Growth was broadly balanced across all three major sectors of the economy with the service sector leading the expansion.

Vietnam’s gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 7.83%
year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, providing a solid foundation for
achieving full-year growth targets, according to the National Statistics Office
(NSO).

Speaking at a press briefing on April 4, NSO Director Nguyen
Thi Huong said the result was notable amid ongoing global uncertainties,
including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Growth was broadly balanced across all three major sectors
of the economy. The service sector led the expansion, rising 8.18% and
contributing 50.32% to overall growth. The surge was driven by strong consumer
demand during the Lunar New Year holiday and a robust rebound in international
tourism. Key service industries posted solid gains, including wholesale and
retail (up 9.62%), transportation and warehousing (8.95%), and finance,
banking, and information and communications.

Industry and construction remained a key pillar, growing
8.92% and accounting for 44.08% of the increase. The processing and
manufacturing sector continued to lead industrial expansion with growth of
9.73%.

Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry and fisheries maintained
steady momentum, expanding 3.58%. The sector’s performance was supported by
rising aquaculture output, aided by the application of advanced technologies.

The strong first-quarter performance underscores Vietnam’s
economic resilience and positions the country well to navigate external
headwinds in the months ahead.

VnEconomy-Dang Huong