Garments and textiles will continue to top the list of key hard currency earners as they are expected to earn US$5.4 billion this year, an increase of 25.6 percent over 2007. The US is now Vietnam’s largest garment importer, accounting for 55 percent of the country’s total export turnover.

Seafood is expected to fetch US$850 million, up 14.9 percent, while woodwork will bring home US$1.1 billion, up 23.6 percent compared to last year’s figures.

Around 120,000 tonnes of coffee will be shipped to the US this year, earning between US$192-200 million.

The ministry expects this year’s export turnover to the whole American market to reach US$14.6 billion, an increase of 25.2 percent over last year.