DURIAN EXPORTS PROJECTED TO HIT US$1 BILLION IN Q1
Vietnam can gain US$1 billion in revenue from durian products exports within the first quarter of this year, provided that customs clearance at northern border gates remains favorable. This optimistic outlook was given by the Agency of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade following a good start to the year, with January figures reaching over US$117 million, up by a staggering 275% year-on-year.
MANUFACTURING SECTOR HITS FOUR-MONTH HIGH ON STRONGER DEMAND
Vietnam’s manufacturing sector expanded at a faster pace in February, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 54.3 from 52.5 in January, marking the strongest improvement in four months, according to S&P Global. The reading remained well above the 50-point threshold that separates expansion from contraction. It also extended the sector’s current growth streak to eight consecutive months, reflecting improving business conditions.
HCMC LOOKS TO LURE US$11 BILLION IN FDI FOR 2026
To reach the milestone – a significant jump from US$8.37 billion in 2025 – the city is adopting a selective high-quality approach. Priority is given to high-tech and digital transformation with semiconductor, AI, and data centers; logistics and finance with the Vietnam International Financial Center in HCMC and the Cai Mep Ha Free Trade Zone and smart infrastructure with transitioning existing industrial parks into eco-smart models.
SHRIMP EXPORTS TO CHINA, U.S. GROW
Vietnam’s shrimp exports are picking up early this year, buoyed by stronger demand from China and lower U.S. anti-dumping duties, helping the seafood sector pursue its US$11.5 billion export goal. Shrimp is expected to contribute nearly half. As of February 15, seafood export revenue reached nearly US$1.46 billion, making seafood one of the top three agricultural export earners, according to Vietnam Customs.
HCMC SEES 14 MILLION PASSENGER TRIPS DURING LUNAR NEW YEAR
HCMC handled more than 14 million passenger trips during the nine-day Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday from February 14 to 22, according to the city’s Department of Construction. Le Hai Phong, deputy head of the Road Transport Management Division under the Department of Construction, told a press briefing on February 26 that transport services met strong travel demand while traffic accidents declined and no serious incidents or prolonged congestion were reported.
FRANCE SEES VIETNAM AS KEY EXPORT MARKET IN 2026
France’s public investment bank Bpifrance has ranked Vietnam among the five most promising export markets for French companies in 2026, alongside Indonesia, Morocco, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates, reported the Vietnam News Agency. The assessment highlights Vietnam as a destination with strong growth potential at a time when global trade remains volatile and many exporters still focus on traditional markets such as Germany, the United States, and China.
VIETNAM EYES US$550-BILLION EXPORT TARGET AMIDST PRESSURE FOR HIGHER VALUE-ADDED GROWTH
To achieve the ambitious export target for 2026, Vietnam must maintain average monthly revenue of US$45-46 billion, a feat that requires an urgent shift from volume-based growth to higher value-added strategies. This demand comes as factories nationwide rapidly reactivate production lines post-Tet to meet a steady flow of orders, even as global market uncertainties and rising costs squeeze profit margins.
TRADE DEFICIT WIDENS IN EARLY FEBRUARY AS IMPORTS SURGE
Vietnam posted a trade deficit of about US$948 million in the first half of February 2026, as imports rose faster than exports, according to preliminary data from the Department of Vietnam Customs. Total trade between February 1 and 15 reached US$41.67 billion. Exports stood at US$20.36 billion, while imports totaled US$21.31 billion.
NAVIGATING TAX & CUSTOMS IN VIETNAM 2026 - KEY INSIGHTS FOR BUSINESS LEADERS
Vietnam 2026: Tariff Risks, Regulatory Tightening — and a 10% Growth Ambition. Are FDI Leaders Ready? Global trade tensions are resurfacing. Potential tariff shifts under Donald Trump could reshape supply chains once again. At the same time, Vietnam is pursuing an ambitious high-growth trajectory toward 2026 — creating significant upside for well-positioned foreign investors.
