Import-export activities remain bright spot in the city’s economy

The global economy continued to face challenges during the opening months of 2026, including geopolitical tensions, growing trade protectionism, higher energy prices and rising logistics costs. Despite these headwinds, Ho Chi Minh City sustained growth across industry, trade and import-export activities.

Bui Ta Hoang Vu, Director of the municipal Department of Industry and Trade, said the city’s total import-export turnover in May 2026 was estimated at US$18.59 billion, up 13.68% from a year earlier. Of the total, exports reached approximately US$8.55 billion, rising 0.33% from April and 9.23% year-on-year.

Export turnover totalled an estimated US$39.47 billion during the five-month period, up 5.29% from the same period of 2025.

The result reflected efforts by the business community to make effective use of free trade agreements (FTAs), expand markets and take advantage of tariff preferences to improve the competitiveness of Vietnamese products, Vu added.

Imports hit an estimated US$10.04 billion in May, up 17.78% year-on-year. Total imports throughout the reviewed period stood at US$44.29 billion, an increase of 10.8%. The figures indicate that businesses have continued importing raw materials, machinery and equipment to support production and meet domestic consumption demand.

The city’s industrial sector also remained an important growth driver. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) was estimated to have risen 11%, including growth of 11.8% in manufacturing and processing industries. The figures suggest that production capacity is being strengthened, providing a foundation for export growth in the coming months.

Meanwhile, total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue reached close to 800 trillion VND (US$30.6 billion), up 12.8% from a year earlier. Recovering domestic demand has helped support production and contributed to the city’s economic growth.

The city’s positive trade performance is particularly noteworthy as global trade continues to face challenges. Conflicts and geopolitical tensions in some parts of the world have pushed up transportation, cargo insurance and logistics costs, directly affecting export activities.

Trade promotion efforts stepped up

To support sustainable growth in import-export activities, Vu stated that the Department of Industry and Trade is carrying out a range of measures to help businesses expand markets and enhance competitiveness.

One of the key events will be the 2026 Outstanding Vietnamese Export Products Fair, scheduled to take place from October 22-24 with around 750 booths. The event is expected to serve as an important platform connecting Vietnamese businesses with international importers, distributors and partners.

At the same time, the city is developing an action plan to implement the 2026-2030 Goods Import-Export Strategy aimed at maximising competitive advantages, developing key industries, expanding into new markets and enhancing the position of businesses in global value chains.

Support for businesses is also being ramped up through programmes focusing on key industries, supporting industries, digital transformation, green transition and commercial linkages. The establishment of the Ho Chi Minh City Steering Committee for Supporting Industry Development and the formulation of a supporting industry development programme for 2026-2030 are set to strengthen linkages between domestic enterprises, FDI firms and multinational corporations.

The city is also continuing to implement its 2026-2030 FTA implementation plan, focusing on awareness-raising, improving competitiveness and helping businesses comply with rules of origin, technical standards and sustainability requirements.

In the coming period, the Department of Industry and Trade will continue advising on the organisation of major events, including the 12th Industry and Trade Conference, the Southern Region Industrial Promotion Conference and a fair featuring outstanding rural industrial products. The department will also promote logistics service connectivity and supply chain development in the textile and garment, footwear and wood-processing industries.

Source: VOV