VGP - To achieve its target of 12 percent export growth this year, Ha Noi is focusing on expanding key markets while proposing six priority measures to strengthen export performance.
Deputy Director of the Ha Noi Department of Industry and Trade Nguyen The Hiep
Speaking at the Ministry of Industry and Trade's second-quarter 2026 trade promotion conference with Vietnamese trade offices abroad on July 7, Nguyen The Hiep, Deputy Director of the Ha Noi Department of Industry and Trade, said the city's export turnover reached US$5.966 billion in the second quarter, up 29.2 percent from the first quarter and 9.4 percent year-on-year.
In the first six months of 2026, total exports amounted to US$10.585 billion, an increase of 5.5 percent compared with the same period last year.
Notably, export performance rebounded significantly, with growth accelerating from 0.8 percent in the first quarter to 9.4 percent in the second quarter. Export turnover exceeded US$2 billion in both May and June.
However, to meet its 2026 export growth target of 12 percent, equivalent to US$23.256 billion, Ha Noi will need to generate approximately US$12.611 billion in exports during the second half of the year, averaging more than US$2.1 billion per month. The city acknowledged that this will be a highly challenging task.
According to the Ha Noi Department of Industry and Trade, geopolitical uncertainties and high logistics costs remain major obstacles to export activities. In addition, export markets need to be further diversified as compliance with increasingly stringent next-generation technical barriers has become essential.
Another challenge lies in the limited internal capacity of many businesses, particularly in brand building, international marketing, cross-border e-commerce and negotiation with foreign importers and distribution networks.
Furthermore, the utilization rate of preferential tariffs under free trade agreements (FTAs) remains relatively low, as many enterprises still face difficulties meeting rules of origin, certification procedures and technical standards required to qualify for tariff preferences.
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Supporting key industries and export markets
To promote exports to the United States and Japan, the Ha Noi Department of Industry and Trade proposed support for restoring orders for wood and wood products through stronger connections with furniture retail chains, major retailers, import associations and stable buyers. It also called for guidance on documentation proving the legal origin of timber, origin control procedures and trade remedy regulations.
For the textile, garment and footwear sectors targeting the United States, Japan and the RoK, the city requested updated information on consumer trends, environmental and labor standards, sustainable supply chains, as well as connections with major retail systems such as AEON, Lotte and Walmart, along with specialized importers.
For machinery, equipment, electronic components and supporting industry products destined for the EU, China and ASEAN markets, Ha Noi proposed strengthening links with industrial conglomerates, foreign-invested enterprises and manufacturers participating in global supply chains.
Meanwhile, processed agricultural products, food products, One Commune One Product (OCOP) goods and traditional handicrafts have been identified as sectors with strong potential in ASEAN, the EU, China and the Middle East.
Ha Noi requested that Vietnamese trade offices provide information on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements, Halal standards, packaging and labelling regulations, while facilitating connections with supermarket chains, importers and cross-border e-commerce platforms.
The city also urged the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Vietnamese trade offices abroad to support the development of cross-border e-commerce as an additional export channel by connecting businesses with e-commerce platforms, international logistics providers, payment services, warehousing networks and intellectual property protection services.
Six key measures to expand export markets
Nguyen proposed six key measures to enhance support for Ha Noi businesses seeking to expand export markets.
First, he suggested that Vietnamese trade offices provide tailor-made market intelligence focusing on specific industries, product categories, technical standards, distribution channels and potential importers so businesses can convert market information into actual orders.
Second, Ha Noi proposed establishing a regular coordination mechanism between the city's Department of Industry and Trade and Vietnamese trade offices in key markets, including the United States, the EU, Japan, South Korea, China, ASEAN and the Middle East, to facilitate regular exchanges on businesses, products and export support needs.
Third, the city called for stronger assistance in verifying the credibility of foreign importers while providing early warnings on commercial fraud, international payment risks, contract disputes, trade remedy cases and changes in import standards.
Fourth, whenever Vietnamese trade offices organize inbound visits for foreign business delegations, importers and international distribution systems to explore sourcing opportunities in Vietnam, the Ha Noi Department of Industry and Trade stands ready to serve as the focal point connecting them with local enterprises, traditional craft villages, production areas and distribution centers.
Finally, Ha Noi proposed establishing a coordination mechanism with major foreign-invested retail and distribution companies operating in Ha Noi and Viet Nam to leverage their global distribution networks, enabling Vietnamese products—particularly Ha Noi's key products—to gain broader access to international markets./.
