According to a report from the Ha Noi Department of Industry and Trade, in the first months of 2026, import and export activities were affected by the Middle East conflict and the difficulties faced by many economies, leading to a decline in global market demand. In addition, the policy of halting petroleum exports due to the global energy crisis to ensure domestic fuel supply caused a sharp decline in export value of this commodity (-98.4%).

Specifically, in the first three months of 2026, Ha Noi's export turnover was estimated at 4.185 billion USD, a decrease of 8.6% compared to the same period in 2025. Import turnover was estimated at 12.337 billion USD, an increase of 18.8%.

However, Ha Noi’s import and export activities still had some notable points; traditional markets (the US, ASEAN, the EU, and China) continued to maintain growth at different levels.

Imports maintain double-digit growth, with key items such as machinery and equipment (up 8.6%), electronics and components (23.4%), chemicals (8.5%), and petroleum products (29.4%)... contributing significantly to maintaining stable production and essential social life.

Speaking at the conference, Director of the Ha Noi Department of Industry and Trade Vo Nguyen Phong, stated that the target of increasing exports by 12% in 2026 requires stronger, more targeted, timely, and substantive solutions in the coming period.

The Ha Noi Department of Industry and Trade will fully consider all opinions, suggestions, and proposals at the conference; promptly compile and categorise them into groups: issues within the Department’s jurisdiction, issues requiring inter-agency coordination within the city, and issues requiring recommendations to the Ministry of Industry and Trade and other central ministries and agencies.

The Department will continue to closely adhere to the 12% export growth target for 2026; while further specifying solutions for each market segment, industry, business group, and support solution group.

In particular, it will further strengthen trade promotion activities in a substantive and in-depth manner. The Department will better support Ha Noi businesses in leveraging FTAs, reducing transaction costs, shortening processing times, providing early warning of risks, and expanding export markets.

In addition, the Department will also implement solutions to support businesses in digital transformation, cross-border e-commerce, traceability, quality standards, environmental standards, brand development, and adaptation to new requirements of the international market.