The surge in imports was driven by strong growth across several key product categories. Notably, imports of electronic components, textile and garment materials, and fruits and vegetables reached nearly US$297 million, up more than 42% year on year. Seafood imports also saw a sharp rise, exceeding US$40 million, a 52% increase.

One of the most striking figures was a nearly 635% spike in imports of confectionery and cereal-based products, which totaled more than US$31 million. Other food-related imports, such as wheat, soybeans, and processed food products, also saw significant growth, reflecting increasing domestic consumption and demand for raw materials.

However, not all product groups experienced growth. Imports of animal feed and raw materials from the US fell sharply by 32%, totaling just under US$395 million. Milk and dairy product imports also dropped by nearly 20% year on year.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese exports to the US in the first half of the year hit about US$70.91 billion, up 28% compared to the same period last year.

Several key products recorded strong growth, including computers, electronic products and components earning US$18.5 billion, up 65%; machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts with US$11.31 billion, up 22.7%; as well as garments and textiles with US$8.47 billion, up 17%, accounting for 45% of Vietnam’s total garment exports.

Moreover, footwear exports to the US rose by 12.9% to US$4.35 billion while toys, sports equipment, and parts hit US$2.29 billion, tripling last year’s figure and making up 69% of the country’s total export value for that product group.

The US also maintained its position as Vietnam’s largest market for timber and wood products, with exports totaling US$4.56 billion, up 11.8% and representing 56% of the country’s total wood exports. Fruit and vegetable exports to the US also witnessed sharp growth to US$262 million, up 65% on-year.

Despite the overall growth, several export categories experienced declines compared to the same period from last year, including iron and steel of all kinds, phones and components.

Vietnam and United States narrow gaps in third round of trade talks

VOV.VN - Vietnam and the United States have achieved substantial progress and narrowed gaps across all negotiation areas during the third round of talks on a bilateral reciprocal trade agreement, according to a press release from the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) issued on June 15.