Vietnam’s electronics industry is booming, with exports worth $189.65 billion in the first ten months of 2026 – roughly 40 % of the country’s total exports. Yet the sector still records a trade deficit, a fact that could affect jobs and prices.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Agency of Foreign Trade, Vietnam’s total trade turnover reached $1.010 trillion in the first ten months of 2026, a 32.3 % increase from the previous year. The ministry reported that the overall balance turned negative in 2026 after ten straight years of surpluses.

Data from the Department of Customs under the Ministry of Finance show that electronics exports – including computers, electronic products, components and phones – hit $189.65 billion, about 40 % of all exports. The Agency of Foreign Trade reported that imports of computers, electronic products and components totalled $209.7 billion, creating a deficit of roughly $20 billion for the sector.

The ministry explained that chip prices jumped 300‑500 %, which lifted import values even though the volume did not rise proportionally. It also noted that foreign‑invested enterprises dominate manufacturing, assembly and export, while domestic firms mainly make components and provide services, limiting the amount of locally‑produced content.

The data show that despite rapid export growth, high chip costs and a heavy reliance on imported parts keep Vietnam’s electronics trade in deficit. Strengthening domestic component production could help balance the sector.