Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. continued their impressive momentum during the first five months of 2026, reinforcing the country’s position as one of America’s key trading partners. According to Vietnam Customs, export turnover to the United States reached nearly USD 70 billion, representing a 21.7% year-on-year increase.

Beyond the remarkable growth rate, the latest figures reveal an important shift in Vietnam’s export structure. Instead of relying primarily on traditional labor-intensive industries, the country’s export expansion is increasingly driven by high-value electronics and technology products. This transformation highlights Vietnam’s growing role in the global manufacturing and supply chain network.

The U.S. remains Vietnam’s largest export market

The United States continues to be Vietnam’s largest export destination by a considerable margin. Strong consumer demand, diversified supply chains, and ongoing investment in manufacturing have created favorable conditions for Vietnamese exporters.

The robust growth of Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. demonstrates not only the resilience of domestic manufacturers but also the country’s ability to adapt to changing global trade patterns.

As multinational corporations continue diversifying production outside traditional manufacturing hubs, Vietnam has become an increasingly attractive destination for high-tech manufacturing and export-oriented industries.

Electronics become the main growth driver

One of the most notable developments in Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. is the outstanding performance of the electronics sector. Computers, electronic products, and components generated USD 22.5 billion in export value during the first five months of 2026, representing an impressive 54.9% increase compared to the same period last year.

Rather than relying solely on labor-intensive manufacturing, Vietnam is steadily increasing the share of technology-intensive products within its export portfolio. The rapid development of this sector strengthens Vietnam’s competitiveness while creating higher value-added opportunities for domestic manufacturers.

Machinery and industrial products continue strong growth

Besides electronics, several manufacturing industries also recorded encouraging results in Vietnam’s exports to the U.S.

Machinery, equipment, tools, and spare parts generated approximately USD 11.2 billion, increasing 21% year-on-year.

These figures illustrate Vietnam’s expanding industrial capabilities and the country’s successful transition toward more sophisticated manufacturing sectors. The continued growth also reflects sustained investment in production technology, infrastructure, and skilled labor, allowing Vietnamese manufacturers to compete more effectively in international markets.

Traditional export products show mixed performance

While technology products are driving export growth, several traditional export industries experienced weaker performance during the same period.

Wood and wood products recorded export turnover of USD 3.4 billion, down 8% compared to the previous year. Seafood exports reached approximately USD 702 million, decreasing 8.4%.

Coffee exports declined slightly to USD 291.9 million, down 2.2%, while cashew nut exports reached USD 403.9 million, falling 0.7%. The slower performance of these sectors can be attributed to various factors, including changing consumer demand, global market fluctuations, pricing pressure, and increasing competition from other exporting countries.

Although these industries remain important contributors to Vietnam’s export economy, their share of overall export growth has gradually declined compared to high-tech manufacturing.

Agricultural products continue to deliver positive results

Despite challenges affecting several agricultural commodities, some product categories continued to perform well in the U.S. market. Pepper exports reached USD 220.3 million, representing growth of 19.2%. Fruit and vegetable exports generated approximately USD 233 million, increasing 12.2% over the same period last year.

These positive results demonstrate the growing competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products, particularly those capable of meeting strict quality, food safety, and traceability requirements demanded by U.S. importers. Improved production standards and better supply chain management have helped Vietnamese agricultural exporters strengthen their market presence despite increasing competition.

The 21.7% increase in Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. during the first five months of 2026 reflects more than short-term market recovery. It represents a broader structural transformation in Vietnam’s export economy. With electronics, computers, machinery, and other high-tech products leading growth, Vietnam is steadily moving toward higher value-added manufacturing while reinforcing its role within global supply chains.

Although traditional industries continue facing certain headwinds, the country’s expanding technology sector provides a strong foundation for future export growth. As businesses continue improving production capabilities and meeting increasingly stringent international standards, Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. are expected to remain an important driver of economic development and international trade in the years ahead.

Source: VnEconomy

28/6/2026