The total trade turnover between Viet Nam and the EU reached around US$29.09 billion in 2012, up 19.77% against 2011, according to the General Department of Customs.
In 2012, the EU outstripped the United States to become Viet Nam’s biggest export market with its turnover figure of US$20.31 billion, up 22.71% compared to 2011.
Traditional exports included garments, footwear, coffee, seafood, and computers, accounting for 75% of the total export volume.
Handsets and spare parts brought back US$5.4 billion of turnover after the first year of shipment.
Moderate export growth rates were maintained in other commodities, including plastic products, timber and wooden products, bags, suitcases, umbrellas, pepper and cashew nuts.
On the other hand, Viet Nam imported machinery and equipment, pharmaceuticals, and dairy products from the EU.
In spite of numerous difficulties, the outcomes in trade relations reflected a promising and successful sign, creating important foundation for closer comprehensive cooperation between the two sides in the future /.