In the first half of November, total trade reached USD 38.3 billion, according to the Customs Department. Exports stood at USD 19.25 billion, driven by key sectors including computers, electronic products and components (USD 4.8 billion), machinery and equipment (USD 2.36 billion), phones and components (USD 2.16 billion), textiles (USD 1.39 billion) and footwear (over USD 1 billion).
These sectors account for a large share of total exports and continue to reflect the recovery and expansion of the processing and manufacturing industries.
Imports for the period reached USD 19.1 billion. Two categories exceeded USD 1 billion: computers, electronic products and components (USD 6.62 billion), and machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts (USD 2.59 billion).
From January to November 15, total trade turnover exceeded USD 800 billion, with exports at USD 410.28 billion and imports at USD 390.74 billion. The trade surplus reached USD 19.5 billion, providing important room to support macroeconomic stability, ease exchange rate pressures and strengthen economic resilience amid global trade uncertainties.
At a third quarter press briefing, the Export and Import Department said that if no unusual shocks occur, annual trade turnover could reach USD 900 billion. Last year, the figure was USD 786.29 billion, up 15.4 per cent from the previous year.
Despite this momentum, the Ministry of Industry and Trade warned of risks to exports, particularly the United States’ new tax policies on wooden products and volatility in major agricultural markets.
To respond, the ministry said it will prioritise removing institutional barriers, strengthening production capacity and expanding and diversifying markets. It also aims to accelerate negotiations on free trade agreements with Mercosur, the Gulf Cooperation Council and Pakistan, and to conclude the FTA with the European Free Trade Association within this year.
In parallel, the ministry will intensify trade promotion and support for businesses to reinforce competitiveness and sustain growth across the export and import sectors.
