Vietnam Trade 2026: A Bustling Start & New Growth Hopes

Import-Export Flourishes in Early 2026, Opening New Growth Expectations

The vibrant trading atmosphere right from the first day of 2026 at major border gates signals that Vietnam’s import-export sector is entering the new year with numerous positive indicators.

Bustling Border Gates on New Year’s Day On the very first day of 2026, the flow of goods across Northern border gates created a vivid picture of trade, signaling a promising year for Vietnam’s import-export activities. From Mong Cai (Quang Ninh) and Tan Thanh (Lang Son) to Huu Nghi (Lao Cai), convoys of trucks queuing for customs clearance reflected an uninterrupted trade rhythm and a determination to maintain growth momentum right from the starting line.

On January 1, 2026, the first import-export shipments were cleared through Bac Luan II Border Gate (Mong Cai, Quang Ninh), marking a spirited start to border trade. To maximize convenience for businesses, functional forces at Mong Cai International Border Gate maintained normal working schedules during the New Year holiday, ensuring the cross-border supply chain remained unbroken.

Import and export activities are receiving many positive signals at the beginning of the new year. Photo: Can Dung

Immigration and export-import activities via Bac Luan II Bridge were organized stably, with the goods clearance flow applying an advance appointment mechanism to improve efficiency and reduce congestion. Just on the morning of New Year’s Day:

Exports: 30 trucks carrying over 540 tons of frozen goods were cleared.
Imports: 12 trucks carrying nearly 100 tons of electronic components, machinery, and equipment.
Turnover: Reached USD 11.5 million in this area.
Km3+4 Hai Yen Opening: Nearly 100 trucks were processed.
Total Mong Cai Turnover (Jan 1): Approximately USD 20 million.

A vibrant atmosphere was also recorded at Tan Thanh Border Gate (Lang Son). On January 1, 2026, Tan Thanh Customs ensured clearance for:

Exports: 80 trucks (mainly agricultural products) with a turnover of over USD 1 million.
Imports: 401 trucks with a total turnover of USD 41 million.
Total Daily Turnover: Over USD 42 million. According to Tan Thanh Customs leaders, the volume of goods on January 2, 2026, continued to increase, with expected turnover reaching about USD 45 million, showing positive growth momentum from the beginning of the year.

In Lao Cai, Vietnam-China trading activities also kept a busy pace. On the first day of 2026, Lao Cai Customs received 181 declarations, serving nearly 400 import-export vehicle turns, with a total turnover of over USD 3 million and budget revenue collecting over 11 billion VND. Clearance at Kim Thanh International Road Border Gate No. II took place urgently, with convoys extending from early morning. Inspection and supervision were deployed synchronously to shorten processing time, facilitating agricultural exports to the Chinese market and ensuring fast clearance for imported machinery shipments.

From 2025 Achievements to 2026 Export Expectations The vibrant atmosphere at border gates in early 2026 is underpinned by the impressive achievements of Vietnam’s import-export sector in the recent period. According to the Agency of Foreign Trade (Ministry of Industry and Trade – MOIT), in the 5 consecutive years from 2021 to 2025, Vietnam’s total merchandise export turnover exceeded USD 1,940 billion. The years 2024–2025 alone contributed approximately USD 878 billion, affirming exports’ pillar role in economic growth.

Key Export Contributors:

Computers, Electronics & Components: USD 342.9 billion.
Phones & Components: USD 279.3 billion.
Machinery, Equipment & Tools: USD 237.8 billion.
Traditional Sectors: Textiles (USD 179.8 billion) and Footwear (USD 108.8 billion).

Notably, Vietnam’s import-export has continuously conquered significant milestones. From the USD 100 billion mark in 2007 (WTO accession), turnover rose to USD 200 billion (2011), USD 500 billion (2019), USD 700 billion (2022), and established the mark of over USD 900 billion in 2025. These results were achieved amidst global trade challenges such as rising protectionism and supply chain disruption risks.

Speaking with Industry and Trade Newspaper, Dr. Le Quoc Phuong – former Deputy Director of the Industry and Trade Information Center (MOIT), stated that entering 2026, global trade prospects are forecast to carry many risks. The IMF and World Bank both assess that world economic growth may slow down due to tight monetary policies, geopolitical conflicts, and weak consumption.

However, in that context, MOIT still sets a target for 2026 export turnover to increase by over 8% compared to 2025, with a trade surplus of approximately USD 25 billion.

This target is considered challenging as 2025 exports already achieved high growth. To realize this expectation, MOIT emphasizes industrial restructuring towards increasing value, reducing dependence on raw material exports, and promoting industries with advanced technology and strong innovation capabilities. Simultaneously, effectively utilizing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), diversifying markets, and enhancing trade remedy capacities continue to be important pillars.

From the bustling trade atmosphere at border gates in the first days of the year to the foundation of accumulated export achievements, the import-export picture for 2026 is unfolding with many positive signals. Although challenges lie ahead, proactive management, infrastructure improvement, and business support are expected to help Vietnam’s import-export continue to maintain its role as the growth engine of the economy.