Vietnam posts $1.61b trade surplus

HANOI, Oct 10 (Reuters): Vietnam's trade surplus stood at $1.61 billion in September, larger than a government estimate earlier of $700 million surplus, customs data showed.

Exports in September fell 10 per cent from a month earlier to $21.125 billion, while imports fell 8.3 per cent to $19.513 billion, the customs department said.

For the first nine months of the year, exports rose 15.8 per cent from a year earlier to $179.47 billion and imports were up 11.6 per cent to $173.14 billion, resulting in a trade surplus $6.32 billion, the department said.

Smartphones, garments and electronic home appliances were among the largest export earners in January-September.

Key imports were electronics, machinery and fabrics, the department said.