Vietnam posted total export revenue of $16.38 billion in the second half of March, up 22.8 per cent compared to the first half, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

The figure brought total export value in the first quarter to $79.3 billion.

Commodities to see an increase in export value in the second half compared to the first half of March included phones and components, up 40.8 per cent; computers, electronics and components 19.9 per cent; machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts 27.5 per cent; steel of all types 131.7 per cent; and footwear 22.2 per cent.

Figures from Vietnam Customs also show that the export value of FDI businesses hit $12.02 billion, up 23.3 per cent against the first half of March. This brought total export value of the FDI sector in the first quarter to $59.06 billion, accounting for 74.5 per cent of the country’s total export turnover.

Regarding imports, meanwhile, Vietnam imported commodities totaling $14.4 billion in the second half of the month, up 42 per cent against the first half.

Though export activities are now experiencing positive signs the difficulties remain. To help businesses, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is implementing programs to support expansion and diversification of export markets, targeting markets of potential such as India, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.