Vietnam’s trade data for November indicates a slight month-on-month decline in exports and imports, but year-to-date growth continues to show impressive gains, according to the latest data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Exports in November totalled US$33.73 billion, down 5.3 percent from October. Imports for the same period reached US$32.67 billion, representing a 2.8 percent decline. This brought Vietnam’s trade balance for the month to a surplus of US$1.07 billion, reflecting a sustained positive trend despite the slowdown.
The year-to-date export value rose to US$369.93 billion, an increase of 14.4 percent year-on-year, while imports reached US$345.62 billion, up 16.4 percent. The total two-way trade value year-to-date stands at US$715.56 billion, highlighting Vietnam’s growing role in global trade.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises continue to play a key role in Vietnam’s trade. Exports from FDI enterprises reached US$23.79 billion in November, down 5.8 percent from October. Imports by FDI enterprises fell 3.0 percent, totalling US$20.29 billion. For the year-to-date, FDI enterprises contributed US$264.43 billion in exports, marking a 12.6 percent year-on-year increase, and US$219.57 billion in imports, up 15.2 percent.
Vietnam’s trade surplus for FDI enterprises in November was a robust US$3.5 billion, contributing to a year-to-date trade balance of US$44.87 billion. Analysts note that the overall trade performance underscores the critical role of FDI in maintaining Vietnam’s competitive edge in global markets.
See also: Trade in Vietnam