Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam’s export turnover in the first half of this year expanded by 13.8% year-on-year to an estimated 188.97 billion USD, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT)’s Planning and Finance Department has reported.
According to Director of the department Bui Duy Son, the global economy’s positive trend with goods imports of many countries increasing again is a good sign for Vietnam’s exports in 2024. This is an important factor contributing to boosting Vietnam's GDP to around 6%.
Processing and manufacturing industries were the main contributors with a combined value of 159.92 billion USD, accounting for 84.63% of the total export turnover and increasing by 13.8% compared to the same period in 2023.
Agricultural products continued to be a highlight in export growth, increasing by 18.8% year-on-year to an estimated 18.21 billion USD in the reviewed period.
According to the MoIT, the total import-export turnover of goods was estimated to hit 369.59 billion USD in the Jan – June period, up 16.03% year-on-year, resulting a trade surplus of 8.4 billion USD.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang said the network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with over 60 markets has been expanding opportunities for domestic industries and enterprises to boost exports and take advantage of tariff preferences.
The ministry is taking a series of solutions to stimulate production, stablise supply for export and the domestic market, and ensure energy security, she said, adding that it has also focused on market solutions to promote exports and domestic consumption, and effectively controlling imports and the quality of goods.
According to the World Bank’s statistics, Vietnam's goods and services export value is equivalent to 94% of its GDP, ranking 14th globally.
Nguyen Duc Hung Linh, Director of Think Future Consultancy company, said the export area is showing promising signs, noting that export is a direct motivation with the largest impact on Vietnam's economic growth now.
The improved purchasing power in developed countries has had a noticeable impact on Vietnam's economy. Exports to the US, the European Union (EU), the Republic of Korea, and Japan have all returned to strong growths, expanding by 22.3%, 16.1%, 10.9%, and 3.2%, respectively.
Insiders said that with positive economic forecasts from developed markets and increasing imports from the US, Vietnam's exports are expected to see significant growth in the second half of 2024 and 2025./.

See more

Hung Yen province strengthens investment cooperation with Chinese localities
Hung Yen is eager to closely collaborate with Chinese localities to effectively implement the common perceptions reached by the two countries' high-ranking Party and State leaders, as well as the joint declarations issued by both sides, said Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Nguyen Huu Nghia.

International visitors to HCM City increase by 18.2% in Q1
Ho Chi Minh City's total tourism revenue rose 26.7% year-on-year to 56.66 trillion VND ( 2.21 billion USD), achieving 21.8% of the 2025 plan.

PM directs creating fertile ground for SMEs
Released on March 25, the directive underscored the pivotal role of the private sector, particularly SMEs, which constitute 98% of all active businesses in the country.

VinFast moves to expand EV service in Philippines
Since entering the Philippine market in 2024, VinFast has introduced smart, eco-friendly EVs while reinforcing its long-term commitment by expanding its post-sales service network.

Reference exchange rate goes down on March 26
The State Bank of Vietnam set the daily reference exchange rate for the US dollar at 24,851 VND/USD on March 26, up 4 VND from the previous day.

MoF seeks feedback on VAT cut plan to boost economy
The proposal suggests extending the 2% VAT reduction from July 1, 2025, until the end of 2026 for goods and services currently taxed at 10%, lowering them to 8%.

Vietnam, UK sign MoU on consumer protection
At the signing ceremony, Deputy Minister Phan Thi Thang affirmed that the MoU not only represents a milestone in the cooperation between the two sides but also demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to protecting consumer interests in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace.

Breakthrough solutions needed to boost Ha Giang – China’s Wenshan: insiders
Despite robust development in their trade ties, Vietnam's Ha Giang province and Wenshan in China’s Yunnan province have not capitalised on their immense potential, making trade revenue lagging behind expectations.

Work begins on two construction material plants in Hue
In his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony, Chairman of the People's Committee of Hue City Nguyen Van Phuong said these two key projects are expected to drive significant progress in the city's manufacturing industry, contributing to the goal of achieving double-digit economic growth in line with the Government's target.

Vinh Phuc holds dialogue to address business challenges
A leader of Vinh Phuc pledged to step up reforming administrative procedures, accelerate land clearance, and enhance digital services to guanrantee a favourable and transparent investment and business climate for enterprises to operate and grow.

HCM City vows best conditions for Korean investors
By January 2025, the RoK had emerged as HCM City's third-largest foreign investor, boasting 2,286 projects with a total of 5.5 billion USD in registered capital.

Deputy PM Nguyen Hoa Binh discusses financial centre development with ECB
With the country’s National Assembly expected to issue a resolution this year on the establishment of international financial centres, Binh said the Vietnamese Government hopes to obtain the ECB’s advice in shaping policies for financial regulation, investment attraction, risk management, and anti-money laundering efforts.

Reference exchange rate sustains upward trend on March 25
The daily reference exchange rate continued the upward trend seen on previous days to stand at 24,847 VND/USD on March 25.

Israel’s agritech expected to help Vietnam increase agricultural productivity, quality
Ambassador Ly Duc Trung has expressed his hope that Israeli businesses will not only see Vietnam as a market for selling technological products and services to but also recognise its potential for cooperation for mutual development.

Vietnamese contractors aim for global stage with mega projects
Nguyen Thanh Nghi, then Minister of Construction, said over the past four decades, more than 120 large-scale projects of national significance have been completed. Many of them feature innovative structural designs, new construction techniques, and cutting-edge technologies, some introduced in Vietnam for the first time or holding regional importance.

Vietnam, Singapore seek cooperation chances in semiconductor industry
Cross-border collaboration will be key to unlocking the next growth opportunities as Vietnam is an emerging player in the industry, with a market size exceeding 18 billion USD in 2024 and projected to rise to over 31 billion USD by 2029, said a representative from the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association.

Vietnam has 17 inland container ports
Vietnam now has 17 inland container depots (IDCs) across 12 provinces and centrally-governed cities. IDCs form a crucial part of the country’s transportation infrastructure network. They serve as key logistics hubs, supporting the operations of seaports, airports, inland waterway ports, railway stations, and border checkpoints, while also functioning as customs clearance sites for imports and exports.

Expressway projects to promote socio-economic development
Due mostly to financial difficulties, some expressways still face limitations in terms of lane capacity and speed restrictions.

Deputy PM requesting targeted, bold, authorised private sector development solutions
The economic sector contributes approximately 51% of Vietnam’s GDP, over 30% of state budget revenue, more than 30% of total import-export turnover, nearly 60% of total social investment capital, and 82% of the workforce.

Empower youth for future success in Ha Nam province
The "Empower Youth for Future Success in Ha Nam Province" program is designed to equip these young people with a comprehensive set of skills, including social, financial, employability, and entrepreneurship skills.