The surge was driven by billion-dollar export items such as garments and textiles, electronics, and agricultural and aquatic products.

Data from the Vietnam Customs shows that shipments to the US topped more than US$126 billion, a 28% increase year on year to reach their highest level ever, reaffirming the US as Vietnam’s largest export market and accounting for more than 30% of the country’s total export revenue. The US is expected to play a central role in the country’s trade outlook heading into 2026.

The record was fueled by strong expansion across key sectors. Processing and manufacturing continued to dominate, led by electronics, machinery and technology goods. Exports of computers, electronics and components soared nearly 78% to over US$34 billion, the steepest rise in a decade, thanks to robust US demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) servers, tech devices and semiconductor components.

Machinery and equipment rose 9.2% to US$19.6 billion, phones and components inched up to US$9.02 billion after two stagnant years, and textiles rebounded to US$14.81 billion, up 11.4%.

Toys and sporting goods saw the most dramatic jump, up more than 255% to US$5.24 billion as US brands continued shifting orders from China. Other consumer goods also posted growth with timber and wood products soaring 6% to US$7.8 billion while transport equipment and spare parts increased nearly 11%.

Agricultural and aquatic exports accelerated as well. Fruit and vegetable shipments rose 58.5%, coffee more than 60% amid high global prices, and rubber products 51%. Seafood exports rebounded 7.5% after a long downturn, boosted by falling US inventories and renewed demand for premium products.

Garment and textiles were among the sectors hit hardest by US tariffs introduced in September, yet still managed to grow. Most companies in the industry reported positive third-quarter results. Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) for instance saw profits rise about 56% to more than VND359 billion after accelerating shipments ahead of the tariff deadline. Vinatex’s after-tax profit for the first nine months surged 132% to over VND943 billion.

Pham Van Viet, chairman of Viet Thang Jean Co, Ltd said, US-bound shipments remain steady, especially during year-end stockpiling. To ensure smooth customs clearance, exporters must thoroughly document raw material origins and increase localisation to meet new US standards.

Experts note that Vietnam’s strong export momentum reflects deeper shifts in global supply chains. As US inflation cools, interest rates stabilise and inventories normalise, American importers are placing new orders, while efforts to reduce reliance on China continue to benefit Vietnamese industries such as electronics, machinery, toys, textiles and other light manufacturing.

Looking ahead to 2026, experts anticipate both opportunities and significant challenges. US trade-defense measures are increasing, particularly targeting wood, metals and textiles, alongside stricter environmental and traceability requirements. However, they believe that with enhanced supply-chain transparency and investment in greener production, key sectors, including electronics, machinery, footwear, cables, toys and high-value agricultural and seafood products, can sustain their growth trajectory.

Shrimp exports to US surge despite tariff concerns

VOV.VN - Vietnamese shrimp exports to the United States have grown for the seventh consecutive month, defying mounting tariff pressures, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).