Vietnam exports top $35 billion
According to the latest figures from Vietnam’s General Statistics Office the country’s total exports reached $35.231 billion in the first nine months of 2007 (January to September), significantly higher than the $29.394 billion reported in the same period last year. Leather footwear and leathergoods accounted for nearly 10% of this figure at $3.436 billion, up 14.08% from $3.012 billion in the first nine months of 2006.
Footwear remained the main leather export during the period, accounting for $2.969 billion (2006: $2.644 billion) of the total, although export growth was below the sector average at only 12.29%. However, the industry remains buoyant and shoe exports in September alone reached $300 million, compared with $250 million in the same month of the prior year.
Exports of leathergoods including handbags, wallets, suitcases and umbrellas improved significantly during the first three quarters, rising 26.9% to reach $467 million, up from $368 million of same period last year. September exports stood at $50 million, compared with $38 million in September 2006.
