AsemconnectVietnam - According to the General Statistics Office, Vietnam's total import and export turnover in the first quarter of 2026 reached US$249.5 billion, a 23% increase compared to the same period of 2025.

Exports continued to grow strongly. However, the trade balance in the first quarter of 2026 recorded a deficit of US$3.64 billion.
Both exports and imports of goods recorded growth in March of 2026.
According to data from the General Statistics Office (Ministry of Finance), goods import and export activities in March of 2026 recovered strongly and became an important highlight of the first quarter's trade picture. The total value of goods imports and exports nationwide in March reached US$93.55 billion, an increase of 39.2% compared to the previous month and an increase of 23.9% compared to the same period last year.
The country's export value in March of 2026 reached US$46.44 billion, an increase of 40.3% compared to the previous month. Of which, exports from the domestic economic sector reached US$8.96 billion, an increase of 39.2%, while exports from the foreign direct investment (FDI) sector reached US$37.48 billion, an increase of 40.6%. Compared to the same period last year, the exports in March increased by 20.1%, showing that the emand from key markets improved.
Meanwhile, imports in March of 2026 reached US$47.11 billion, a 38.2% increase compared to the previous month. The domestic economic sector accounted for US$13.45 billion, a 40.8% increase, while the FDI sector accounted for US$33.66 billion, a 37.1% increase. Compared to the same period last year, imports increased by 27.8%, indicating continued strong growth in demand for raw materials and machinery for production.
Overall, in the first quarter of 2026, the total value of goods exports and imports nationwide reached US$249.50 billion, a 23% increase compared to the same period last year. Of this, exports reached US$122.93 billion, a 19.1% increase; imports reached US$126.57 billion, a 27% increase. However, imports exceeding exports caused Vietnam's trade balance to reverse, recording a trade deficit. $3.64 billion, instead of a trade surplus in the same period last year.
Vietnam's export structure in the first quarter of 2026 continued to strongly favor processed industrial goods, with a turnover of $110.52 billion, accounting for 89.9% of total export turnover. Key items such as electronics, computers and components; telephones; machinery and equipment continued to maintain high growth rates, with electronics, computers and components alone reaching $30.7 billion, an increase of 45.5% compared to the same period.
Strong import growth reversed the trade balance in the first quarter of 2026.
In the first quarter of 2026, the country's import turnover reached $126.57 billion, an increase of 27% compared to the same period last year, significantly higher than the growth rate of exports.
The imports of production materials in the first quarter of accounted for the largest proportion with $118.84 billion, equivalent to 93.9% of total import value, indicating that the majority of imported goods directly served production, processing, and export activities. Meanwhile, imports of machinery, equipment, tools, and spare parts accounted for 55.3%, while raw materials and fuels accounted for 38.6%.
Several key import items recorded high growth rates, including electronics, computers, and components reaching US$47.57 billion, up by 50.5%; and machinery and equipment reaching US$15.5 billion, up by 22.6%.
Regarding markets, the United States continued to be Vietnam's largest export market with a value of US$39 billion, while China was the largest import market with a value of US$50.1 billion. Vietnam maintained a large trade surplus with the United States (US$33.9 billion) and the EU (US$10.6 billion), but a high trade deficit with China (US$33.3 billion) and South Korea. (US$10.6 billion) and ASEAN (US$5.0 billion).
The trade balance for goods in the first quarter of 2026 recorded a trade deficit of US$3.64 billion, of which the domestic economic sector had a deficit of US$10.73 billion, while the foreign-invested sector (including crude oil) had a surplus of US$7.09 billion. This showed the significant dependence of the domestic sector on imported raw materials and equipment, and also demonstrates the continued leading role of the FDI sector in exports.
According to the General Statistics Office, the results of import and export activities in the first quarter of 2026 showed that the Vietnamese economy continued to maintain positive growth momentum. However, to maintain sustainable growth in the following quarters, Vietnamese businesses need to effectively utilize free trade agreements, diversify markets, and enhance competitiveness.
CK
Source: VITIC/tapchikinhtetaichinh.vn