Export maintain growth momentum
Amidst volatile global economy, Ho Chi Minh City's export activities continue to maintain positive growth momentum. Geopolitical tensions, protectionist trends, rising energy prices and increased logistics costs are putting pressure on businesses.
In an interview with Industry and Trade Newspaper, Mr. Bui Ta Hoang Vu, Director of Department of Industry and Trade of Ho Chi Minh City, stated that total export turnover of businesses in the city through all border gates nationwide in July 2026 reached US$9.19 billion, an increase of 16.98% compared to the same period in 2025. For the first seven months of 2026, export turnover reached US$57.84 billion, an increase of 8.77% compared to the same period in 2025.
According to Mr. Bui Ta Hoang Vu, export continue to increase despite potential for significant fluctuations in global economy. Consumer demand in major markets is gradually recovering. Businesses are striving to expand markets, diversify partners and effectively utilize tariff preferences from free trade agreements (FTAs).
This forms basis for Vietnamese goods to enhance their competitiveness in international market. Export growth momentum also provides further impetus for the city's industrial production and trade.
Notably, industrial sector continues to play a crucial role in economic growth. Industrial Production Index (IIP) in July 2026 increased by 13.3% compared to the same period in 2025. Overall, for the first seven months, IIP for entire industrial sector increased by 11.1%.
In four key industrial sectors, production index for the first seven months increased by 11.9%. Specifically, food processing industry increased by 10.5%; pharmaceutical industry by 16.7%; electronics manufacturing industry by 0.8%; and mechanical engineering industry by 15.3%.
The above results show that industrial production is maintaining its recovery momentum. This also provides a foundation to support export activities in the remaining months of the year.
Businesses are under cost pressure.
Domestic purchasing power also shows positive signs. Total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue in Ho Chi Minh City in July 2026 reached VND 170,067 billion, an increase of 16.3% compared to the same period in 2025.
In the first seven months of the year, total retail sales of goods increased by 16.7%, reaching VND 536,403 billion. Promotional programs contributed to boosting purchasing power. Recovery of domestic consumption creates further impetus for production and trade.
Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East are increasing logistics costs, prolonging shipping times and putting pressure on many product groups. Food, seafood, textiles, electronics and industrial raw materials are all affected.
The city's import and export activities continued to increase compared to the same period last year. This result shows that businesses are proactively adjusting supply sources, diversifying markets and transportation methods.
Ms. Ly Kim Chi, President of Food and Beverage Association of Ho Chi Minh City said that food and beverage industry maintained growth despite pressure from input costs, credit interest rates and market conditions.
According to Ms. Ly Kim Chi, to retain customers and maintain market share, many businesses accepted keeping selling prices unchanged even though profit margins narrowed. This is how businesses maintain orders and ensure production operations in a highly competitive environment.
In the first seven months of 2026, industrial production index of the food and beverage industry in Ho Chi Minh City increased by 10.5%. Total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue increased by 13.3%. These results show that the market is recovering. Businesses have more motivation to maintain and expand production.
Ms. Ly Kim Chi suggested that regulatory agencies strengthen market forecasting and support businesses in expanding export markets. Information on international trade developments needs to be provided promptly.
According to her, credit policies need to be more favorable, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. Administrative procedure reforms also need to be further promoted. Industry associations should be consulted before policies directly related to production and business activities are issued.
From a business perspective, Ms. La Kim Nhung, Director of IMITI Co., Ltd., believes that the European market still has room for growth. However, requirements for traceability of raw materials and sustainable development are increasingly high.
IMITI has approached many potential partners but faces difficulties in finding raw materials that fully meet standards of European market. The company is diversifying its markets, expanding its customer base and improving product quality.
Expanding markets, enhancing competitiveness
To create a foundation for sustainable growth, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade is implementing various solutions to support businesses in improving their competitiveness and expanding their markets.
Mr. Bui Ta Hoang Vu stated that Department has submitted to the City People's Committee an Action Plan for implementing Goods Import and Export Strategy for a period of 2026-2030. The plan aims to orient import and export activities towards sustainability, exploiting competitive advantages, promoting exports of key products and developing Vietnamese brands.
Businesses are supported in meeting international standards, greening supply chains and enhancing trade defense capabilities. Department has also submitted an Action Plan for implementing ASEAN Economic Community Strategy for periods 2026-2030 and 2031-2035. This aims to support businesses in taking advantage of opportunities from the ASEAN market, expanding trade and participating more deeply in regional supply chains.
Regarding FTAs, Department is developing a plan for period of 2026-2030. The focus is on disseminating information about agreements and member markets, enhancing competitiveness, developing human resources and improving enforcement mechanisms linked to environmental protection and sustainable development.
The city is also implementing training for logistics human resources and fostering digital transformation skills for businesses and civil servants. "Reaching Out to International Markets" program for periods of 2026-2030 is designed to support private sector in expanding investment and business abroad, promoting cross-border digital trade and participating in global value chains.
Trade promotion activities continue to be intensified. The city focuses on supporting businesses in digital transformation, green transformation and enhancing competitiveness; while also monitoring industrial production, trade, and import/export to promptly address difficulties, reform administrative procedures and improve quality of services for businesses.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn