Vietnam's economy continues to demonstrate robust growth. According to data published by the General Statistics Office on Friday, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by 8.39% in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year.
For the first half of the year, the economy grew by 8.18%, surpassing the 7.63% growth recorded in the same period of 2025. The main drivers of growth remain industry, construction, and the services sector.
The industrial sector continued its strong development, driven by the recovery of export orders, increased public investment, and strengthened manufacturing activity. The added value of industry grew by 9.86% in the first six months of the year, contributing over 40% to the overall economic growth.
The services sector also showed strong results. Growth in domestic consumption, trade, transport, and tourism contributed to an 8.09% increase in the sector's added value compared to last year.
Agriculture maintained stable momentum, with its added value growing by 3.57% thanks to the expansion of export markets for agricultural products.
In the first six months of 2026, the total foreign trade volume reached US$549.7 billion. Exports grew by 21%, and imports by 37%. However, due to faster import growth, Vietnam recorded a trade deficit of US$16.65 billion, whereas the country had a surplus of US$7.95 billion a year earlier.
The United States remains Vietnam's largest export market, with goods worth US$86.5 billion supplied. China continues to be the main import supplier, with a volume of US$115.2 billion.
In the first half of the year, 169.8 thousand enterprises were registered or resumed operations in the country, averaging about 28.3 thousand companies monthly. At the same time, approximately 151.1 thousand enterprises temporarily suspended operations or exited the market. According to a survey of manufacturers, 36.3% of companies view the current business situation positively, and the proportion of optimistic enterprises could rise to 39.4% in the third quarter.
The average Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the second quarter increased by 5.25% year-on-year. For the first half of the year, average inflation was 4.38%, and core inflation was 4.12%.
Nguyen Thi Huong, head of the General Statistics Office, noted that Vietnam's economy is demonstrating positive results despite the persistent instability of the global economy, geopolitical risks, and armed conflicts.
According to her, the macroeconomic situation remains stable: inflation is under control, domestic consumption and tourism continue to grow, and the supply of essential goods remains at a sufficient level.
At the same time, authorities expect the economy to face new challenges in the second half of the year due to Vietnam's high dependence on global trade. Priority tasks include accelerating the implementation of infrastructure projects, removing administrative barriers, stimulating domestic demand, and further expanding export markets.