Vietnam racks up US$1.3 billion trade deficit by mid-February

Vietnam recorded a trade deficit of US$2.086 billion during the first half of February, resulting in a nearly US$1.3 billion trade deficit for the country by mid-February, according to a source from customs.

  • Vietnam-Laos trade tops 1 billion USD in 2018
  • Traders in Da Nang learn foreign languages to woo more customers
  • EVFTA opens new era in Vietnam-EU trade ties: Italian experts
vietnam racks up us$1.3 billion trade deficit by mid-february hinh 0
By mid-February, the total exports amounted to US$26.319 billion while imports were seen at US$27.596 billion, leading to a US$1.3 billion deficit.

Statistics released from the General Department of Vietnam Customs show that the country raked in US$4.246 billion from exports during the first half of February while simultaneously spending US$6.332 billion on imports, thus leading to a trade deficit of US$2.086 billion.

By mid-February, the total exports amounted to US$26.319 billion while imports were seen at US$27.596 billion, leading to a US$1.3 billion deficit in trade.

Experts said that trade deficit figures reflect transient fluctuations in the market which occurred throughout February with a large number of enterprises restricting or halting their operations to mark the Tet (Lunar New Year) holidays.

Telephones and computers remained key exports in the first 15 days of February, with a value of US$263 million, or 68 per cent of the country’s total export turnover.

Notably, the export value of telephones and components were recorded at US$1.144 billion in the first half of February, increasing the total export of such products to US$4.4 billion by mid-February.

They were followed by computers, electronic items, and their components with the combined export value of US$622 million in the first half of February, doubling that of garment and textile exports.

By mid-February, garments and textiles were ranked 2nd in terms of export turnover, with a trading value amounting to US$3.613 billion, nearly US$600 million higher than that of computers, electronic items, and their components.

Vietnam had four key export categories reaching over US$1 billion in value by mid-February, including footwear, machinery, wood and wooden products, and means of transport.

VOV

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.