VIETNAM’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA TOP US$50 BILLION IN Q1

Chinese companies showcase machinery and industrial materials in Vietnam - PHOTO: LE HOANG

HCMC – Vietnam’s imports from China in the first quarter of 2026 surged a staggering 31.6% year-on-year to more than US$50 billion, accounting for around 40% of the country’s total imports, customs data showed.

The increase was driven largely by technology goods and industrial equipment. Imports of computers, electronics and components jumped 62.2% to US$16.77 billion, while machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts rose 25% to US$9.72 billion.

Vietnam’s exports to China during the same period rose 26.4% from a year earlier to US$16.85 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of more than US$33 billion with its largest trading partner.

Imports from other Asian suppliers also increased strongly. Purchases from South Korea rose 34.5% to US$18.73 billion, while imports from ASEAN countries gained 17.3% to US$15.3 billion.

Imports from Taiwan increased 47.9% to US$10.1 billion, while those from the United States rose 25.3% to US$5.14 billion and imports from Malaysia advanced 39.5% to US$3.13 billion.

Vietnam’s total trade value in the first quarter rose 23% year-on-year to US$249.5 billion. Exports increased 19% to US$122.93 billion, while imports climbed 27% to US$126.57 billion, resulting in a modest trade deficit for the quarter.

Source: The Saigon Times