Vietnam electronics exports reach $101 billion amid $60.5 billion trade deficit

Vietnam's electronics and computer component export sector reached approximately $101 billion in the first eight months of 2026, marking a 51% increase compared to the same period last year. Despite this growth, the sector recorded a trade deficit of $60.5 billion, as imports for the same period rose by 68.3% to $161.6 billion.

During a meeting with the Vietnam Electronic Industries Association, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc and Ministry of Industry and Trade officials noted that the high import volume is driven by the need for chips, memory, processors, and other high-tech components required for assembly and testing. This highlights a significant reliance on foreign supply chains for semiconductors and raw materials.

While the electronics sector contributes over 30% to Vietnam's total export turnover, the domestic value-added remains limited. The government is prioritizing the development of the semiconductor and electronics industries to improve local production capabilities and reduce import dependency, particularly as global demand for AI-related hardware and data center equipment continues to rise.