>>Trade deficit of US$6.6 billion forecast for first half

Exports in June alone hit US$1.15 billion, up 11 percent compared to May, the highest growth seen in the first months over the past four years.

Le Tien Truong, Vice Director General of the Vietnam National Garment and Textile Group (Vinatex) said the yearly target for US$13 billion turnover from exports can be fulfilled and it may reach US$13.2-13.5 billion.

Domestic consumption also increased by 23 percent to VND8,300 billion in the first half of this year.

*** Exports of gemstone and gold in June tripled on May, according to the General Statistics Office.

In the first half of this year, 11 products achieved high export earnings, including garments (US$6.16 billion), crude oil (US$3.3 billion) footwear (US$2.9 billion), seafood (US$2.5 billion) and other like coffee, rice, rubber, timer products, electronics-computers, and equipment (above US$1 billion).

Vietnam’s total exports in the reviewed period reached US$42.3 billion, up 30.3 percent while imports hit US$48.9 billion, up 25.8 percent over the same period last year.