In the early months of 2024, import-export activities through the Lao Cai border crossings have seen significant upturns in value compared to the same period in 2023.

Right from the beginning of 2024, the provincial People’s Committee (UBND) focused on directing various measures to restore and stabilize import-export operations, border trade, and customs clearance through convenient border gates.

At the International Border Gate No. II Kim Thanh road, an average of about 370 vehicles pass through daily, including 180 export vehicles and 190 import vehicles per day.

The main export items include peeled timber, dragon fruit, watermelon, durian, jackfruit, bananas, rambutans, mangoes, and cassava.

The primary imports consist of flowers, ornamental plants, fresh fruits and vegetables, coal, fertilizers, machinery and equipment, confectionery, and electric energy.

At the International Railway Station border gate, customs clearance operations are maintained with 6 train departures and arrivals per day. The goods cleared at the border gate in the month mainly include transit sulfur and re-exported iron ore.

According to the report of the provincial UBND, the total value of import-export, trading, and exchange of goods through Lao Cai border gates in the first 6 months of 2024 is estimated to exceed USD 1.5 billion, up 51.5% compared to the same period in 2023, achieving 33.5% of the annual plan.

Specifically, the estimated export value reached USD 866.6 million, up 186.24% compared to the same period in 2023, achieving 45.61% of the annual plan.

The estimated import value reached USD 313 million, up 134.5% compared to the same period in 2023, achieving 26.08% of the annual plan. Other types of transactions are estimated to reach USD 326.6 million, up 10.35% compared to the same period in 2023, achieving 23.33% of the annual plan.

Revenue to the state budget from import-export activities in the first 6 months of the year is estimated at VND 608 billion, equivalent to 57.9% of the central budget estimate, 26.4% of the provincial budget estimate, and an increase of 57% compared to the same period in 2023.