Foreign trade through Lao Cai border gate up 49% in first quarter
Total import – export turnover through the Lao Cai International Border Gate in the northern province of Lao Cai reached nearly US$425 million in the first quarter of 2026, marking a year-on-year rise of 49%, according to local customs authorities.
Head of the border gate's customs unit Tran Anh Tu said exports were valued at over US$192.5 million while imports exceeded US$232 million during the period.
Customs data show that 342 enterprises are currently engaged in import and export activities via the Lao Cai gateway. The strong growth was attributed mainly to the surges in durian exports and fruit and vegetable imports.
State budget revenue from import – export taxes in the first quarter also went up 48.3% compared to the same period last year, driven by higher turnover in key taxable items, including electricity, fertilisers, chemicals, machinery and equipment.
To support businesses, the customs unit at the Lao Cai International Border Gate has effectively implemented electronic customs procedures and the VNACCS/VCIS single-window mechanism. These measures have helped accelerate administrative reforms, ensure compliance with regulations, and create more favourable conditions for enterprises. The efforts have also contributed to reducing processing time and workload while improving operational efficiency for both businesses and customs authorities, Tu noted.
Smart border gates to be developed at Lao Cai’s custom clearance points
Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc has signed a decision approving a project to develop smart border gates at the Kim Thanh and Ban Vuoc clearance points of Lao Cai’s international border gate, aimed at enhancing trade, security-defence, and sustainable development along the Vietnam-China border.
