Vietnam’s trade surplus in 2019 estimated at $9.94 billion

Vietnam is estimated to have a trade surplus of $9.94 billion in 2019, widening from a $7.21 billion surplus last year.

According to official government data released on Friday, smartphones, garments and electronics goods were among the largest export earners in 2019. Key imports were electronics, machinery and fabrics.

Exports in 2019 likely rose 8.1% to $263.45 billion, while imports were up 7.0% to $253.51 billion, the General Statistics Office said in a statement.

In December, Vietnam’s exports rose 10.1% from a year earlier to $21.8 billion, while imports rose 11.0% to $22.8 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $1 billion.

The trade data is subject to revision next month.

Reporting by Khanh Vu; Editing by Jacqueline Wong @ Reuters