Vietnam saw a year-on-year increase of 17% in exports in the first six months, but it will be hard for overseas shipments to meet expectations in the last half of the year, according to the HSBC.

In its “Vietnam at a glance” report released on August 17, it said after the impressive export growth in H1, a slower-than-expected pace has been recorded since the start of H2.

The main cause is a growth slowdown in the electronics industry, especially mobile phones. Samsung’s second-quarter results show that demand for consumer electronics is weakening, thus affecting the smartphone, TV, and other segments.

While textile, garment and footwear exports rose sharply, by 30% from a year earlier, the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association forecast the amount ordered will decline in the time ahead.

In July, import growth also slowed down to only 3.4% compared to the double-figure growth in previous months, partly due to lower energy prices, thereby reducing import orders of such commodities as steel, coal, and crude oil.

The HSBC report showed that despite an unpredictable global economic situation, the domestic economy has continued to reap certain successes.

Retail sales posted a record growth rate of over 55% last month compared to the same period last year. In particular, revenue of tourism-related sectors was considerable, witnessing a double-digit expansion for four straight months.

Also in July, Vietnam attracted more than 350,000 foreign tourist arrivals, tripling the monthly average in H1, bringing the total visitors to the country so far to 1 million./.