Vietnam’s foreign trade continued to surge in the first half of 2026. Data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade shows that total merchandise trade turnover stood at roughly $549.69 billion in the first half, up 27.1 per cent year-on-year. Of this, exports accounted for $266.52 billion and imports $283.17 billion.
China continued to hold its position as Vietnam’s largest import market, with turnover reaching $115.2 billion in the first half of the year, up 36 per cent compared to the same period of 2025. The Chinese market alone accounted for 40.7 per cent of the country’s total import turnover, remaining Vietnam’s primary supply source of goods.
On the export side, shipments to China reached $37.9 billion, up 30.2 per cent compared to the same period last year and equivalent to an increase of $8.79 billion year-on-year. Total Vietnam-China trade turnover in the first half stood at $153.22 billion, consolidating China’s position as Vietnam’s largest trading partner.
Behind these impressive figures is a massive flow of goods crossing the border daily. Import activity is heavily dominated by machinery, equipment, components, and raw materials, underscoring strong domestic demand for production inputs.
As trade volumes scale up, business requirements are shifting. It is no longer just about moving goods across the border, but also about securing efficient cross-border payments, foreign exchange trading, and liquidity management.
From traditional border gates to smart border gates
The rapid expansion of Vietnam-China trade is running in parallel with the modernization of border infrastructure and customs clearance procedures.
In Lang Son province, local authorities are piloting a smart border gate model that applies technology to cargo deliveries and customs procedures, aiming to boost clearance capacity while cutting processing times and cost for businesses.
Similarly, Quang Ninh province is pushing forward with the Mong Cai - Dongxing smart border gate initiative, leveraging technology and AI across management, logistics, and trade operations. Both sides agreed to establish dedicated lanes for tourists and cargo transport, paving the way for a more modern border framework.
Meanwhile, Lang Son has also integrated a digital border gate platform into its import-export management system to keep trade flows seamless and trouble-free for enterprises.
These changes signal a clear shift in Vietnam-China border trade from traditional practices toward a more modern, digitalized, and professional ecosystem.
For businesses, every link in the cross-border chain - from logistics and customs to payments and cash flow management - must now be tightly connected and streamlined.
As trade expands, demand for CNY payments increases
For companies regularly dealing with Chinese partners, choosing the right payment currency offers greater control over transactions, especially for overland trade through border gates.
Rather than going through multiple intermediary steps, businesses can adopt CNY transaction solutions tailored specifically to the dynamics of Vietnam-China trade.
This trend fits into a broader shift toward standardizing international trade practices. Companies are moving beyond simply finishing a transaction - they want better cash flow control, smarter foreign exchange risk management, transparent trades, and optimized costs.
Techcombank provides additional CNY transaction options for enterprises
To meet this demand, Techcombank has introduced a specialized CNY transaction solution for corporate clients, particularly those active in trade with China.
Through its border trade payment offering, companies can settle purchases and sales for goods transported overland across the Vietnam-China border. They can also send or receive payments for border trade directly through Techcombank.
This solution gives businesses more flexibility when working with Chinese vendors and buyers, while making it easier to execute and manage import-export payments.
Clients can conduct transactions at over 30 Techcombank branches or handle their banking online via the Techcombank Business digital platform.
Techcombank is also running an incentive program for eligible corporate clients, offering CNY exchange rate markups of up to 45 points and waiving fees for over-the-counter international transfers until December 31, 2026. Businesses can also unlock additional foreign exchange and international payment perks within Techcombank’s ecosystem, depending on program terms in each period.
These incentives are designed to help businesses cut transaction costs and take a more proactive approach to Vietnam-China trade.
Beyond CNY: Techcombank expands its ecosystem for traders
For import-export enterprises, a cross-border transaction is typically tied to diverse financial needs - ranging from foreign exchange trading and international payments to cash flow and capital management.
Therefore, alongside its CNY solution, Techcombank also provides a comprehensive solution ecosystem to support enterprises in international trade operations, encompassing foreign exchange, international payments, and financing solutions.
Enterprises can execute foreign exchange transactions at Techcombank with program incentives while enjoying seamless execution on Techcombank Business.
For businesses with capital requirements to support import-export operations, trade finance and working capital solutions can also be integrated throughout the service experience.
Growing trade volumes highlight the importance of financial management capacity
Vietnam-China trade is entering a high-growth phase powered by larger trade volumes and modern trading methods. As border gates go digital, logistics upgrade, and cross-border freight grows, the bar for businesses is rising. The goal is no longer just “getting deals done” but “executing deals efficiently.”
In this environment, choosing the right currency, securing favorable foreign exchange rates, cutting payment costs, and managing cash flow will directly define a company’s competitive edge.
With its CNY transaction solution alongside a comprehensive ecosystem covering foreign exchange, international payments, and capital financing, Techcombank aims to partner with businesses as they expand their presence in Vietnam-China trade.
Learn more about Techcombank’s CNY solutions at:
https://techcombank.com/thong-tin/thong-bao/khai-mo-cny-khoi-dong-giao-thuong-cung-techcombank?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=Article&utm_campaign=CNY_Solution&utm_id=SME_IMEX
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