China and the United States continued to dominate Vietnam’s international trade landscape during the first half of 2026. Together, these two markets accounted for more than half of Vietnam’s total import-export turnover, highlighting their strategic importance to the country’s manufacturing sector, export growth, and supply chain resilience.

While China remained Vietnam’s largest trading partner and primary source of industrial inputs, the United States continued to be the country’s biggest export destination. The two markets play complementary roles in Vietnam’s economy: China supplies raw materials, machinery, and electronic components essential for production, while the United States drives demand for Vietnam’s manufactured and consumer goods.

According to customs statistics, Vietnam’s total trade with China reached USD 153.1 billion, while trade with the United States totaled USD 97.73 billion during the first six months of 2026. Combined, these markets represented approximately 50.5% of Vietnam’s total trade turnover, reaffirming their significance in the country’s global trade network.

Vietnam Trade with China Reaches USD 153.1 Billion

China remained Vietnam’s largest trading partner in the first half of 2026, with bilateral trade reaching USD 153.1 billion. Vietnam exported USD 37.9 billion worth of goods to China, marking a 30.2% year-on-year increase, while imports climbed to USD 115.2 billion, up 36% from the same period last year. As a result, Vietnam recorded a trade deficit of USD 77.3 billion with China.

The figures reflect China’s critical role in Vietnam’s manufacturing supply chain. A significant share of imports consists of intermediate goods used by Vietnamese factories to produce finished products for both domestic consumption and export. As manufacturing activity continues to expand, demand for machinery, industrial equipment, and electronic components from China remains strong.

Key Export Products to China

Computers, electronic products, and components remained Vietnam’s largest export category to China, generating USD 11.8 billion during the first half of the year. The rapid growth of the electronics industry has strengthened Vietnam’s position as an important manufacturing hub within the regional supply chain.

Other major export products included mobile phones and components, machinery and equipment, cameras and photographic equipment, seafood, fruits and vegetables, wood and wood products, and textile fibers. The broad range of exported products demonstrates that Vietnam’s exports to China have become increasingly diversified, extending well beyond traditional agricultural commodities.

Vietnam Trade with the United States Maintains Strong Growth

Unlike its trade relationship with China, Vietnam continued to enjoy a substantial trade surplus with the United States. During the first half of 2026, bilateral trade reached USD 97.73 billion, with Vietnamese exports accounting for USD 86.48 billion, an increase of 21.92% compared to the same period in 2025.

Imports from the United States totaled USD 11.25 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of USD 75.23 billion. The U.S. remained Vietnam’s largest export market, driven by strong demand for manufactured goods, electronics, footwear, textiles, and consumer products.

Leading Export Products to the United States

Computers, electronic products, and components became Vietnam’s largest export category to the U.S., reaching USD 28 billion. Machinery, equipment, tools, and spare parts ranked second with USD 13.85 billion, reflecting Vietnam’s growing role in global technology manufacturing.

Other key export products included footwear, garments, handbags and luggage, transportation equipment and parts, mobile phones and components, and plastic products. These industries continue to benefit from Vietnam’s competitive manufacturing base, skilled workforce, and integration into global supply chains.

The strong performance of these sectors also highlights the increasing shift toward higher-value manufacturing, enabling Vietnam to strengthen its position as a major exporter to the U.S. market.

Vietnam’s Imports from the United States

Vietnam imported USD 11.25 billion worth of goods from the United States during the first six months of 2026. Computers, electronic products, and components were the only product group exceeding USD 1 billion, with an import value of USD 3.14 billion.

The remaining imports mainly consisted of high-tech equipment, industrial machinery, agricultural commodities, and specialized materials that support domestic manufacturing and technological development. Compared with imports from China, U.S. imports were more concentrated in advanced technology and capital-intensive products.

Vietnam’s trade with China and the United States is expected to remain strong throughout the rest of 2026. Continued investment in manufacturing, supply chain diversification, and the relocation of global production are likely to support further growth in both exports and imports.

At the same time, businesses face increasing challenges, including stricter sustainability standards, digital customs procedures, supply chain transparency requirements, and evolving trade policies in major markets. Companies that invest in logistics optimization, compliance, and technology adoption will be better positioned to maintain competitiveness.

As Vietnam continues to strengthen its role as a regional manufacturing and export hub, both China and the United States will remain indispensable partners. Maintaining balanced trade relationships, diversifying export products, and improving supply chain resilience will be key priorities for sustaining long-term growth in Vietnam’s international trade.