Print article

Exports to several markets rise in first 4 months despite COVID-19, trade minister says

VGP – The Ministry of Industry and Trade will ensure a dual goal of preventing disease, while stabilizing production, and boosting export, Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh said.

May 18, 2020 5:09 PM GMT+7

Minister Tuan Anh said that Viet Nam has sought to shift to new export markets. 

In the first four months, export turnover to the U.S. valued US$ 19 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of 22%; to Canada with US$ 975 billion (up 13%); Mexico with US$ 798 million (up 61%); Brazil with US$ 511 million (up 11%); Chile with US$ 287 million (up 93%). 

Other markets witnessing export turnover increase included China with US$ 9.35 billion (up 22.8%); Japan with US$ 5 billion (up 7.8%); Australia with US$ 924 million (up 11.6%). However, export turnovers dropped in others especially Europe with US$ 9.61 billion (down 5.7%).

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, from late March, a large number of importers from the U.S. and EU suspended, canceled or even stopped orders. In other markets, made-in-Viet Nam exports were affected by tight medical quarantine regulations and customs clearance. 

In the short term, Viet Nam will resume trade activities with China, the RoK, and Japan and is ready to enforce the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement. 

The MoIT also tasked affiliated units to craft measures in the post COVID-19 period in an effort to implement the PM’s Directive 19 regarding the ongoing implementation of Covid-19 disease prevention and control. 

Especially, the ministry will review export performance of key products including garments and textiles, footwear, electronics, rubber products, food processing, fertilizer, and chemicals./.

By Khanh Phuong