Computers, phones, and machinery lead surge in Vietnam’s Q1 exports
VOV.VN - Vietnam’s exports hit nearly US$123 billion in Q1 2026, up 19.1% year on year, with its top three export categories generating nearly half of the total export turnover, the National Statistics Office reported.
Leading the trio was electronics, computers, and components, which brought in US$30.7 billion, a 45.5% increase from the same period last year. Phones and components earned US$16.7 billion, up 19.3%, while machinery, equipment, tools, and other parts rose 21.2% to US$15 billion.
Following closely were textiles and footwear, which generated US$14.3 billion. However, growth in these two sectors has slowed significantly, with textiles up only 1.9% and footwear up 0.9% year on year.
Exports in Q2 2026 are expected to face greater challenges than Q1, due in part to the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has extended shipping times, raised costs, and triggered tighter consumer spending in major export markets such as the US and the EU.
A survey of manufacturing and processing enterprises for Q2 2026 showed that 40.8% of businesses expect an improved business outlook compared to Q1, 37.5% foresee stability, and 21.7% anticipate more difficulties.
Regarding new export orders, 30.3% of businesses expect an increase in Q2 compared to Q1, 51% anticipate stability, and 18.7% predict a decrease.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) noted that amid escalating Middle East tensions, achieving a 15–16% export growth target and a US$20 billion trade surplus in 2026 would be challenging. This comes against a backdrop of rapid, unpredictable global trade fluctuations, rising protectionism, and increasingly stringent product standards.
Domestically, the economy faces pressure from surging global fuel prices, which have increased production and domestic transport costs. This reality presents significant challenges for economic management in Q2 2026 and beyond.
According to MoIT leaders, to achieve a trade surplus of over US$20 billion, Vietnam would need to maintain an average quarterly surplus of more than US$8 billion from the second quarter onward.
Electronics exports hit US$74 billion in H1, driven by phones and computers
VOV.VN - Vietnam raked in approximately US$74 billion from the export of phones, computers, and components in the first half of the year, increasing by more than US$10 billion compared to the same period in 2024.
