Vietnam Records $19bn Trade Surplus With U.S., Overtakes China and Mexico

Vietnam recorded the world’s largest trade surplus with the United States in January 2026, surpassing both Mexico and China, according to the newly released U.S. trade data.

The figures show that Vietnam’s exports to the United States surged sharply at the start of the year, helping the Southeast Asian country top the list of America’s largest trade surplus partners.

Data from U.S. authorities indicate that the trade surplus reached about $19 billion in January, driven largely by a 53% increase in Vietnamese exports to the U.S., which exceeded $20 billion during the period.

The development reflects a continuing shift in global trade patterns, as American imports from China declined while more goods are sourced from Vietnam and other Asian manufacturing hubs.

Despite the strong trade figures, negotiations between Washington and Hanoi over a bilateral trade agreement remain unresolved. Officials say disagreements over tariff rates and the widening trade imbalance have delayed progress on a deal.

Analysts also note that Vietnam’s trade surplus with the United States has been expanding steadily in recent years, partly because higher tariffs on Chinese goods encouraged companies to shift manufacturing and exports to Vietnam.