Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam recorded a trade surplus of 7.31 billion USD in October 2026, following a surplus of 1.3 billion USD in September, marking the second consecutive monthly surplus this year, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Finance.
The office's socio-economic report released on November 3 showed that total import-export turnover in October reached an estimated 122.03 billion USD, up 3.7% from the previous month and 47.4% year on year.
In the last 10 months, total trade turnover reached 1.01 trillion USD, up 32.3% year on year, exceeding the 1-trillion-USD mark for the first time and reaching a record high. Exports rose 27.5%, while imports increased 37.4%, resulting in a trade deficit of 12.07 billion USD.
Export earnings in October amounted to 64.67 billion USD, up 8.7% month on month and 51.4% year on year. Domestic businesses contributed 9.94 billion USD, while the foreign-invested sector, including crude oil, accounted for 54.73 billion USD, up 4.2% and 9.5%, respectively.
Cumulative exports in the January-October period surged 27.5% year on year to 499.24 billion USD, with domestic businesses contributing 93.93 billion USD, up 8.2%, and foreign-invested enterprises 405.31 billion USD, up 33%. The respective shares were 18.8% and 81.2%.
During the period, 37 export products generated over 1 billion USD each, accounting for 94.9% of total export value, including eight products exceeding 10 billion USD, which made up 73.4%.
Processing products dominated exports at 452.74 billion USD, or 90.7%, followed by agricultural and forestry products at 33.48 billion USD (6.7%), seafood at 10.36 billion USD (2.1%), and fuels and minerals at 2.66 billion USD (0.5%).
Meanwhile, imports in October totalled 57.36 billion USD, down 1.4% month on month but up 43.1% year on year.
For the first 10 months, imports rose 37.4% year on year to 511.31 billion USD. Production materials accounted for 481.03 billion USD, or 94.1%, while consumer goods made up the remaining 5.9%.
Vietnam posted trade surpluses of 40.84 billion USD with the EU and 3.42 billion USD with Japan, up 26.8% and 110.4%, respectively. Meanwhile, it recorded deficits of 134.94 billion USD with China, 48.63 billion USD with the Republic of Korea and 16.93 billion USD with ASEAN.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade plans to accelerate exports, diversify markets and improve compliance capacity, focusing on making better use of signed free trade agreements, expanding into new markets, and strengthening early warnings of trade defence cases, tariff barriers, green standards, traceability and rules of origin.
It will also support businesses in improving product quality, developing brands and ensuring supply chain transparency, while promoting official export channels, expanding agricultural quarantine agreements, investing in cold-chain logistics infrastructure, and standardising growing areas and packing facilities to meet partner markets' requirements./.
See more
Government ratifies State capital divestment plan
According to the plan, the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Vietnam are tasked with organising divestment for enterprises subject to State capital restructuring.
CPI up 4.57% in first 10 months of 2026
Compared with September, prices increased in seven of the 11 main groups of consumer goods and services, while four recorded declines. CPI rose 0.16% in urban areas and 0.25% in rural areas.
Vietnam’s 10-month FDI inflows post strongest growth since 2009
Combined newly registered and additional capital reached 46.86 billion USD, of which processing and manufacturing accounted for 24.19 billion USD (51.6%), followed by real estate business with 7.08 billion USD (15.1%).
Vietjet posts 41% revenue growth in first nine months of 2026
In the third quarter of 2026, Vietjet operated 39,000 flights and carried 7.3 million passengers. Consolidated revenue reached 22.849 trillion VND (approx. 886 million USD), up 35% year-on-year, while net profit after tax reached 348 billion VND (approx. 13.5 million USD).
Reference exchange rate going down on November 3
With the current trading band of ±5%, the ceiling rate applicable to commercial banks stood at 26,912 VND/USD, while the floor rate was 24,348 VND/USD.
Private sector: From a key driver to a leading force for growth
An open institutional framework and a transparent, stable business environment are essential for encouraging enterprises to make long-term investments. In recent years, the Party, National Assembly and Government have continued to promote administrative reform, address obstacles to investment and business activities, and support new growth drivers.
Vietnam–EU forum to explore green economy, new value chains
By linking policy dialogue with businesses' practical needs, the forum is expected to help translate Vietnam–EU cooperation potential into concrete trade and investment opportunities. It will also provide an opportunity for both sides to make more effective use of the EVFTA, expand markets for Vietnamese goods and businesses, and tap into Europe's capital, technology and management expertise.
Hai Phong port cargo hits 182.4 mln tonnes, puts 2026 plan in sight
To hit the 2026 plan early, Hai Phong’s seaport system is concentrating resources on the two peak months at year-end. The top priority is to keep maritime channels flowing safely and clear large container ships quickly.
Vietnam attracts Chinese tourists with local experiences
Travel trends are shifting from large group tours towards smaller groups, independent travel and tailor-made programmes that prioritise quality and personalised experiences.
Da Nang attracts investment in industrial park infrastructure development
Cumulatively, foreign investment newly registered and adjusted, together with capital contributions and share purchases, reached 803.9 million USD in the first 10 months, up 147.2% year-on-year.
Foreign investors eye new growth opportunities in Ho Chi Minh City
Capital is shifting toward bigger projects with more technology and longer horizons. That reflects not just market advantages but investor expectations for the city’s next phase, a local official said.
Vietnam needs breakthrough policies to boost MICE tourism
Pham Van Bay, Deputy Director of Vietravel Hanoi Branch, said the recovery of international tourism, together with improvements in event organisation and accommodation infrastructure, is creating favourable conditions for the development of Vietnam's MICE sector.
Vietnam targets 14-15% annual growth in retail sales by 2030
Vietnam's e-commerce revenue is projected to grow by 23-25% annually to reach 93-97 billion USD by 2030, accounting for 18-19% of total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue.
Vietnamese products gain appeal ahead of year-end shopping season
A range of Vietnamese regional specialties is being brought to Ho Chi Minh City through trade promotion, discount and business networking programmes, while retailers and supermarkets are preparing supplies to meet rising demand.
Dong Nai emerges as attractive destination for Korean investors
The RoK is the largest among 51 countries and territories investing in the southern city, with 469 valid projects worth nearly 8.4 billion USD.
Vietnam’s economy posts strong results in 10 months
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, total trade value was estimated at 1.01 trillion USD, up 32.3% year on year. Exports reached an estimated 499 billion USD, representing a 27.4% increase.
Railway investment boom must translate into domestic industrial capacity
Several Vietnamese companies have begun investing in capabilities that could support the railway programme.
Businesses urged to diversify funding to build resilience
Exchange rate, interest rate and energy price volatility is putting mounting pressure on businesses' production costs, cash flows and competitiveness, highlighting the need to diversify funding sources, and strengthen financial management to maintain operations and build resilience.
Vietnam cuts fuel tax to zero, petrol prices fall by up to 1,800 VND per litre
Vietnam has cut the special consumption tax on all types of petrol to 0% from November 1, with retail prices falling by more than 1,800 VND per litre following the tax cut, as the Government moves to ease fuel costs and curb inflationary pressures towards the end of the year.
Vietnam cuts average retail electricity price by 2% from November 1
This marks the first time the average electricity price has been adjusted downward in 20 years, excluding the five instances where electricity charges or prices were reduced to support individuals and businesses affected by the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.