The result provides a foundation for sustaining export growth as global trade continues to face uncertainties.

Trade promotion network plays key role

Amid continued fluctuations in global trade, maintaining export growth has been identified as one of the key priorities of the Ministry of Industry and Trade in 2026.

Speaking at a briefing on trade promotion with Vietnam’s overseas trade offices, Vu Ba Phu, Director of the Trade Promotion Agency, said programmes linking businesses, industry associations and localities with the trade office network have helped companies expand overseas markets.

“We hope to continue close coordination with overseas trade offices to effectively carry out trade promotion activities and contribute to the export growth target for 2026,” Phu said.

Through these regular briefings, Vietnam’s network of more than 60 trade offices and branches abroad has become a key link connecting industries, businesses and local governments with international markets.

Phu said the mechanism allows trade offices to quickly identify export promotion needs from industries, localities and businesses, particularly for seasonal agricultural products.

Many localities have used the network to expand markets for agricultural exports. In addition to traditional destinations, trade offices in regions such as Europe and the Americas have also helped connect Vietnamese firms with overseas partners.

The offices also provide updates on market developments, including changes in trade policies, technical regulations, trade defence measures and consumer trends in host markets.

Such information helps domestic agencies manage policies in a timely manner and allows businesses to adjust production and export strategies to changes in international markets.

Phu said maintaining the presence of Vietnamese companies at major international trade fairs and specialised exhibitions is considered an important trade promotion channel, helping firms promote products, expand partnerships and strengthen the image of Vietnamese goods in the global market.

Strong growth across major markets

At the conference, Nguyen Anh Son, Director of the Import-Export Department, said Vietnam’s trade performance in the first two months of the year showed positive signals.

Exports hit US$76.39 billion, up 18.3% year-on-year, exceeding the government’s 15–16% growth target for 2026.

Vietnam recorded a trade deficit of nearly US$3 billion during the period. However, Son said this was not a cause for concern, as most imports consisted of machinery, equipment and materials for production.

“Increased imports mainly serve production and exports in the coming months. This shows that Vietnam’s industrial production and export activities are preparing for stronger growth ahead,” he said.

Exports expanded across most major markets. Shipments to Asia reached US$34.3 billion, up 19.8% year-on-year. Exports to Europe totalled US$11.3 billion, an increase of 8.6%, while exports to the Americas stood at US$27.3 billion, up 21.9%.

According to the Import-Export Department, export growth in the first two months was recorded in both the agriculture–fishery sector and manufacturing industries.

Exports of agricultural, forestry and fishery products rose more than 10%, with several items posting strong growth, including seafood (about 20%), fruit and vegetables (45%) and pepper (over 25%).

In manufacturing, export turnover increased nearly 20%, with several key products maintaining strong growth. Son said the figures showed that Vietnam’s production and export capacity continues to improve, particularly in high-tech manufacturing.

To sustain export growth in 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will continue to closely monitor global trade developments and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to implement flexible policy measures.

Strengthening the role of Vietnam’s overseas trade office network, expanding markets and helping businesses make better use of free trade agreements are expected to support export growth in the coming period.

Agro-forestry-fishery exports up over 17% in first two months

Vietnam’s agro-forestry-fishery exports maintained strong growth momentum in the first two months of 2026, rising 17.1% year-on-year to an estimated US$11.3 billion, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.