Goods export increase sharply
The latest information from General Statistics Office - Ministry of Finance shows that in March, total value of goods export and import reached US$93.55 billion, an increase of 39.2% compared to previous month and an increase of 23.9% compared to the same period last year. For the first quarter of 2026, total value of goods exports and imports reached US$249.50 billion, an increase of 23.0% compared to the same period last year, with exports increasing by 19.1% and imports increasing by 27.0%. Trade balance showed a trade deficit of US$3.64 billion.
In terms of import and export structure, merchandise exports in March reached US$46.44 billion, an increase of 40.3% compared to the previous month. Of this, domestic economic sector accounted for US$8.96 billion, an increase of 39.2%; foreign-invested sector (including crude oil) accounted for US$37.48 billion, an increase of 40.6%. Compared to the same period last year, merchandise export in March increased by 20.1%, with domestic economic sector decreasing by 20.1% and foreign-invested sector (including crude oil) increasing by 36.5%.
Overall for the first quarter of 2026, merchandise export reached US$122.93 billion, an increase of 19.1% compared to the same period last year. Of this, domestic economic sector accounted for US$24.47 billion, a decrease of 16.6%, representing 19.9% of total export. Foreign-invested sector (including crude oil) reached US$98.46 billion, an increase of 33.3%, accounting for 80.1%.
In the first quarter of 2026, 20 product categories achieved export turnover exceeding US$1 billion, accounting for 86.8% of total export turnover (with 5 product categories exceeding US$5 billion, accounting for 62.4%).
Regarding structure of export goods in the first quarter of 2026, processed industrial goods group reached US$110.52 billion, accounting for 89.9%; agricultural and forestry products group reached US$9.34 billion, accounting for 7.6%; aquatic products group reached US$2.64 billion, accounting for 2.2%; and fuel and mineral products group reached US$0.43 billion, accounting for 0.3%.
Fruits and vegetables are among key export items. According to Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, in the first quarter of 2026, fruit and vegetable industry achieved export turnover of nearly US$1.48 billion, a 27% increase compared to the same period in 2025, reflecting a clear recovery and market expansion. This result shows that adaptability of businesses has improved, especially in context of gradually recovering international consumption demand.
Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said: "China's demand for imported fruits remains very high, especially for tropical products. If quality control and traceability are well maintained, growth potential of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables in this market is still very large".
According to experts, Vietnam's rise to the group of leading suppliers to Chinese market, especially with products such as durian, bananas, coconuts, longan, etc., is an important foundation for expanding market share in the future.
For textile and garment industry, export turnover in the first quarter reached over US$8.8 billion, an increase of 1.9% compared to the same period last year. Vietnam Textile and Garment Association (VITAS) reported that Vietnam's advantage still lies in its ability to meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, as well as its experience in deeply participating in global supply chains. However, to maintain competitiveness, businesses need to proactively adjust their strategies in context of extremely complex ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In 2026, textile and garment industry aims for exports of approximately US$49-50 billion, a 6% increase compared to 2025. VITAS believes that export target for textile and garment industry in 2026 is still achievable if businesses flexibly adapt to new context. To support this process, regulatory agencies are proposed to enhance market information provision, update transportation route information and provide timely support policies regarding credit and energy.
Imports focus on raw materials for production.
Along with export growth, value of goods imports in March reached US$47.11 billion, an increase of 38.2% compared to previous month. Overall in the first quarter of 2026, value of goods imports reached US$126.57 billion, an increase of 27.0% compared to the same period last year, of which domestic economic sector accounted for US$35.2 billion, a decrease of 4.3%; foreign-invested sector accounted for US$91.37 billion, an increase of 45.3%.
In the first quarter of 2026, 22 imported items reached a value exceeding US$1 billion, accounting for 82.8% of total import turnover (with 2 items exceeding US$5 billion, accounting for 49.8%).
Regarding structure of imported goods in the first quarter of 2026, production materials group reached US$118.84 billion, accounting for 93.9%, of which machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts accounted for 55.3%; raw materials, fuels and materials accounted for 38.6%. The consumer goods group reached US$7.73 billion, accounting for 6.1%.
In context of many challenges in import and export, Associate Professor Dr. Ngo Tri Long - an economic expert - believes that businesses need to make efforts to take advantage of free trade agreements (FTAs) to expand into potential regions such as South Asia, Africa, Latin America or Eastern Europe. Ministry of Industry and Trade also needs to strengthen market information, especially forecasting and early warning system. In a rapidly changing and unpredictable world, accurate and timely information is a competitive advantage.
According to preliminary data, trade balance for goods in the first two months showed a deficit of US$2.97 billion; in March, deficit was US$0.67 billion. Overall for the first quarter of 2026, trade balance for goods showed a deficit of US$3.64 billion (compared to a surplus of US$3.57 billion in the same period last year).

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn