Vietnam says fuel costs widen first-half trade deficit

Published June 17, 2026 Updated June 17, 2026 09:09am

Higher fuel costs due to the Middle East war are widening Vietnam’s first-half trade deficit to around $15 billion, though exports are expected to accelerate in the rest of the year and narrow the gap, Deputy Finance Minister Nguyen Duc Chi said, according to Reuters.

The country will stick to its 10 per cent GDP growth target despite challenges, Chi said.

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