In 2017, the two-way trade value exceeded 4.6 billion USD, up 11.6 percent from 2016. The figure included 3.3 billion USD worth of Vietnamese exports to France and 1.3 billion USD worth of imports from the European country, both increasing by over 11 percent year on year.

Vietnam’s key export staples to France include footwear, garments and textiles, household appliances, agro-forestry-aquatic products, gemstones, jewelries, electricity devices, electronics, mechanic tools, pottery, rubber, coal, plastic products and rattan and bamboo handicrafts.

Last year, Vietnam exported 1.13 billion USD worth of mobile phones and components to France, earning the products first position in the list of exports to the European nation for the seventh year in a row. 

They were followed by garments and textiles with turnover of 526.6 million USD, footwear and computers and spare parts, which raked in 436 million USD and 211 million USD, respectively.

Meanwhile, Vietnam mainly imported high-valued products from France, such as pharmaceuticals, machines and equipment, and transport vehicles.

According to Vu Duc Giang, President of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), the sector’s annual export value to the EU makes up of 18-19 percent of its total earnings, in which France accounts for a majority.

Vietnam is currently one of the leading suppliers of garments for the French market thanks to its high-quality products and reasonable prices, Giang said.