Amid rapidly shifting global trade conditions, import growth outpacing exports — and consequently pushing the trade balance into deficit — should not necessarily be viewed as a negative signal. This is because much of the increase in imports consists of machinery, equipment, and production materials for manufacturing and investment, indicating that businesses are expanding production capacity in preparation for future orders.

Viet Nam recorded a trade deficit of 7.11 billion USD in the first four months of 2026, according to the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance.

The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee has urged the Government to remain vigilant against mounting macroeconomic risks, including inflationary pressures, volatile energy prices, a potential shift toward a trade deficit, slow public investment disbursement, and uncertainties in financial, monetary and gold markets, while calling for updated policy scenarios to safeguard growth and stability.