Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth

Vietnam recorded a notable month-on-month decline in trade activity in November, according to new data from the National Statistics Office (NSO). Exports fell 7.1% from October, reaching $39.07 billion, while imports dipped 3.7% to $37.98 billion. Despite the slowdown, the country maintained a trade surplus of $1.09 billion, underscoring its continued resilience in global markets.

However, when compared with the same period last year, Vietnam’s trade performance showed impressive strength. November exports jumped 15.1% year-on-year, and imports increased 16.0%, reflecting ongoing demand for Vietnamese goods and a steady rise in input materials for production.

Inflation also remained manageable, with consumer prices in November rising 3.58% from a year earlier. Meanwhile, industrial activity showed solid momentum as industrial production expanded 10.8%, indicating that manufacturing remains a major driver of the country’s economic growth.

Over the first eleven months of the year, Vietnam continued to build on its export-led growth strategy. Total exports climbed 16.1% to $430.14 billion, while imports grew 18.4% to $409.61 billion. This produced an accumulated trade surplus of $20.53 billion, highlighting the nation’s strong external position despite fluctuations in global economic conditions.

Vietnam’s consistent export growth, rising industrial output, and sustained trade surplus position the country as one of Southeast Asia’s most competitive manufacturing hubs. As global demand shifts and supply chains diversify, Vietnam’s ability to maintain stability and long-term growth continues to attract international attention from businesses and investors looking for reliable production and sourcing opportunities.