Vietnam’s total return from commodity exchange with Africa’s major markets reached USD2.14 billion in the first half of the year, a year-on-year increase of 21.8%, reported the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

Of this, exports to Africa fetched USD1.67 billion and imports from the continent were valued at USD0.94 billion. While Vietnam’s exports to big markets such as South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Mozambique and Tanzania saw growth, other markets such as Angola, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Senegal reduced imports from Vietnam.

Main export commodities with turnover rises were communication products, means of transport, spare parts, machinery and devices, footwear, garments and textiles and building materials. Specifically, rice exports saw a recovery in larger markets such as Ghana and the Ivory Coast.

South Africa continues to be the biggest export market Vietnam in the continent and exports to the market enjoyed a year-on-year rise of 41% at USD536.8 million.

Key export commodities with high growth were telephone and its components at USD280 million (up 36%), computers and spare parts at USD105 million (290%), footwear at USD49.5 million (23%), pepper at USD8.7 million (19%), cashew at USD5.9 million (47%), wood and wooden products at USD5.8 million (45%) and steel products at USD4.9 million (36%)./.

( Hoang Anh )