Vietnam posts record $7.31bn trade surplus in October as electronics imports fall

According to the latest report from the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance, Vietnam's exports reached an all-time high of $64.67 billion in October, marking the sixth consecutive month of record-breaking shipments.

Meanwhile, imports reached $57.36 billion in October, down 1.4 percent from their September peak, widening the trade surplus to its highest level since monthly customs records began in 2009.

The previous record was $5 billion, set in August 2020.

October also marked the country's second consecutive monthly trade surplus following nine straight months of deficits beginning in late 2025.

Electronics drive record trade surplus

Computers, electronic products, and components played a key role in the surge, with exports reaching a record high, more than 2.5 times the level recorded in October 2025.

Imports of these products, however, declined from September, accounting for the entire drop in Vietnam's total imports, as purchases of other goods remained largely unchanged.

As a result, the electronics sector's trade deficit narrowed to just $600 million, its lowest level since April 2018.

The turnaround was particularly striking given that the sector had recorded its largest monthly trade deficit in July, based on customs data dating back to 2015.

Beyond electronics, exports of several other major products also rebounded in October.

Machinery and equipment, Vietnam's second-largest export category, rose to $8.22 billion, while shipments of footwear, wood products, and seafood increased by more than 10 percent from September.

In contrast, exports of phones and components declined, while textiles and garments remained largely unchanged.

The broader recovery marked a shift from September, when electronics alone accounted for the entire increase in exports, offsetting declines across other product categories.