Of the figure, Viet Nam's exports to and imports from the bloc hit US$15.7 billion and US$22.2 billion, up 3.2 percent and 16.2 percent, respectively, resulting in a trade deficit of US$6.51 billion, up 67 percent. 

During the period, Thailand was Viet Nam's largest export market, with US$3.4 billion, up 3.5 percent compared to the same period last year. The Philippines ranked second, with US$2.49 billion, down 2 percent.

Thailand was also Viet Nam's biggest supplier of goods in ASEAN, with US$5.24 billion, up 14.3 percent. Indonesia was the runner-up, with US$4.83 billion, up 24.8 percent year-on-year./.