HÀ NỘI — Exports to the United States rose 21.7 per cent in the first five months of the year to nearly US$70 billion, driven largely by strong growth in electronics shipments, according to preliminary customs data.

The US remained Việt Nam's largest export market during the January-May period, with export revenue increasing by about $12.4 billion from the same period a year earlier.

Computers, electronic products and components recorded the fastest growth among major export categories, rising 55 per cent year-on-year to $22.5 billion.

The sector generated nearly $8 billion in additional export revenue compared with the same period last year, accounting for almost two-thirds of the overall increase in exports to the US.

Other manufactured goods also posted gains.

Exports of machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts rose 21 per cent to $11.2 billion, while shipments of transport vehicles and parts increased 22.5 per cent to $1.6 billion.

Exports of electrical wires and cables climbed 30.4 per cent to $751 million, and cameras, camcorders and components rose 25.1 per cent to $711 million.

However, several traditional export sectors faced challenges.

Exports of wood and wood products fell 8 per cent to $3.4 billion, while seafood shipments declined 8.4 per cent to $702 million amid weaker demand, higher production costs and growing competition in the US market.

Among agricultural products, pepper exports rose 19.2 per cent to $220.3 million and fruit and vegetable exports increased 12.2 per cent to about $233 million.

Coffee exports slipped 2.2 per cent to $291.9 million, while cashew nut shipments saw a slight drop of 1 per cent to $403.9 million.

Growth in labour-intensive industries remained modest. Textile and garment exports rose 1.3 per cent to $6.8 billion, while footwear exports increased 6 per cent to nearly $3.8 billion.

The data underscore a shift in Việt Nam's export structure toward electronics, computers and technology-related products, highlighting the country's expanding role in global technology supply chains.

Analysts say the trend presents opportunities for Vietnamese exporters to gain market share, but also increases pressure to comply with stricter US requirements on product origin, technical standards, environmental regulations and trade defence measures. — BIZHUB/VNS