attractive investment destination for 2026–2035

Vietnam seen as attractive investment destination for 2026–2035

The article described Vietnam as strategically positioned along major regional maritime routes, including the East – West corridor linking the Americas, the Middle East, India and Europe, and the North – South corridor connecting China and Southeast Asia, helping make the country a gateway for international trade.

Eco-industrial parks seen as catalyst for higher-quality FDI

Eco-industrial parks seen as catalyst for higher-quality FDI

The eco-industrial park model will help Vietnam meet international environmental standards while creating opportunities to improve growth quality and economic competitiveness. Many multinational corporations now view green standards, emissions reduction and energy efficiency as key conditions when selecting investment destinations.

Promoting Vietnamese Brands at an International Food Fair in Gwangju

Promoting Vietnamese Brands at an International Food Fair in Gwangju

Alongside exhibition activities, trade promotion, and business networking programs, the “Gwangju Global Food Fair 2026” also witnessed the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Vietnam–Korea Businessmen & Investment Association (VKBIA) and the Gwangju Tourism Organization of South Korea.

Hanoi proposes subsidies to accelerate shift to electric vehicles

Hanoi proposes subsidies to accelerate shift to electric vehicles

Under a draft resolution currently open for public feedback by the municipal People’s Committee, residents with permanent or temporary residence registration in Hanoi for at least two consecutive years, who own petrol-powered motorbikes registered before the resolution takes effect, will be eligible for support when purchasing electric motorbikes priced at 10 million VND or more.

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

More than a year after the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development came into effect, expectations now extend beyond increasing the number of enterprises. The goal is to build a stronger business community with greater resilience, larger ambitions and the capacity to compete in global supply chains.

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam is expected to remain one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies in 2026, supported by resilient exports, strong investment inflows and an ambitious reform agenda, despite mounting global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s latest Vietnam Economic Update released on May 15.

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Under a new circular, the exchange of greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits is conducted on the domestic carbon credit exchange through the carbon trading system, which is interconnected with the national registration system.