According to the Vietnam News Agency, imports increased 12.6% from a year earlier to nearly US$22.3 billion in the January-May period, while the trade surplus edged up 1.1%, according to ministry data released at a press briefing.

The figures underscore the resilience of one of Vietnam’s key economic sectors as authorities seek to maintain growth, strengthen food security and expand export markets amid an uncertain global trade environment.

Agricultural products remained the largest export category, generating almost US$16.4 billion, up 6.1% from a year earlier.

Forestry products brought in US$7.65 billion, up 4.5%, while seafood exports rose 10.6% to US$4.65 billion.

Exports of production inputs rose 83% to US$1.7 billion, while livestock product exports climbed 43.2% to US$308 million and salt exports increased 45.8% to US$6.7 million.

China remained Vietnam’s largest export market for agricultural, forestry and fishery products, accounting for 20.5% of total export turnover and posting growth of 28.4% from a year earlier.

The US ranked second, representing 18.5% of exports, although shipments to the market declined 3.6%.

The EU accounted for 11.8% of exports and recorded growth of 4.2%, while Japan represented 6.8% and expanded 3.5%.

The ministry attributed the export growth to trade promotion efforts, market diversification and the effective use of free trade agreements, which helped businesses expand overseas sales while reducing dependence on individual markets.

Deputy minister of agriculture and environment Dang Ngoc Diep said the sector was targeting growth of 3.7% this year and striving to reach 4%.

“Key indicators are broadly in line with the plan, creating favourable conditions for achieving this year’s growth target,” Diep said.