The trade value Vietnam and other ASEAN member States in the first five months of this year reached $38 billion, a year-on-year increase of 10.4 per cent, the Government News quoted Vietnam Customs as reporting on June 17.

Of the figure, Vietnam's exports to and imports from the bloc hit $15.7 billion and $22.2 billion, up 3.2 per cent and 16.2 per cent, respectively, resulting in a trade deficit of $6.51 billion, up 67 per cent.

During the period, Thailand was Vietnam's largest export market, with $3.4 billion, up 3.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. The Philippines ranked second, with $2.49 billion, down 2 per cent.

Thailand was also Vietnam's biggest supplier of goods in ASEAN, with $5.24 billion, up 14.3 per cent. Indonesia was the runner-up, with $4.83 billion, up 24.8 per cent year-on-year.