RETAIL SALES EXCEED VND3.18 QUADRILLION IN JAN-MAY

Shoppers at a local supermarket – PHOTO: MINH THAO

HCMC – Vietnam’s retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue reached an estimated VND3,185 trillion in the first five months of 2026, up 11.2% from a year earlier, according to the National Statistics Office.

Retail sales of goods accounted for the largest share, contributing 75.9% of the total revenue at VND2,418.1 trillion. Sales of petroleum products increased 12.7% from a year earlier, while garment sales rose 10.2% and food and foodstuff sales climbed 9.6%.

Among major localities, Quang Ninh recorded the strongest retail sales growth at 12.9%, followed by Danang at 12.7%, Dong Nai at 11.4%, and Hanoi at 11.1%.

Revenue from other services reached VND325.9 trillion in the January-May period, up 9.1% year-on-year, with Hue and Quang Ninh among the fastest-growing localities.

In May alone, total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue were estimated at VND647.1 trillion, up 0.5% from the previous month and 11.8% from a year earlier, driven by strong performance across key sectors.

Revenue from accommodation and food services rose 13.3% year-on-year, while travel and tourism services increased 12.2%, reflecting growing demand for leisure and holiday activities.

Market trends in May reflected clear shifts in consumer demand driven by seasonal factors. Sales of wood products and construction materials rose 12.3% year-on-year, supported by accelerated construction activity and higher material prices during the peak building season.

Cultural and educational goods also recorded solid growth as demand increased for stationery, reference books, and gifts related to the examination period and end-of-school-year celebrations.

In contrast, growth in essential goods such as food and foodstuffs moderated following the holiday season, as abundant agricultural supplies during the harvest period helped ease price pressures on consumers.

Meanwhile, petroleum product sales, although cooling compared with the previous month, remained 17.1% higher than a year earlier.

Source: The Saigon Times