According to the General Department of Customs, total imports-exports in the latter half of October hit nearly US$13.6 billion, up 16.8% compared to the first half of the month.

Despite the US$241.2 million trade surplus acquired in the second half of October, the country still suffered a substantial trade deficit of nearly US$145.5 million, over the ten months.

In the review period, the country’s total exports grew 20% to nearly US$6.9 billion.

The increase is attributed to rising exports of particular commodities such as, telephones and components (up nearly US$295 million), crude oil (US$216.6 million), footwear (US$174.12 million), seafood (US$145.2 million), computer, electronics and components (US$116.1 million), and garments (US$US$104 million). In contrast, rubber and steel experienced a notable decline in exports.

By the end of October, the country’s total export turnover reached a staggering US$15 billion, up nearly 16% against the same period last year.

Foreign directed investment (FDI) companies accounted for nearly US$66.71 billion of that figure (excluding crude oil), accounting for 61% of the country’s total turnover.

Total imports in the second half of October soared by US$13.6% increasing from US$795.4 million to US$6.7 billion.

Products experiencing a rise in import value include machinery, equipment and tools (up nearly US$152 million), cotton (US$150 million), steel (US$92.4 million) and crude oil (US$91 million).

In addition, imports of certain products dropped significantly, compared to the first half of the month, for example telephones and components (down US$144.1 million), animal food and materials (down US$45.7 million).

Thus, the national total import value hit US$108.87 billion in ten months, up US$15.92% (equal to nearly US$15 billion) against the same period last year. The FDI sector made up US$61.94 billion, accounting for 56.9% of total imports.