Vietnam’s Exports Reach $500 Billion in First 10 Months of 2026
Vietnam’s goods exports reached $500 billion in the first 10 months of 2026, up 27.5% year on year. Foreign invested enterprises accounted for more than 80% of exports. Full year exports could approach $600 billion, but domestic firms still face challenges with technical standards and access to overseas customers.
In the first 10 months of 2026, Vietnam’s total goods imports and exports exceeded $1.01 trillion, up more than 32% year on year. Exports reached $500 billion, up 27.5%. At the current pace, full year exports could approach $600 billion. Processing and manufacturing continued to drive exports, with shipments of computers, electronic products and components exceeding $149 billion. Exports exceeded $1 billion in 37 product categories, including eight that surpassed $10 billion.
Export growth was driven mainly by foreign invested enterprises. In the first 10 months, exports by domestic Vietnamese enterprises reached nearly $94 billion, up 8.2% year on year, and accounted for less than 19% of total exports. Foreign invested enterprises accounted for more than 81%, with their exports up 33% year on year. After expanding production capacity, domestic firms still need to address challenges such as connecting with overseas customers and building brands.
Screenshot related to domestic firms seeking export opportunities.（VietVance）
Thống Nhất Hanoi Joint Stock Company produces more than 250,000 bicycles each year for Vietnam’s domestic market. As room for growth in the domestic market narrows, the company is seeking export opportunities. Its general director said the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement has created opportunities to enter international markets, but the company still lacks information about target markets, technical standards and channels for connecting with importers.
Screenshot related to companies discussing expansion into overseas markets.（VietVance）
The communications director of Huy Hoang Lock Company Limited said technical standards vary by market, so entering new markets requires developing products suited to them. A representative of ICQ Vietnam Import-Export Company said the company has exported kraft paper to Africa and sees further opportunities in Africa and South America.
Source: VietVance
