FDI firms post 35.9% trade growth in early 2026
VOV.VN - Vietnam’s foreign-invested sector recorded a sharp rise in trade activity in the first two months of 2026, with total import-export turnover exceeding US$117 billion, up 35.9% year on year, according to Vietnam Customs.
In the January–February period, the country’s total trade reached US$155.73 billion, up 22.3% from a year earlier. Exports brought back US$76.39 billion, up 18.3%, while imports totaled US$79.34 billion, up 26.3%.
The FDI sector remained the main driver of growth, generating US$117.10 billion in trade, up 35.9%. Of this, exports accounted for US$60.23 billion, increasing 30.4%, while imports rose 42.2% to US$56.87 billion compared to the same period in 2025.
In contrast, domestic enterprises recorded a decline in trade activity. Total import-export value for the domestic sector stood at US$38.63 billion in the first two months, down 6.2% year on year. Exports fell 12.1% to US$16.16 billion, while imports edged down 1.5% to US$22.47 billion.
Export growth in the FDI sector was led by key industrial categories, particularly high-tech and manufacturing products. Shipments of computers, electronics and components rose by US$5.14 billion, or 40.9%, while phones and related components increased by US$1.93 billion, or 21%. Machinery, equipment and spare parts exports grew by US$1.59 billion, or 20.6%. Toys, sports equipment and parts recorded a notable increase of 52.4% to US$1.16 billion, while transport vehicles and parts rose by 12.7% to US$323 million.
On the import side, purchases of machinery, raw materials and intermediate goods also expanded strongly, in line with rising export activity. Imports of machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts reached US$9.96 billion, up 27.9% year on year, while imports of computers, electronics and components surged to US$29.87 billion, increasing 48.3%.
The strong performance of the FDI sector continues an upward trend seen in 2025, when Vietnam’s total trade turnover hit a record of over US$930 billion, up 18.2% year on year. FDI firms accounted for US$683.35 billion, rising 28.9%, while domestic enterprises contributed US$246.72 billion, down 4% compared to the previous year.
Next-generation FDI: Going green to retain investors
VOV.VN - When localities can demonstrate capacity in greening, digitalization, supply chain linkage and substantive support speed, next-generation FDI will flow in and expand.
