Vietnam reports record textile exports and construction material shortages

Vietnam’s textile and garment sector posted exports worth $18.8 billion in the first half of 2026, marking a strong performance for the industry. In the same period, vegetable exports rose 16.8% to about $2.69 billion, reflecting a broader rebound in agricultural trade.

At the same time, the Ministry of Construction warned that major transport projects are being delayed because of a shortage of key building materials. More than 22 million m³ of sand and over 7 million m³ of stone remain unallocated for projects such as the Châu Đốc‑Cần Thơ‑Sóc Trăng highways, the Ho Chi Minh City‑Trung Lương‑Mỹ Thuận expansion, and the Ring‑Road 4 developments around Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Authorities are urging localities to accelerate licensing of new quarries and to stabilise material supply chains to keep construction schedules on track.