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.
Vietnam’s plastics imports rose 3 percent in March
Vietnam imported US$1.09 billion worth of plastics in March, up 3.01 percent from February, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Total year-to-date imports reached US$3.02 billion.
Vietnam’s milk imports fall 6.6 percent in March
Vietnam imported US$114.23 million worth of milk and milk products in March, down 6.64 percent from February, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This brought the total value for the first quarter to US$340.44 million.
Vietnam’s mineral exports fall 81 percent in March
Vietnam’s exports of ores and other mineral products fell sharply by 80.98 percent in March compared to February, totalling just US$5.73 million, according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s pharmaceutical product imports slipped 4.25 percent in March
Vietnam imported US$345.38 million worth of pharmaceutical products in March, down 4.25 percent from February, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Total year-to-date imports reached US$958.42 million.
Vietnam’s machinery imports rose nearly 28 percent in March
Vietnam imported US$4.85 billion worth of machinery, equipment, tools and instruments in March, up 27.88 percent from February, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This brought the total year-to-date value to US$12.64 billion.
Trade: Vietnamese exporters warn of collapse if US tariffs return: “We could not survive”
Two Vietnamese entrepreneurs, whose firms depend almost entirely on exports to the United States, have voiced grave concern about the impact of the proposed 46 percent US tariff. Speaking to BBC News, SHDC Electronics founder Le Song Hao and KPY Interior CEO Hoang Thi Nhu Yen said their businesses are already under pressure and may not survive if punitive tariffs are reinstated after the current 90-day suspension.
Vietnam’s machinery exports rise by 22.19 percent in March
Vietnam’s exports of machinery, equipment, tools and instruments climbed 22.19 percent in March compared to February, reaching US$4.67 billion, according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s paper product imports surged 37 percent in March
Vietnam imported US$104.80 million worth of paper products in March, a 37.03 percent increase from February, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This brought total imports for the year to US$256.34 million.
Vietnam’s LPG imports surge 188 percent in March
Vietnam imported liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) worth US$183.18 million in March, rising 188.42 percent from February. Total imports for the year-to-date reached US$403.62 million, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s rubber product exports up 21.26 percent in March, led by USA and Japan
Vietnam exported US$121.02 million worth of rubber products in March 2025, a 21.26 percent increase compared to February, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s iron and steel exports rise by 20.05 percent in March
Vietnam’s iron and steel exports rose by 20.05 percent in March compared to February, reaching US$642.87 million, according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s iron and steel product imports rose over 26 percent in March
Vietnam imported US$621.18 million worth of iron and steel products in March, up 26.28 percent from February, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This brought the total import value for the first three months of the year to US$1.63 billion.
Vietnam’s iron and steel imports decline by 12.67 percent in March
Vietnam’s iron and steel imports totalled US$910.90 million in March, representing a 12.67 percent decrease from February. Year-to-date (YTD) imports reached US$2.65 billion, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s plastic exports rise 8.88 percent in March, led by gains to China and Italy
Vietnam exported US$224.52 million worth of plastics in March 2025, up 8.88 percent month-on-month, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s insulated wire and cable exports rise by 19.47 percent in March
Vietnam’s exports of insulated wires and cables rose by 19.47 percent in March compared to February, reaching US$349.67 million, according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
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.
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