Vietnam records world-highest trade surplus with US, surpassing Mexico, China

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by ReutersMarch 13, 2026 at 08:30 AM

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In January, Vietnam recorded the largest trade surplus with the United States at $19 billion, surpassing both Mexico and China, according to recent US data. This shift occurred as Vietnam's exports to the US increased by 53% year-over-year, exceeding $20 billion. Simultaneously, US imports from China experienced a significant drop of 46%. Vietnam's trade surplus with the US has been growing, exceeding China's since the second quarter of 2025 and reaching $178 billion for the entire year. The large trade gap is a key factor in ongoing trade negotiations between Hanoi and Washington, where disagreements persist over tariff rates on Vietnamese goods.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Thai Nguyen 30% Hanoi 40% Washington 50% Mexico ×260% China ×480% Vietnam ×690% United States ×890%

Keywords

trade surplus 100% vietnam 90% united states 90% exports 70% trade deal 60% china 50% tariff rates 50% mexico 40% us imports 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Positive

Score: 0.30

Source Transparency

Source

South China Morning Post

Political Lean

Center-Right (0.50)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Vietnam

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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trade surplus vietnam united states exports trade deal china tariff rates mexico us imports

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