Vietnam’s retail and services sector expanded strongly in the first quarter of 2026, driven by holiday consumption and rising international tourist arrivals, according to the latest release from the National Statistics Office.
Total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue reached VND 1,902.8 trillion (US$72.2 billion), up 10.9 percent year on year, or 7.0 percent excluding price effects.
In March alone, retail and service revenue totalled VND 638.6 trillion (US$24.2 billion), increasing 12.1 percent year on year, with fuel sales rising 23.3 percent and accommodation and food services up 13.9 percent.
Retail sales of goods accounted for 76.3 percent of total turnover, reaching VND 1,452.4 trillion (US$55.1 billion), with growth of 10.9 percent led by garments, food, and household goods.
Accommodation and food services generated VND 234.7 trillion (US$8.9 billion), up 13.3 percent, supported by peak holiday demand and stronger domestic travel activity.
Tourism revenue reached VND 22.9 trillion (US$0.87 billion), increasing 12.5 percent year on year, reflecting higher domestic and international visitor flows during the Lunar New Year period.
Other services contributed VND 192.8 trillion (US$7.3 billion), up 8.0 percent, indicating steady expansion across broader service segments.
Regional data showed strong gains in key localities, including Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, and Quang Ninh, where tourism and service activity recorded double-digit growth.