Vietnam records US$1.01 trillion in trade as exports rise
October brought a US$6.8 billion trade surplus, but Vietnam still had a deficit of around US$12.7 billion for January–October.
Vietnam’s goods trade reached US$1.01 trillion in January–October 2026, up 32.3 per cent from the corresponding period a year earlier, the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Agency of Foreign Trade reported. Export earnings rose 27.4 per cent to about US$499 billion.
For October alone, the agency estimated trade at US$122.2 billion, an increase of 47.6 per cent year-on-year. A monthly surplus estimated at US$6.8 billion left the cumulative deficit at around US$12.7 billion. It was the second successive month with a surplus.
Domestic enterprises and foreign-invested businesses both supported the expansion. Processed goods made up 87.4 per cent of export value, while major overseas markets recorded positive results.
The ministry’s fourth-quarter plans include expanding export destinations and using free trade agreements more effectively. It also plans stronger early-warning capabilities covering trade defence cases, tariff barriers, environmental standards and requirements concerning traceability and origin.
A longer-term strategy under preparation sets annual growth targets averaging 15–16 per cent for exports and 12–13 per cent for imports. Covering the period to 2030 with a vision to 2045, it also seeks a sustainable trade surplus.
By mid-September 2026, Vietnamese goods had faced 327 trade defence investigations across 27 markets. The Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam has flagged 50 export product categories as potentially vulnerable to investigations, particularly concerning suspected origin fraud or illegal transshipment. It urged businesses to retain detailed records documenting inputs, production and costs.
