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

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.