Trade deficit US$3.1b as imports increase 18.9%

The country's total export turnover was US$42.65 billion by April 15, up 9 % year over year, and total import turnover reached US$45.76 billion, up 18.9 %.

The commercial balance in the first half of April saw a deficit of US$3.1 billion.

Vietnam's merchandise export turnover in the first half of April was US$6.34 billion, 12.3 % less than the second half of March.

Of these, export turnover of foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises was US$4.3 billion, accounting for 67.8 % of the country's total export turnover for the period.

The export turnover of the textile and garment sector in the first half of April fell by US$143 million compared to the second half of March. Computers, and electronic products and components fell by US$122 million. Telephones and accessories fell by US$80 million.

The country's merchandise import turnover in the first half of April was US$7.2 billion, a decrease of 11.1 % compared to the second half of March.

The import turnover of FDI enterprises was US$4.33 billion, accounting for 60.1 % of the country's total import turnover for the period.

The import turnover of machines, equipment and spare parts in the first half of April fell by US$251 million compared to the second half of March. Computers, and electronic products and components fell by US$139 million. Soybeans fell by US$60 million. Telephones and accessories fell by US$46 million.