Vietnam's trade deficit narrowed to $113 million in August as imports surged
37.96% YoY to $54.9bn while exports rose 26% YoY to $54.8bn, the General
Statistics Office said. Manufacturers boosting machinery and input imports to
expand capacity drove the import gain; this was the ninth consecutive monthly
trade deficit. CPI rose 4.89% YoY in August, above the 4.7% forecast, with
transport, services and construction costs elevated after the Iran conflict. The
prolonged run of deficits is cited as a headwind to the government's 10% growth
target; authorities last month urged firms to increase exports and accelerate
domestic manufacturing.
