At the Kim Thanh II international border gate in Lao Cai. (Photo: VNA)

According to reports from the People’s Committee of the northwestern province, nine-month exports reeled in 708 million USD, a year-on-year drop of 31.28%. Key export products included peeled wood, dried cassava and fruit.

Meanwhile, the import value was down 18.58% to 460.05 million USD in the reviewed period. Key imports were mostly coke, fertiliser, chemicals and consumer goods.

Due to COVID-19, fruit exports to China via the Kim Thanh II international border gate fell by more than 90%.

Hoang Chi Hien, Director of the provincial Department of Industry and Trade, said the volume of customs clearance activities remains limited at local sub-border gates.

Trade at the international railway border gate is continuing as normal, he added.