VOI World/ Desk
Vietnam’s Export Rise is putting the country’s manufacturing strategy in sharp focus, as it moves ahead of major Asian economies in exports to the United States and demonstrates how a smaller economy can build a powerful position in global supply chains.
Vietnam’s trade surplus with the US reached $114 billion in the first half of 2026, putting it ahead of China, Mexico and India, according to figures cited in the report. Its exports to the US rose sharply from a year earlier, while imports from China also increased as Vietnamese manufacturers continued to rely on regional supply chains.
The transformation has been driven by economic reforms, greater openness to global trade and sustained efforts to attract foreign investment. Vietnam has also benefited from the “China plus one” strategy, with multinational companies increasingly diversifying manufacturing beyond China.
Major technology companies have established operations in Vietnam, helping the country develop an export-oriented manufacturing base. About 60% of Vietnam’s exports to the US are reportedly machinery and electronics, highlighting the extent to which the country has moved beyond traditional low-cost manufacturing.
Vietnam has also built an extensive network of trade agreements and industrial parks while maintaining a highly trade-oriented economy. Its trade-to-GDP ratio is now among the world’s highest.
For India, the comparison is significant. India has made substantial progress in electronics manufacturing, particularly mobile-phone exports, and its enormous domestic market provides an important economic advantage. However, its manufacturing sector remains less deeply integrated into global supply chains.
The report also points to a major difference in employment patterns. Vietnam has a substantially higher share of its workforce engaged in industry, while India’s workforce remains more concentrated in agriculture and services.
Vietnam’s Export Rise therefore offers a broader lesson for India: attracting investment is only one part of becoming an export powerhouse. Building competitive manufacturing ecosystems, integrating with global supply chains, expanding industrial employment and maintaining strong trade links are equally important.
