However, in the first nine months of 2021, the trade balance of goods still had a trade deficit of 2.13 billion USD. In which, the domestic economic sector has a trade deficit of 20.9 billion USD; FDI sector (including crude oil) had a trade surplus of 18.87 billion USD.

Looking at the trade surplus of 16.66 billion USD in the same period last year, many people could not help but worry. However, economic experts said that the problem of trade deficit in recent months is not worrisome, because Vietnam mainly imports (imports) goods for production, essential goods; As world commodity prices increase, the import price of input materials for production increases, leading to an increase in import turnover.

Besides, the increase in sea freight rates also increases costs, increases import value, and exports decelerate from June until now. In June, the Covid-19 epidemic had a strong impact on the exports of enterprises in Bac Giang and Bac Ninh; In the months of July, August, September, the epidemic had a strong impact on the exports of enterprises in the southern provinces and cities.

Export activities have advantages when Vietnam is effectively exploiting free trade agreements (FTAs) and market demand is increasing at the end of the year, especially when Vietnam has an advantage. However, the epidemic is still quite complicated in Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces, causing many difficulties in production, business, import and export activities of enterprises. Logistics has not returned to normal. The risk of shortage of production workers after the epidemic is under control, especially workers in skilled fields such as mechanics, electronics...

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the positive export signal in September 2021 is a great effort of industries, localities and the business community. The gap to shift the trade balance from trade deficit to trade surplus is not too large. About the last 3 months of the year, if there are no major fluctuations, hopefully southern businesses will recover their growth momentum, then by the end of 2021, Vietnam's trade will remain at a balanced level. can excel.

Experts affirmed that the high demand at the end of the year shopping occasion is an opportunity to boost the export of a number of Vietnam's strengths such as textiles, footwear, electronics...

Domestic enterprises need to take advantage of the market's opportunities in the last few months of the year to make up for the loss in exports during the period affected by the pandemic; fully exploiting export opportunities to major markets such as the US, EU, China, Korea, and Japan. In addition, promoting negotiation activities to promote trade to markets with room for development.

To prevent the decline in exports due to the impact of the pandemic, the Ministry of Industry and Trade needs to focus on solutions to consolidate and expand export markets, taking the best advantage of the FTAs that have taken effect; at the same time, working with the Chinese side to facilitate customs clearance and export of goods through the northern border gate.

In addition, businesses continue to innovate, organize trade promotion programs, connect supply and demand both at home and abroad on the online environment and on new platforms, focusing on goods and services. Agricultural products are in season.

On the basis that the epidemic situation is under control, production activities will soon be restored, it is forecasted that exports for the whole year of 2021 will continue to create miracles, exceeding the target assigned by the Government, estimated at about 313 billion VND. USD, an increase of about 10.7% compared to 2020.

Thanh Thao