trade
The Trade category covers import/export trends, trade agreements, and global market movements. It explores foreign direct investment, tariff policies, logistics, and international business relations, providing insights into market access, supply chain resilience, and regulatory impacts on trade flows.
Indonesia: 2025 growth outlook cut to 4.7 percent in latest IMF forecast
Indonesia’s economic growth is now projected to slow to 4.7 percent in 2025, down from the 5.1 percent forecast made just six months ago, according to the International Monetary Fund’s April 2025 World Economic Outlook. The IMF has also projected this 4.7 percent growth rate to hold steady in 2026.
Philippines: IMF trims 2025 GDP growth forecast to 5.5 percent
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised down the Philippines’ GDP growth forecast for 2025 in its April 2025 World Economic Outlook, while inflation expectations have been nudged upward. The new projections show real GDP expanding by 5.5 percent in 2025, a modest downgrade from 5.8 percent in October 2024, with a forecast of 5.8 percent for 2026.
GDP: IMF forecasts Vietnam growth to reach just 4 percent in 2026
Vietnam’s near-term economic outlook has dimmed slightly, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) lowering its GDP growth forecast for 2025 and 2026 in its latest April 2025 World Economic Outlook. Real GDP is now projected to grow 5.2 percent in 2025 and 4.0 percent in 2026, compared to 6.1 percent and 6.1 percent in the October 2024 forecast. This marks a downward revision of 0.9 percentage points for 2025 and a sharp 2.1 points for 2026.
Vietnam’s imports of insulated wires and cables rise by 21.22 percent in March
Vietnam’s imports of insulated wires and cables surged to US$373.16 million in March, marking a 21.22 percent increase from February. Year-to-date (YTD) imports for this category reached US$994.38 million, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s chemical exports inch up in March, with sharp surge to India
Vietnam exported US$241.43 million worth of chemicals in March 2025, a modest rise of 2.09 percent from February, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s handbag and accessory exports surge by 42.10 percent in March
Vietnam’s exports of handbags, purses, suitcases, headgear, and umbrellas increased by 42.10 percent in March compared to February, reaching US$366.64 million, according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s insecticide and rodenticide imports rise by 25.79 percent in March
Vietnam’s imports of insecticides, rodenticides, and materials reached US$97.97 million in March, reflecting a 25.79 percent increase compared to February. Year-to-date (YTD) imports totalled US$241.64 million, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s yarn imports climbed over 15 percent in March
Vietnam imported US$244.78 million worth of yarn in March, an increase of 15.36 percent from February, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This pushed the total import value for the first three months of the year to US$650.88 million.
Vietnam’s glass and glassware exports increase by 22.37 percent in March
Vietnam’s glass and glassware exports rose by 22.37 percent in March compared to February, reaching US$111.72 million, according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s glass and glassware imports increase by 24.71 percent in March
Vietnam’s imports of glass and glassware totalled US$122.01 million in March, marking a 24.71 percent increase compared to February. Year-to-date (YTD) imports reached US$302.24 million, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s wood imports surged over 25 percent in March
Vietnam imported US$261.75 million worth of wood and wooden products in March, up 25.52 percent from February, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This brought the year-to-date total to US$667.68 million.
Vietnam’s non-wood furniture exports rise by 35.65 percent in March
Vietnam’s exports of furniture made from materials other than wood climbed by 35.65 percent in March compared to February, reaching US$319.36 million, according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
VietJet found liable for US$181.8 million in UK court aircraft leasing dispute
The High Court of England and Wales has ruled in favour of FW Aviation, ordering VietJet Aviation to pay more than US$181.8 million in a dispute over four aircraft that VietJet failed to return after their leases were cancelled. The court upheld FW Aviation’s right to full termination payments and possession of the aircraft, rejecting VietJet’s penalty clause and title-based defences, according to the decision handed down by the court.
Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable imports rise by 20.18 percent in March
Vietnam’s imports of fruits and vegetables totalled US$199.26 million in March, reflecting a 20.18 percent increase from February. Year-to-date (YTD) imports reached US$605.09 million, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s wheat imports dropped over 30 percent in March
Vietnam imported US$132.68 million worth of wheat in March, down 30.22 percent from February, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. The total value for the first quarter reached US$430.25 million.
Vietnam’s processed seafood output rises 7.1 percent year-on-year in March
Vietnam’s processed seafood production reached 568,100 tons in March, up from 503,900 tons in February. Total output for the first quarter stood at 1,557,900 tons, reflecting an 11.9 percent increase compared to March 2024 and a 7.1 percent rise year-on-year, according to data from the General Statistics Office.
Vietnam’s exports of tyre cord and technical fabrics up 15 percent in March
Vietnam exported US$69.80 million worth of tyre cord fabrics and other technical textiles in March, up 15.20 percent from February, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports surge by 52.06 percent in March
Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports jumped by 52.06 percent in March compared to February, reaching US$477.42 million, according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s fishery product imports increase by 4.70 percent in March
Vietnam’s imports of fishery products reached US$270.19 million in March, a 4.70 percent increase from February. Year-to-date (YTD) imports totalled US$760.30 million, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s textile and leather material imports jumped over 28 percent in March
Vietnam imported US$678.64 million worth of textile, leather and footwear materials and auxiliaries in March, up 28.34 percent from February, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. The year-to-date total reached US$1.70 billion.
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