Vietnam trade trends: Rice, pepper, and electric vehicle growth

Vietnam's export sectors are experiencing diverse trends across various commodities. In the agricultural sector, rice exports have faced recent declines, particularly due to policy changes and increased competition in the Philippines, which remains the largest consumer. However, prices began recovering in July, providing hope for a stronger year-end performance.

In the spice industry, pepper exports rose by 16.7% in volume during the first seven months of 2026, though the supply chain faces challenges regarding the stability of smallholder production and sustainability standards. Meanwhile, Vietnam is strengthening its trade relationship with Morocco, which serves as a strategic gateway to North and West African markets for Vietnamese goods such as electronics, textiles, and agricultural products.

Energy and automotive sectors also show significant movement. Petroleum exports to Thailand saw a massive surge in volume and value. In the domestic automotive market, electric motorcycle consumption has grown rapidly, with sales increasing by over 97% compared to the previous year, driven largely by brands like VinFast.