Vietnam recorded total export revenue of $14.29 billion in the first half of September, down 21.6 per cent compared to the second half of August, figures from the General Department of Vietnam Customs show.

The figure brings total exports this year as of September 15 to $242.04 billion, a year-on-year decline of 8.8 per cent.

Products to fall strongly included phones and components, by 14.3 per cent, garments and textiles by 13.8 per cent, footwear by 18.6 per cent, and wood and wooden products by 22.8 per cent.

Meanwhile, the agricultural sector posted growth in the first eight months, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. It also posted a trade surplus of $6.73 billion during the period, a year-on-year rise of 6.4 per cent.

The sector has set a target of earning $54-55 billion from exporting agriculture, forestry and fisheries products this year.