Trade shortfall hits nearly US$1 billion in two weeks

Vietnam’s trade deficit was estimated at US$955 million for the first half of September, reducing the country’s total export surplus since the beginning of the year down to US$2 billion, according to customs statistics.

Vietnam’s trade deficit was estimated at US$955 million for the first half of September, reducing the country’s total export surplus since the beginning of the year down to US$2 billion, according to customs statistics.

The two-week trade turnover grossed US$11.8 billion, or 9% lower than the figure recorded in the preceding last two weeks of August.

From January to September 14, the country’s cumulative trade surplus hit US$2 billion, with US$6.5 billion attributable to foreign invested enterprises.

Key export items for the period included telephones and components, crude oil, seafood, footwear, computers, electronic products and spare parts.

Import value in the reviewed period saw a 6% increase to more than US$6.4 billion compared to August’s second half, mostly reported in seafood, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, and wheat.