Vietnam, Laos enjoy growth in two-way trade in H1

Vietnam and Laos continued to enjoy growth in import-export revenue in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period last year.

Garment and textile is one of Vietnam's main staples exported to Laos. (Photo: VNA)
Garment and textile is one of Vietnam's main staples exported to Laos. (Photo: VNA)

According to the Vietnamese Trade Office in Laos, in the first half of 2021, two-way trade hit over US$671 million, up 36.5% year on year, including Vietnam’s exports of over US$329 million, and imports of more than US$341 million, respective rises of 19.1% and 58.9%.

Compared to the first half of 2019 before the COVID-19 outbreak, two-way trade increased 16.6%, with Vietnam's import revenue rose 49% and exports dropped 5%.

In June 2021, two-way trade reached over US$100 million, up 22.1% from the same period last year and 18.1% from June 2019.

Vietnam's key export staples included garment and textile products, transport vehicles and spare parts, machinery and equipment, and petrol and gasoline.

Meanwhile, Vietnam mainly imported good and wooden products from Laos, along with ore and minerals, and rubber.

In July, two-way trade is predicted not to rise due to complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic.