Budget revenue from import-export activities rises 18.7% in seven months
State budget revenue from import-export activities exceeded VND309.99 trillion (about US$11.8 billion) in the first seven months of 2026, up 18.7% year on year, according to the Department of Customs.
The figure represents 68.7% of the annual revenue estimate of VND451 trillion assigned by the Government and 60% of the department's target of VND516.5 trillion, the agency said on August 5.
Vietnam's total import-export turnover climbed 28.1% year on year to US$659.58 billion during the January–July period. Exports were valued at US$319.53 billion, up 21.7%, while imports rose 34.8% to US$340.05 billion.
Preliminary data showed the country recorded a trade deficit of US$3.59 billion in July, bringing the cumulative trade deficit in the first seven months of the year to US$20.52 billion.
The Department of Customs also reported continued efforts to combat smuggling and trade fraud.
The number of smuggling, trade fraud and illegal cross-border transport cases declined by 492 cases in July compared with the previous month, although it remained higher than the same period last year.
Authorities noted an emerging trend of gold smuggling, with three cases showing signs of criminal offences uncovered during the month.
The department also warned that the transit of counterfeit goods and products infringing intellectual property rights remains complicated. In addition to land border areas with China, Laos and Cambodia, violations have increased along major maritime routes through Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City.
A total of 24 intellectual property infringement and counterfeit goods cases were detected on these sea routes, up 14 cases, or 140%, from a year earlier.
In the first seven months, customs authorities detected and handled 13,413 violations, with the value of seized goods estimated at nearly VND11.98 trillion.
The agency initiated legal proceedings against nine cases and referred 87 others for prosecution. Administrative fines collected from customs violations totalled VND725.3 billion during the period.
Vietnam's import-export turnover up 28% in first seven months
Vietnam's total import-export turnover reached US$659.58 billion in the first seven months of 2026, up 28.1% year-on-year. However, imports outpaced exports, resulting in a trade deficit of US$20.52 billion, largely driven by stronger demand for imported raw materials, machinery and production inputs.
