In January, the total value of goods exports and imports reached 88.16 billion USD, a decrease of 0.6% compared to the previous month and an increase of 39% compared to the same period last year.

During that period, exports increased by 29.7%; imports increased by 49.2% compared to the same period last year. The trade balance for goods showed a deficit of US$1.78 billion.

Specifically, merchandise exports in January 2026 reached US$43.19 billion, a decrease of 2% compared to the previous month; of which, the domestic economic sector accounted for US$9.51 billion, a decrease of 2.0%; and the foreign-invested sector (including crude oil) accounted for US$33.68 billion, a decrease of 1.9%.

In January 2026, nine product categories achieved export turnover exceeding $1 billion, accounting for 72.4% of total export turnover.

Regarding the structure of export groups in January 2026, processed industrial goods reached US$38.43 billion, accounting for 89%; agricultural and forestry products reached US$3.65 billion, accounting for 8.5%; aquatic products reached US$1.01 billion, accounting for 2.3%; and fuels and minerals reached US$0.10 billion, accounting for 0.2%.

Goods imports in January 2026 reached US$44.97 billion, an increase of 0.6% compared to the previous month. Of this, the domestic economic sector accounted for US$12.91 billion, a decrease of 11.4%; while the foreign-invested sector accounted for US$32.06 billion, an increase of 6.5%. Compared to the same period last year, goods imports in January increased by 49.2%, with the domestic economic sector increasing by 18.2% and the foreign-invested sector increasing by 66.8%.

In January 2026, eight imported items exceeded $1 billion in value, accounting for 64.9% of total import turnover (one item exceeded $10 billion, accounting for 37%).

Regarding the structure of import groups in January 2026, the production materials group reached US$42.3 billion, accounting for 94%, of which machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts accounted for 56.1%; raw materials, fuels and materials accounted for 37.9%. The consumer goods group reached US$2.67 billion, accounting for 6%.

Regarding the import and export markets for goods in January 2026, the United States was Viet Nam's largest export market with a turnover of 13.9 billion USD. China was Viet Nam's largest import market with a turnover of 19 billion USD.

In January 2026, Viet Nam's trade surplus with the United States reached $12 billion, a 28.6% increase compared to the same period last year; the trade surplus with the EU was $3.9 billion, a 3.9% increase; the trade surplus with Japan was $0.2 billion, a 59.9% decrease; the trade deficit with China was $12.7 billion, a 52.1% increase; the trade deficit with South Korea was $3.4 billion, a 74.9% increase; and the trade deficit with ASEAN was $1.3 billion, a 92.2% increase.

According to preliminary figures, the merchandise trade balance in January showed a deficit of $1.78 billion (compared to a surplus of $3.17 billion in the same period last year); of which, the domestic economic sector had a deficit of $3.4 billion; and the foreign-invested sector (including crude oil) had a surplus of $1.62 billion.

To boost exports, the Director of the General Statistics Office, Nguyen Thi Huong, proposed that the Government focus on effectively implementing solutions to promote exports, strengthen trade promotion, expand and diversify supply chains, production chains and export and import markets associated with improving product quality; and participate more deeply and broadly in regional and global supply chains.

Furthermore, effectively capitalize on opportunities arising from signed FTAs; boost exports to major, key markets; strengthen efforts to explore new, potential markets, including the Middle East, Halal markets, Latin America, and Africa, striving for a sustainable trade surplus. Research and seize new opportunities and recovery trends to boost exports, making good use of and continuing to promote bilateral and multilateral trade agreements to expand export markets.

At the same time, it provides information and support to businesses to meet new export market standards, assists businesses in anti-dumping lawsuits; creates conditions for businesses to access capital, apply high technology to production, improve product quality and value to expand consumer markets, and promote exports.

To further promote the increased value, quality, and market share of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is focusing on perfecting and concretizing institutions that guide the development of the agricultural market and integration in accordance with the amended and promulgated specialized laws; at the same time, it is focusing on implementing mechanisms and policies to remove bottlenecks and build sustainable agricultural supply chains, improving the quality, value, competitiveness, and reputation of Vietnamese agricultural products in domestic and international markets…

Source: VTV

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