Vietnam Q1 GDP 7.8%, $3.6B Deficit

GDP grew 7.83% YoY in Q1 2026, down from 8.46% in Q4 2025 and below the 10% target.
Imports jumped 27% to $126.57 bn, exports rose 19.1% to $122.93 bn, creating a $3.64 bn trade deficit.
Diesel prices surged 84% and gasoline 21% due to the Middle East conflict, pushing March CPI to 4.65% with transport costs up 10.81%.
FDI inflows rose 9.1% to $5.41 bn and investment pledges jumped 42.9% to $15.2 bn, while PM Pham Minh Chinh reaffirmed a 10% growth goal.