Socio-economic situation in April and four months of 2023

1. Agriculture, forestry, and fishery

Agricultural production in April 2023 focuses on taking care of spring crops in the northern localities; harvesting rice, spring crops and planting autumn rice in southern localities. Poultry production has developed stably; pig production faced difficulties due to the low selling price of live meat and the high price of animal feed. Forestry production promotes the planting, care, and protection of forests, and timber harvesting due to it being exploited time. Aquaculture activities achieved positive results due to the effective application of a high-quality shrimp farming model.

a) Agriculture

Spring paddy

As of April 15, 2023, the whole country cultivated 2,949.5 thousand hectares of spring rice, equalling 98.6% of the same period last year, of which: Northern localities planted 1,066.2 thousand hectares, equalling 99%; the southern localities planted 1,883.3 thousand ha, equalling 98.4%. The area of spring rice cultivation decreased mainly due to the conversion of land use purposes to land for construction, growing vegetables, growing perennial crops, or aquaculture.

The northern localities have completed the planting of spring rice. Due to good care right from the time of sowing along with favorable weather, spring rice grows well. The Red River Delta region has cultivated 476.9 thousand hectares, equalling 98.5% of the same period last year; the Northern Midlands and Mountainous region cultivated 241.7 thousand hectares, equalling 99% over the same period last year; the North Central region cultivated 347.7 thousand hectares, equalling 99.5%.

By mid-April, the southern provinces had harvested 1,568.4 thousand hectares of spring rice, accounting for 83.3% of the cultivated area and equaling 102.9% of the same period last year. Of which, the Mekong River Delta harvested 1,415.7 thousand hectares, accounting for 95.7% of the cultivated area and equaling 103.1% of the same period in 2022. According to preliminary results, the yield of spring rice was estimated at 72 quintals/ha, an increase of 1.2 quintals/ha over the previous year due to relatively favorable weather and the application of high-tech rice farming models that continued to be replicated; production was estimated at 10.6 million tons, down 30.3 thousand tons due to a decrease in area of 28.2 thousand hectares.

Autumn paddy

As of April 15, Southern provinces cultivated 446.1 thousand hectares of autumn paddy, equalling 111.7% of over the same period last year, of which Mekong River Delta reached 440.3 thousand hectares, equalling 112.6%. The progress of summer-autumn rice cultivation was faster than the same period in 2022 mainly due to favorable weather conditions, less affected by saline intrusion. Currently, autumn paddy was in the stage of seedling to plant, paddy grew well. However, year paddy would face difficulties due to long-lasting hot weather, especially the risk of drought, and water shortage in the Central and Central Highlands provinces in the dry months. Therefore, localities need to apply advanced farming techniques, ensure water sources to irrigate rice plants, review crop structure, and adjust planting seasons to ensure the best crop frame for the next season.

Annual crops

Along with rice cultivation, localities across the country are planting annual crops. In which, the area of sweet potatoes, soybeans and peanuts continued to decrease over the same period last year mainly due to low economic efficiency.

Cattle breeding in the month of stable development. Poultry production has developed well, a number of poultry farms have connected to businesses in order to consume, forming a closed chain from farm to kitchen, contributing to promoting the development of livestock production. Pig production is facing difficulties due to high feed prices and the high risk of recurrence of African swine fever, so it was necessary to take effective measures to prevent and handle epidemics, especially in the period of changing weather.

As of April 24, 2023, the whole country has no longer blue-ear disease and avian flu;  foot-and-mouth disease was still Ben Tre; LSD was still in Ha Tinh, Quang Ngai, and African swine fever was reported in 13 localities for less than 21 days.

b) Forestry

The area of concentrated newly planted forests nationwide in April 2023 was estimated at 31.6 thousand hectares, up 3.4% over the same period last year; the number of scattered forest trees reached 7.6 million trees, up 7.4%; timber production reached 1,294.6 thousand m³, up 2.9%. Generally, in 4 months of 2023, the area of newly concentrated planted forest was estimated at 69.8 thousand hectares, up 3.4% over the same period last year; the number of scattered forest trees reached 35 million trees, up 6.3%; timber production reached 4,627.8 thousand m³, up 3.5%.

The damaged forest area in the month[1] was 279.3 hectares, 2.3 times higher than the same period last year, in which the forest was destroyed with 168.2 hectares, up 47.1%; the burned forest area was 111 hectares, 26 times higher. In the 4 months of 2023, the damaged forest area was 534 hectares, up 47.6% over the same period last year, including the destroyed forest area was 356.3 hectares, up 2.3%; the burned forest area was 177.7 hectares, 13 times higher.

c) Fishery

Fishery output in April 2023 was estimated at 747.8 thousand tons, up 0.7% over the same period last year, including fishes reached 538 thousand tons, up 0.7%; shrimp reached 101 thousand tons, up 1.3%; other aquatic products reached 108.8 thousand tons, up 0.2%.

It was estimated that in a month, aquaculture output reached 396.8 thousand tons, up 2.9% over the same period last year, of which fishes reached 263.9 thousand tons, up 2.3%; shrimp reached 89.2 thousand tons, up 2.5%.

Pangasius harvest in the month continued to increase quite well compared to the same period last year because the price of raw pangasius remained stable at a high level[2]. Pangasius production in the month was estimated at 134 thousand tons, up 2% over the same period last year.

Shrimp production in the month increased compared to the same period last year due to favorable weather and suitable salinity for feeding. The output of white leg shrimp in the month was estimated at 61.8 thousand tons, up 3% over the same period last year; black tiger shrimp output reached 23.3 thousand tons, up 1.1%.

The caught fishery output in the month was estimated at 351 thousand tons, down 1.3% over the same period last year due to the increase in fuel costs and the promotion of installation of cruise monitoring equipment for fishing vessels together with the authorities at all levels to mobilize fishermen to protect natural aquatic resources, limit some fishing tools as well as adopt policies to encourage the stocking and breeding of aquatic products in order to protect and develop fishery resources. The caught fishery output included: Fishes reached 274.1 thousand tons, down 0.8%; shrimp reached 11.8 thousand tons, down 7.1%; other aquatic products reached 65.1 thousand tons, down 2.4%. Marine fishing output was estimated at 336.4 thousand tons, down 1.6% over the same period last year.

Generally, in 4 months of 2023, fishery output was estimated at 2,637 thousand tons, up 1.2% over the same period last year, including fish reached 1,942.6 thousand tons, up 1.2%; shrimp reached 285.5 thousand tons, up 1.9%; other fishery products reached 408.9 thousand tons, up 0.6%.

2. Industrial production

The industrial production index in April was estimated to increase by 3.6% compared to last month and by 0.5% compared to the same period last year[3]. However, in the first 4 months of 2023, the industrial production index decreased by 1.8% compared to the same period last year due to the slow recovery of the world economy and the tightening monetary policy in many countries. The decline in consumption demand of major trading partners leads to a decrease in production orders and a decrease in export turnover[4].

The index of industrial production (IIP) in April 2022 was estimated to increase by 3.6% over the previous month[5] and by 0.5% over the same period last year. In which, the mining and quarying decreased by 2.1%; the manufacturing increased by 0.2%; electricity production and distribution increased by 4.7%; water supply, water supply, waste and wastewater management, and treatment peaked up 5.3%.

Generally, in the first 4 months of 2023, IIP was estimated to decrease by 1.8% compared to the same period last year (the same period in 2022 increased by 7.8%). In which, the mining and quarying decreased by 2.8% (the same period in 2022 increased by 4.1%), reducing 0.5 percentage points in the overall increase; the manufacturing decreased by 2.1% (the same period in 2022 increased by 8.5%), decreasing by 1.5 percentage points; electricity production and distribution increased by 0.5% (in the same period in 2022 increased by 7%), contributed 0.1 percentage points; water supply, water supply, waste and wastewater management, and treatment peaked up 5.5% (in the same period in 2022 increased by 1.7%), contributing 0.1 percentage points.

The index of production in the first 4 months of 2022 belonging to 2-digit industrial activities significantly decreased compared to the same period last year:  Manufacture of other transport equipment decreased by 9.6%; manufacture of motor vehicles; trailers and semi-trailers decreased by 8.5%; manufacture of paper and paper products decreased by 7.9%; manufacture of wearing apparel decreased by 7.4%; manufacture of furniture decreased by 6%; manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products decreased by 5.1 %; manufacture of basic metals decreased by 5%; manufacture of textiles down 4.9%; manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products decreased by 4.6%. Besides, the IIP index of the number of industries increased over the same period last year: The manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products increased by 14.3%; mining of metal ores increased by 14.1%; manufacture of beverages increased by 11.1%; repair and installation of machinery and equipment increased by 10.6%;  manufacture of tobacco products and waste collection, treatment and disposal activities; materials recovery increased by 7.2%; manufacture of rubber and plastics products increased by 6.8%; manufacture of pharmaceuticals, medicinal chemical and botanical product increased by 6.1%.

The industrial production index in the first 4 months of  2023 compared with the same period last year, increased in 52 localities and decreased in 11 localities. Some localities with IIP index achieved a relatively high increase due to the manufacturing; electricity production and distribution increase [6]. On the other hand, some localities have low or low increase in IIP index due to the manufacturing; the mining and quarying and electricity production and distribution increase or decrease[7].

Some key industrial products in the first 4 months of 2023 decreased compared to the same period last year: Automobiles decreased by 19.3%; steel bars and corners decreased by 15.1%; mobile phone decreased by 13%; motorbikes down by 12.3%; urea fertilizer decreased by 12.2%; textile fabric from natural yarn decreased by 11.1%; clothes reduced 10.4%; phone accessories down 10.1%; cement down 4.8%; laminated steel down 4.5%; extracted crude oil decreased by 4%; liquidized gas (LPG) decreased by 3.7 %. Besides, some products increased compared to the same period last year: Refined sugar increased by 23.2%; petroleum increased by 15.1%; textile fabric from polyester or artificial yarn increased by 12.2%; N.P.K mixed fertilizer increased by 10.4%; cigarettes increased by 7.2%; chemical paint increased by 6.1%.

The number of employees working in industrial enterprises as of 01/4/2023 up 0.7% over the same period last month and decreased by 3.5% over the same period last year. Of which, the number of working employees in the state-owned enterprise sector increased by 0.1% and decreased by 1.3%; non-state enterprises increased by 0.4% and decreased by 2.7%; enterprises of foreign direct investment increased by 0.9% and decreased by 4.1%. By industry, the number of employees working in mining and quarrying increased by 0.1% over the same period last month and by 0.4% over the same period last year; manufacturing increased by 0.8% and decreased by 3.7%; the production and distribution of electricity kept unchanged from the previous month and decreased by 1.9% over the same period last year; the water supply, sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities increased by 0.1 % and by 0.5%.

3. Enterprise registration status^[8]

In April 2023, the whole country had nearly 16 thousand newly established enterprises with registered capital were 154.6 trillion VND and a total number of registered employees of nearly 119.1 thousand employees, an increase of 12.3% in the number of enterprises, up 6.2 in the registered capital and up 28.5% in the number of employees compared to last month; Compared to the same period last year, up 6.4% in the number of enterprises, a decrease of 5.7% in the registered capital, and up 13.7% in the number of employees. The average registered capital of a newly established enterprise in the month reached 9.7 billion VND, a decrease of 5.4% compared to last month, and down 11.4% compared to the same period last year. There were 9,610 re-operated enterprises in the whole country, up 52.9% compared to the previous month and up 36.6% compared to the same period in 2022.

Generally, in the 4 beginning months of this year, the whole country had nearly 49.9 thousand newly registered enterprises with a total registered capital of nearly 465 trillion VND and a total number of registered employees nearly 331.4 thousand employees, up 0.6% in the number of enterprises, down 26.8% in number the registered capital, and a decrease of 4.8% in the number of employees compared to the same period last year. The average registered capital of a newly established enterprise in the 4 beginning of 2023 achieved 9.3 billion VND, down 27.2% compared to the same period last year. If including 604.6 trillion VND of the additionally registered capital of 17,174 enterprises that recorded an upward adjustment of capital, the total additional registered capital in the economy in 4 months of this year was 1,069.6 trillion VND, down 46% compared to the same period last year. Besides, there were nearly 29 thousand re-operated enterprises (down 6.2% over the same period last year), bringing the total number of newly registered enterprises and re-operated enterprises in 4 months this year to 78.9 thousand enterprises, down 2% over the same period last year. The average every month had 19.7 thousand newly established and re-operated enterprises.

By economic sector in the 4 beginning months of 2023, there were 501 newly-established enterprises in the agriculture, forestry, and fishery sector, down 29.5% over the same period last year; 11.9 thousand enterprises in the industry and construction sector, down 6.5%; nearly 37.4 thousand enterprises in the service sector, increased by 3.7%.

In April 2023, 7,163 enterprises ceased for a certain time, up 72.7% compared to last month and up 32.9% compared to the same period in 2022; 5,837 enterprises temporarily ceased and awaited dissolution procedures, an increase of 69.1% and up 55.2%; 1,509 enterprises completed dissolution procedures, up 6.9% and up 23%.

In the first 4 months of 2023, there were 49.9 thousand enterprises temporarily ceased for a certain time, an increase of 21.8% compared to the same period last year; 20.9 thousand enterprises temporarily ceased and awaited dissolution procedures, a climb up 39.9%; 6.1 thousand enterprises completed dissolution procedures, an increase of 10.1%. On average, 19.2 thousand enterprises withdraw from the market each month. 

4. Investment

Investment capital from the State budget in April was focused on promoting implementation by ministries, branches and localities, creating a driving force for economic growth. Generally, in the first 4 months of 2023, investment capital realized from the State budget was estimated at 19% of the plan, up 17.9% over the same period last year. Newly registered foreign direct investment (FDI) capital as of April 20, 2023, was estimated at 4.11 billion USD, up 11.1% over the same period last year.

Realized investment capital from the State budget in April was estimated at nearly 39.3 trillion VND, up 16.4% over the same period last year, including Centrally managed capital reached 7.5 trillion VND, up 23.1%; local capital under management was 31.8 trillion VND, up 14.9%. Generally, for the first 4 months of 2023, investment capital realized from the state budget was estimated at 131.2 trillion VND, equaling 19% of the year plan and increasing by 17.9% over the same period last year (in 2022 by 18.5% and increasing by 10.8%). Specifically:

– Realized investment capital under the central management is estimated at 24.6 trillion VND, equaling 18.5% of the year plan and increasing by 30% over the same period last year.

– Realized investment capital managed by the locality was estimated at 106.6 trillion VND, equaling 19.1% of the year plan and increasing by 15.4% over the same period last year, of which:

Provincial state budget capital reached 72.6 trillion VND, equaling 18% and increasing by 18% over the same period in 2022;

  State budget capital at the district level reached 29.6 trillion VND, equaling 21.7% and increasing 12%;

  State budget capital at the commune level reached 4.4 trillion VND, equaling 24.2% and decreasing by 0.4%.

Investment capital made from the state budget in the first 4 months of 2023 of a number of provinces and centrally-run cities is as follows:

Total foreign investment capital registered in Vietnam[9] as of April 20, 2023, including newly registered capital, adjusted registered capital and value of capital contribution and share purchase by foreign investors reached 8.88 billion USD, down 17.9% over the same period last year.

­­­– Newly registered capital has 750 licensed projects with the registered capital reaching 4.11 billion USD, an increase of 65.2% over the same period last year in terms of the number of projects and an increase of 11.1% in the registered capital. In which, the processing and manufacturing industry was newly licensed with the largest foreign direct investment with a registered capital of 3.34 billion USD, accounting for 81.3% of the total newly registered capital; real estate business reached 386.3 million USD, accounting for 9.4%; the remaining industries reached 380 million USD, accounting for 9.3%.

Among 51 countries and territories with newly licensed investment projects in Vietnam in the first four months of 2023, Singapore is the largest investor with 1.52 billion USD, accounting for 37% of the total newly registered capital; followed by China with 526.2 million USD, accounting for 12.8%; Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (China) 496 million USD, accounting for 12.1%; Taiwan 328.2 million USD, accounting for 8%; Japan 253 million USD, accounting for 6.2%;

– Adjusted registered capital has 386 turns of projects licensed from previous years registered to adjust investment capital, increasing by 1.66 billion USD, down 68.6% over the same period last year.

If including newly registered capital and adjusted registered capital of projects licensed in previous years, the registered foreign direct investment capital in the processing and manufacturing industry reached 4.5 billion USD. accounting for 78.1% of total newly and additionally registered capital; real estate business reached 450.6 million USD, accounting for 7.8%; the remaining industries reached 814.6 million USD, accounting for 14.1%.

– Registered capital for capital contribution and share purchase by foreign investors had 1,044 times with a total value of the capital contribution of 3.11 billion USD, up 70.4% over the same period last year. In which, there were 461 times capital contribution and share purchase to increase the charter capital of the enterprise with a capital contribution value of 1.08 billion USD and 583 times of foreign investors buying back domestic shares without increasing capital charter with a value of 2.03 billion USD. For the form of capital contribution and share purchase by foreign investors, investment capital in financial, banking and insurance activities reached 1.51 billion USD, accounting for 48.5% of the value of capital contribution; the processing and manufacturing industry reached 635.8 million USD, accounting for 20.4%; the remaining industry was 966.7 million USD, accounting for 31%.

Realized foreign direct investment capital in Vietnam in the first four months of 2023 was estimated at 5.85 billion USD, down 1.2% over the same period last year. In which: Processing and manufacturing industry reached 4.7 billion USD, accounting for 80.5% of total realized foreign direct investment capital; production and distribution of electricity, gas, hot water, steam and air conditioning reached 446.7 million USD, accounting for 7.6%; real estate business reached 303.3 million USD, accounting for 5.2%.

Vietnam’s investment abroad in the first 4 months of 2023 has 41 projects newly granted investment certificates with the total capital of Vietnam was 140 million USD, down 51% compared to the same period last year; There were 11 times of capital adjustment projects with adjusted capital increased by 13.5 million USD, down 67.8% over the same period last year.

In general, the total investment capital of Vietnam abroad (newly and adjusted capital) reached 153.5 million USD, down 53.2% over the same period last year. In which: Information and communication field reached 105.9 million USD, accounting for 69% of total investment capital; agriculture, forestry and fishery reached 13.2 million USD, accounting for 8.6%; processing and manufacturing industry reached 10.7 million USD, accounting for 7%.

In the first 4 months of 2023, there are 20 countries and territories receiving investment from Vietnam, of which: Singapore is the leading country with 103.3 million USD, accounting for 67.3% of total investment capital; Laos 14.3 million USD, accounting for 9.3%; Australia 10.2 million USD, accounting for 6.6%; Cuba 9.3 million USD, accounting for 6.1%; Israel  6.1 million USD, accounting for 4%.

5. State budget revenue and expenditure [10]

State budget revenue in the first four months of 2023 was estimated to decrease by 5% compared to the same period last year. State budget expenditure was estimated to increase by 6.1% over the same period in 2022, ensuring the needs of socio-economic development, defense, security, state management, payment of due debts as well as timely payment for specified objects.

State budget revenue:

Total state budget revenue in April 2023 was estimated at 139.1 trillion VND. Accumulated total state budget revenue in the first four months of 2023 was estimated at 645.4 trillion VND, equaling 39.8% of the year estimate and down 5% over the same period last year. Some of the main revenues are as follows:

– Domestic revenue in April 2023 was estimated at 113 trillion VND. Accumulation in the first four months of 2023 was estimated at 538.8 trillion VND, equaling 40.4% of the year estimate and down 2% over the same period last year.

– Revenue from crude oil in April 2023 was estimated at 5.5 trillion VND; accumulated in the first four months of 2023 was estimated at 21.9 trillion dong, equaling 52.2% of the year estimate and down 9.6% over the same period last year.

– Balanced budget revenue from import and export activities in April 2023 was estimated at 20.6 trillion VND; accumulated in the first four months of 2023 was estimated at 84.7 trillion VND, equaling 35.4% of the year estimate and down 19.9% ​​over the same period last year.

State budget expenditure:

Total state budget expenditure in April 2023 was estimated at 135.3 trillion VND; accumulated in the first four months of 2023 was estimated at 500.3 trillion VND, equaling 24.1% of the yearly estimate and increasing by 6.1% over the same period last year. Of which, regular expenditure in the first four months of 2023 was estimated at 355.4 trillion VND, equaling 30.3% of the yearly estimate and increasing by 4.5% over the same period last year; development investment expenditure reached 110.6 trillion VND, equaling 15.2% and increasing by 15.6%; debt payment interest was 34 trillion VND, equal to 33% and down 3.3%.

6. Trade, prices, transport, and tourism

a) Retail sales of consumer goods and services

The total retail sales of consumer goods and services in April 2023 increased by 3.7% compared to the previous month and increased by 11.5% over the same period last year. In the first 4 months of 2023, the total retail sales of consumer goods and services increased by 12.8% over the same period last year, in which revenue from accommodation and catering services increased by 25.8% and traveling services increased by 109.4%.

Retail sales of consumer goods and services in April were estimated at 510.7 trillion VND, up 3.7% from the previous month and up 11.5% over the same period last year. In the first 4 months of 2023, the retail sales of consumer goods and services was estimated at 2,007.3 trillion VND, up 12.8% over the same period last year (up 6.9% in the same period in 2022). If excluding the price factor, the increase would be 8.3% (in the same period in 2022, increased by 3.9%).

 Retail sales of consumer goods and services in the first 4 months of 2023 increased by 26.7% compared to the first 4 months of 2019 – the year before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Retail sales of goods in the first 4 months of 2023 were estimated at 1,581.4 trillion VND, up 10.5% over the same period last year (excluding the price factor, which increased by 6.4%). In which, the group of food and foodstuff increased by 14.5%; garments increased by 9.8%; means of transport (except for cars) increased by 4.1%; household appliances, tools and equipment increased by 2.4%; cultural and educational products decreased by 1.1%. Retail sales of goods in the first 4 months of 2023 compared to the same period last year of some localities were as follows: Binh Dinh increased by 14.7%; Dong Nai increased by 12.9%; Binh Duong increased by 12.2%; Can Tho and Thanh Hoa both increased by 11.4%; Hai Phong increased by 10.0%; Quang Ninh increased by 9.5%; Ho Chi Minh City increased by 9.1%; Hanoi increased by 9.0%; Da Nang increased 7.2%.

Revenue from accommodation and food services in the first 4 months of 2023 was estimated at 214.8 trillion VND, up 25.8% over the same period last year. Revenue in 4 months of 2023 compared to the same period last year of some localities were as follows: Da Nang increased by 73.5%; Quang Ninh increased by 43.1%; Can Tho increased by 42.4%; Ho Chi Minh City increased by 37.2%; Dong Nai increased by 23.6%; Hai Phong increased by 14.4%; Hanoi increased by 13.2%. Revenue from tourism and travel services in the first 4 months of 2023 was estimated at 9.1 trillion VND, 2.1 times higher than the same period last year because cultural and tourism activities in the first months of the year took place actively in many localities while the same period last year was not organized due to the influence of the Covid-19 epidemic. Revenue in the first 4 months of 2023 of some localities compared to the same period last year were as follows: Da Nang was 6.3 times higher; Hai Phong was 3.2 times higher; Hanoi was 3.0 times higher; Ho Chi Minh City increased by 84.5%; Binh Thuan increased by 75.2%; Khanh Hoa increased by 70%; Quang Ninh increased by 28.6%; Can Tho increased by 15.7%; Lam Dong increased 11%.

Revenue from other services in the first 4 months of 2023 was estimated at 202 trillion VND, up 16.5% over the same period last year. Specifically, the growth rate in the first 4 months of the year compared to the same period last year of some localities was as follows: Da Nang increased by 56.9%; Gia Lai increased by 33.6%; Vinh Phuc increased by 26.2%; Quang Ninh increased by 16.7%; Lao Cai increased by 13.7%; Kien Giang increased by 11.4%; Hanoi increased by 9.4%; Hai Phong increased by 8.1%; Can Tho increased by 5.1%; Quang Binh down 3.8%; Ho Chi Minh City decreased by 8.6%; Hoa Binh decreased by 9.8%.

b) Export and import of goods ^[11]

The world economy’s difficulties have continued to affect the import and export turnover of Vietnam’s goods. Total import and export turnover of goods^[12] in April was estimated at 53.57 billion USD, down 7.7% over the previous month and down 18.8% over the same period last year. Generally, in 4 months of 2023, the total export and import turnover of goods reached 210.79 billion USD, down 13.6% over the same period last year, of which exports decreased by 11.8%; imports decreased by 15.4%[13]. The trade balance of goods in 4 months of 2023 is estimated to have a trade surplus of 6.35 billion USD.

Export of goods

Preliminary export turnover of goods in March 2023 reached 29.71 billion USD, 139 million USD higher than the estimated figure.

Export turnover in April 2023 was estimated at 27.54 billion USD, down 7.3% over the previous month, of which the domestic economic sector gained 7.12 billion USD, down 8.6%; the FDI sector (including crude oil) reached 20.42 billion USD, down 6.9%. Compared to the same period last year, export turnover of goods in April was down 17.1%, of which the domestic economic sector was down 19.3%, and the FDI sector (including crude oil) was down 16.4%.

Generally in the first four months of 2023, the export turnover was estimated at 108.57 billion USD, down 11.8% over the same period last year. Of which, the domestic economic sector was 28.58 billion USD, down 11%, accounting for 26.3% of total export turnover; the FDI sector (including crude oil) attained 79.99 billion USD, down 12.1%, sharing 73.7%.

In four months of 2023, there were 20 products with export turnover of over 1 billion USD, contributing 83.8% to the total export turnover (05 products with an export turnover of over 5 billion USD, accounting for 57.4%).

Regarding the structure of exported groups in 4 months of 2023, the group of fuels and minerals was estimated at 1.33 billion USD, accounting for 1.2%; the group of processing industry was estimated at 96.1 billion USD, accounting for 88.5%;  agricultural and forestry products was estimated at 8.56 billion USD, accounting for 7.9%; the group of fishery products was estimated at 2.58 billion USD, accounting for 2.4%.

Import of goods

The preliminary import turnover of goods in February 2023 reached 28.32 billion USD, 598 million USD lower than the estimated figure.

Import turnover in April 2023 was estimated at 26.03 billion USD, which decreased by 8.1% over the previous month. Of which the domestic economic sector gained 9.13 billion USD, a decrease of 13%; the FDI sector reached 16.9 billion USD, decreased by 5.2%. Compared to the same period last year, the import turnover of goods in April decreased by 20.5%, of which the domestic economic sector decreased by 19.4%; the FDI sector decreased by 21.1%.

Generally, in 4 months of 2023, the import turnover was estimated at 102.22 billion USD, which decreased by 15.4% over the same period last year. Of which the domestic economic sector reached 36.62 billion USD, which went down 11.4%; the FDI sector gained 65.6 billion USD,  down 17.4%.

In 4 months of 2023, there were 19 imported products with a turnover of over 1 billion USD, accounting for 75.8% of total import turnover (02 products with import turnover of over 5 billion USD, accounting for 37.1%).

Regarding the structure of imported groups in 4 months of 2023, the group of production materials was estimated at 95.64 billion USD, accounting for 93.6%, in which the group of machinery, equipment, tools spare parts accounted for 44%; raw materials, fuel and materials accounted for 49.6%. The group of consumer products was estimated at 6.58 billion USD accounting for 6.4%.

Regarding the export and import market of goods in 4 months of 2023, the United States was Viet Nam’s largest export market with a turnover of 28.4 billion USD. China remained the largest import market of Viet Nam with a turnover of 33.3 billion USD. In 4 months of 2023, the trade surplus to the  United States reached 24.4 billion USD, down 23.6% over the same period last year; the trade surplus to the EU reached 9.3 billion USD, down 12.7%; the trade surplus to Japan was 367 million USD (the same period last year saw a trade deficit of 589 million USD); trade deficit from China was 16.8 billion USD, went down 18.1%; trade deficit from Korea was 8.9 billion USD, going down 36.9%; trade deficit from ASEAN was 2.3 billion USD, decreased by 53%.

The trade balance of goods in March had a trade surplus of 1.39 billion USD^[14]; the first quarter had a trade surplus of 4.84 billion USD; April was estimated to have a trade surplus of 1.51 billion USD. Generally, in 4 months of 2023, the trade balance of goods is estimated to have a trade surplus of 6.35 billion USD (in the same period last year, the trade surplus of 2.35 billion USD). In which, the domestic economic sector has a trade deficit of 8.04 billion USD; the FDI sector (including crude oil) had a trade surplus of 14.39 billion USD.

c) Consumer price index, gold price index, and US dollar price index

The consumer price index (CPI) in April 2023 decreased by 0.34% compared to the previous month. Caused by a decrease in food prices due to an abundant supply, tuition fees in some localities were adjusted according to Resolution No. 165/NQ-CP. Compared to December 2022, CPI increased by 0.39% and over the same period last year by 2.81%.

On average, in the first 4 months of 2023, CPI increased by 3.84% over the same period last year; core inflation increased by 4.9%.

In the 0.34% decrease of CPI in April 2023 compared to the previous month, there were 07 groups of goods and services with a decrease in price index, and 04 groups of goods with an increase in price index.

(1) Seven groups of goods and services with declining price indexes include:

– The education group had the strongest decrease with 1.3% (making the general CPI decrease by 0.08 percentage points). The main reason is that on December 20, 2022, the Government issued Resolution No. 165/NQ-CP, which required localities to keep the tuition fee rate stable for the 2022-2023 school year like the 2021-2022 school year. In order to continue to support the people, some localities have adjusted to reduce the tuition fee after being collected according to Decree No. 81/2021/ND-CP dated August 27, 2021 of the Government.

– Housing and construction materials group decreased by 0.83% mainly because the gas price decreased by 12.36% because, from April 1, 2023, the domestic gas price adjusted down by 62,000 VND/cylinder kinds of 12 kg after the gas price of the world decreased by 180 USD/ton (from 730 USD/ton to 550 USD/ton); electricity price for daily life decreased by 0.98%; the price of domestic water decreased by 0.77%[15]; kerosene price decreased by 3.82% due to the impact of price adjustments on 3/4/2023, 11/4/2023 and 21/4/2023. On the other hand, house rent increased by 0.65%; housing maintenance materials prices increased by 0.22%.

– The group of culture, entertainment, and tourism decreased by 0.45%, of which the price of package tourism services decreased by 1.95%; guest houses and hotels decreased by 1.38% because some travel companies reduced prices to stimulate demand. Favorable weather and blossoming flower season made the price of fresh flowers plummet, and the price of flowers and ornamental plants decreased by 1.89%.

– Food and catering services decreased by 0.38% (making the general CPI decrease by 0.13 percentage points), of which: Food increased by 0.3%[16] (making the general CPI increase by 0.01 percentage points); food decreased by 0.71%[17] (making the general CPI decrease by 0.15 percentage points); eating out of the family increased by 0.13%[18] (making the general CPI increasing by 0.01 percentage points).

– Post and telecommunications group decreased by 0.14% due to the decrease in the price of smartphone accessories;

– The group of equipment and household appliances decreased by 0.08%, focusing mainly on refrigeration products because electronics centers and supermarkets reduced prices to stimulate consumer demand. In which, the price of air conditioners decreased by 0.02% compared to the previous month; refrigerators decreased by 0.9%; washing machines down by 0.27%; vacuum cleaners down by 0.43%; printers, projectors, and scanners down by 0.22%; bathroom hot water tanks down 0.41%. Besides, there were a number of items that increased in price compared to the previous month such as Blenders, juicers increased by 0.18%; electric fan price increased by 0.33%; egg beaters, multi-function mixers increased by 0.11%.

– Garment, hat, and footwear group decreased by 0.08% due to a decrease in consumer demand. In which, the price of ready-made clothes decreased by 0.16%; headwear down 0.11%; footwear decreased by 0.02%. On the other hand, garment services increased by 0.9%; footwear services increased by 0.11%.

(2) Four groups of goods and services with increasing price indexes include:

– Transport group increased by 0.43% (making the general CPI increase by 0.04 percentage points), mainly due to: Domestic gasoline price increase by 1.09% (making the general CPI increase by 0.04 percentage points) due to the effects of domestic price adjustments on April 3, 2023, April 11, 2023, and April 21, 2023; the price of passenger transport by road increased by 0.26%; waterways increased by 1.3%; buses by 0.71% and taxis by 0.09%; combined passenger transport increased by 0.7%; self-driving car and motorbike rental fees increased by 0.03%; driving license fees increased by 0.11% due to high demand. Particularly, the price of vehicle maintenance services decreased by 0.3%, of which the price of motorcycle repair decreased by 0.29% and bicycle repair decreased by 0.58%.

– The group of other goods and services increased by 0.35%, mainly focusing on personal goods, up 0.64% (non-electrical personal tools increased by 0.35%; body care products increased by 0.46%); hospitality services increased by 0.32%.

– Beverage and tobacco group increased by 0.12% due to hot weather, so the demand for beverage consumption increased, specifically: The price of mineral water increased by 0.12%; bottled and canned energy drinks increased by 0.04%. Wine and tobacco rose 0.29% and 0.36% month-on-month, respectively.

– Medicines and medical services increased slightly by 0.02%, mainly due to the changing seasons, the proliferation of pathogenic viruses, the rapid increase in the number of Covid-19 infections, so people focused on buying booster drugs. immune system. In which, the price of vitamin and mineral drugs increased by 0.33%; the group of analgesics, antipyretics and anti-inflammatory drugs increased by 0.19%; cardiovascular drugs increased by 0.11%; prices of drugs for the gastrointestinal tract increased by 0.06%.

Core inflation[19] in April 2023 increased by 0.13% over the previous month, and by 4.56% over the same period last year. On average, in the first 4 months of 2023, core inflation increased by 4.9% over the same period in 2022, higher than the overall average CPI (up 3.84%). The main reason is that the average domestic gasoline price in the first 4 months of 2023 decreased by 12.22% compared to the same period last year, the decrease in gas price by 6.73% is a factor that restrains the growth rate of CPI but belongs to the group of commodities excluded from the core inflation calculation.

The domestic gold price fluctuates in the same direction as the world gold price. As of April 25, 2023, the average world gold price was at 2,004.16 USD /ounce, an increase of 5.35% compared to March 2023 due to increased geopolitical tensions causing the demand for gold reserves in Vietnam to increase. banks increased. Domestically, the gold price index in April 2023 increased by 2.04% compared to the previous month; an increase of 2.92% compared to December 2022; down 1.09% over the same period last year; average growth in the first 4 months of 2023 increased by  0.66%.

Around the world, the US dollar depreciated due to the influence of financial and economic market factors, and investors are paying special attention to the Fed’s monetary policy and market sentiment. As of April 25, 2023, the US dollar index on the international market reached 101.49 points, down 2.35% from the previous month. Domestically, the average US dollar price on the free market is around 23,649 VND/USD. US dollar price index in April 2023 decreased by 0.89% compared to the previous month; decreased by 2.26% compared to December 2022; increased by 2.5% over the same period last year; average growth in the first 4 months of 2023 increased by 3.21%.

d) Transport

Transport activities in April take place actively to prepare for the long holiday, in which passengers carried increased by 6.9%  and passenger traffic increased by 5.7% over the last month; freight carried increased by 2.7% and freight traffic increased by 3.8%.

Generally, for the first 4 months of 2023, passengers carried increased by 24.6% over the same period last year, passenger traffic increased by 50.2% and freight carried increased by 17.2%, and freight traffic increased by 19.8%.

Passenger transport in April 2023 was estimated at 388.9 million passengers, an increase of 16.6% over the previous month, and 20.6 billion passengers-kilometers, an increase of 34.7%. Generally, in the first 4 months of 2023, passengers carried an estimated 1,493.9 million passengers, up 24.6% over the same period last year (decreased by 6.3% in the same period in 2022) and passenger traffic reached 80.5 billion passengers.km, an increase of 50.2% (in the same period last year, a decrease of 0.7%). In which, domestic transport reached 1,489.5 million passengers carried, up 24.3% over the same period last year and 67.1 billion passengers-kilometers, up 28.4%; overseas transport got 4.4 million passengers, 13 times higher than the same period last year and 13.4 billion passengers-kilometers, 10.3 times higher.

In terms of types of transport, all industries in the first 4 months of 2023 increased sharply compared to the same period last year.

Freight transport in April 2023 was estimated at 188.6 million tons of freight carried, up 21% over the previous period and 40.5 billion tons-km of freight traffic, up 17.5%. Generally, in the first 4 months of 2023, freight transport was estimated at 737.1 million tons of freight carried, up 17.2% over the same period last year (in the same period in 2022, increasing by 4.8%) and 156.7 billion tons.km of freight traffic, an increase of 19.8% (in the same period last year, an increase of 12%). In which, domestic transport reached 723 million tons of freight carried, up 17.5% and 98.8 billion tons-kilometers of freight traffic, up 26%; overseas transport reached 14.1 million tons freight carried, up 5.1% and 57.9 billion tons-kilometers of freight traffic, up 10.6%. In terms of the transport industry, most of the industries in the first 4 months of 2023 increased compared to the same period last year, especially railway transport decreased sharply due to high output in the same period in 2022 and railway still faces many difficulties in this year when competing with sea transport and import, export orders decreased.

đ) International visitors to Viet Nam [20]

International visitors to our country in April[21] were estimated at 984.1 thousand arrivals, increased by 9.9% compared to the previous month and 9.7 times higher than the same period last year. Generally, in the first 4 months of 2023, international visitors to Viet Nam were estimated at 3,683.7 thousand arrivals, 19.2 times higher than the same period last year but still only 61.7% compared to the same period in 2019, the year no Covid-19 epidemic.

Out of a total of nearly 3,683.7 thousand international visitors to Viet Nam in the first 4 months of this year, visitors coming by airway gained 3,266.8 thousand persons, accounting for 88.7% of the number of international visitors to Viet Nam, 19.2 times higher than the same period last year; by roadway achieved 372.9 thousand arrivals, accounted for 10.1% and 17 times higher; by seaway achieved 44 thousand arrivals, accounted for 1.2% and 688.2 times higher.

7. Some social situation

a) Residential life

According to the survey, the living situation of households in April 2023 continues to improve. The rate of assessed income in the month remained unchanged and increased compared to the same period last year was 94.4% up 1 percentage point over the same period last year); The rate of assessment with reduced income was 5.6%.

The main reasons for low income are highly appreciated by households as follows: 38.2% of households have members who have lost their jobs/retired from work; 22.6% assessed it due to the increase in input costs of production and business activities of the household and 20.1% assessed it due to the decrease in the sale of products from production and business activities of the household.

Regarding the impact of negative events on life in the first four months of 2023 as assessed by households: 32.1% of households are suffering from the effects of high prices of goods and services; 6.5% of households are negatively affected by epidemics for humans and 2% of households are negatively affected by diseases for livestock and crops.

In the first four months of 2023, nearly 10.6% of the interviewed households received help from different sources of support. Specifically, the percentage of households receiving help from relatives and relatives was 6.8 from local programs and policies was 3.5%; from general programs and policies of the country was 3.3%; from charitable activities of other organizations and individuals was 1,8% and from other sources was nearly 0.02%.

Ensuring social security is always promptly and effectively implemented by all levels and sectors. According to a report from the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, in the first four months of 2023, the Government has supported more than 18.2 thousand tons of rice for 204.7 thousand households with more than 1.2 million people, of which: 16.9 thousand tons of rice to support people during the Lunar New Year; to support people in the period of the year 2023 with more than 1.3 thousand tons of rice.

b) Epidemic situation, food poisoning

According to the report of the Ministry of Health, in the month (March 19 to April 18, 2023), the whole country had 5.756 cases of dengue fever; 1.613 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease; 31 cases of typhus suspected measles. Generally, in the four months of 2023, the whole country has nearly 26.3 thousand cases of dengue fever; 04 cases of viral encephalitis; 4.409 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease; 64 cases of typhus suspected measles.

The world’s Covid-19 epidemic continues to be complicated [22], with the US being the country with the highest number of cases and deaths in the world. In Vietnam, localities continue to strengthen epidemic prevention, control and control, especially at border gate areas to detect suspected cases of Covid-19, especially those entering Vietnam from outbreak areas and from where new variants emerged. In April (22/3-20/4) the nation had 24.8 thousand cases of Covid-19. Since the first case of Covid-19 in Vietnam on January 23, 2020 to April 26, 2023, has more than 11.5 million cases, of which 10.6 million cases have been cured and 43.2 thousand deaths.

Vaccination against Covid-19 continues to be carried out under the guidance of the Ministry of Health to ensure the requirements of the Government, the Prime Minister and the National Steering Committee for Covid-19 prevention and control. From March 8, 2021 to April 25, 2023, the total number of doses of vaccine against Covid-19 was 266.2 million doses, of which the first dose was 1 90.3 million doses; 2nd injection was 85.9 million doses; additional doses of 14.3 million doses; 1st booster dose was 57.9 million doses; 2nd booster dose was 17.8 million doses.

The total number of people living with HIV in the country as of April 18, 2023 was 226 thousand people and the number of people who have died from HIV/AIDS in the whole country up to this point was 112.9 thousand people.

Regarding food poisoning, in April 2023, there were 08 cases with 117 people being poisoned (1 cases of death). Generally, in the four months of 2023, there were 25 cases of poisoning in the whole country with 344 people being poisoned (8 deaths).

c) Cultural and sports activities

In the first four months of 2023, many traditional festivals and cultural and artistic activities are held everywhere, creating a unique and impressive picture across the country.

The mass sports movement continued to be promoted, physical training and sports movements were widely organized, a number of outstanding activities took place in the month such as: OneWay Vung Tau Marathon 2023 held in Vung Tau. Ship; mixed martial arts tournament Lion Championship 05 was held in Ho Chi Minh City; opening the National Championships in Athletics, Blind Judo, Archery, and Wheelchair Tennis in 2023; The founding congress of the Vietnam Lions and Dragon Federation was solemnly held at Pavillon Tan Son Nhat Convention Center, Ho Chi Minh city.

Regarding high-achievement sports, in April 2023, there were a number of outstanding events and achievements such as: The 2023 National Team Chess Championship awarding was held in Bac Giang; The 2023 VTV Cab Cup Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship takes place in Vinh Phuc; The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) held a press conference on the eve of the first qualifying round of the 2024 Asian Women’s U17; The General Department of Physical Education and Sports held a press conference to inform about the preparation of the Vietnamese sports delegation to attend the 32nd SEA Games. The delegation included 1,003 members, of which: 31 officials, 31 doctors, 37 doctors. team leader, 10 experts, 189 coaches and 702 athletes. The departure ceremony to attend the 23rd SEA Games was solemnly held at Quan Ngua Sports Palace (Hanoi).

d) Traffic accident^[23]

In April (from March 15 to April 14, 2023), there were 813 traffic accidents in the whole country, including 584 traffic accidents from less serious and over and 229 traffic collisions, causing 459 deaths, 335 injuries and 241 minor injuries. Compared with the previous month, the number of traffic accidents increased by 13.4% (the number of traffic accidents from less serious and over increased by 18.7% and the number of traffic collisions increased by 1.8%); the number of deaths increased by 18%; the number of injured people increased by 21.8% and the number of minor injuries increased by 3.4%. Compared to the same period last year, the number of traffic accidents in April decreased by 22.3% (the number of traffic accidents from less serious and over decreased by 20.8% and the number of traffic collisions decreased by 25.9%); the number of deaths decreased by 23.5%; the number of injured people decreased by 11.8% and the number of minor injuries decreased by 22.3%.

Generally in the first 4 months of this year, there were 3,159 traffic accidents nationwide, including 2,306 traffic accidents from less serious and over and 853 traffic collisions, killing 1,895 people, 1,252 injured and 902 minor injuries. Compared to the same period last year, the number of traffic accidents in the first 4 months of this year decreased by 17% (the number of traffic accidents from less serious and over decreased by 14.7%; the number of traffic collisions decreased by 22.8%); the number of deaths decreased by 16.7%; the number of injured people decreased by 5.7% and the number of minor injuries decreased by 18.3%. On average, 1 day in the first 4 months of the year, in the whole country, there were 26 traffic accidents, including 19 traffic accidents of less serious and over, and 7 traffic collisions, causing 16 deaths, 10 people were injured and 8 people were slightly injured.

đ) Damage caused by natural disasters[24]

The damage caused by natural disasters in April was mainly due to the influence of heavy rain, floods, and landslides, killing 4 people, and injuring 1 person; 822 houses collapsed, washed away and damaged; 1,136.9 ha of damaged paddy and crops; the total value of property damage caused by natural disasters in the month was 51.7 billion VND, down 98.1% over the same period last year. Generally in the first 4 months of this year, natural disasters caused 4 deaths and 9 injuries; more than 1 thousand houses collapsed and damaged; more than 4 thousand cattle and poultry died; 10.2 thousand hectares of paddy and crops were damaged; total value of property damage was estimated at 123.3 billion VND, down 96.6% over the same period in 2022.

e) Environmental protection and fire and explosion prevention

In April 2023, according to reports from the Statistics Departments of provinces and centrally run cities, the authorities detected 1,376 cases of environmental violations, of which 1,178 cases were handled with a total fine of more than 24 billion VND, down 4.9% from the previous month and up 36% over the same period last year. Generally, in the first 4 months of this year, 6,763 cases of environmental violations were detected, of which 5,919 cases were handled with a total fine of 95.5 billion VND, up 14.5% over the same period last year.

In the month [25], the whole country had 120 fires and explosions, killing 9 people and injuring 19 others, the damage was estimated at 26.9 billion VND, 4.6 times higher than the previous month and up 19.4% over the same period last year. last year. Generally, in the first 4 months of this year, there were 525 fires and explosions in the whole country, killing 25 people and injuring 30 people, the damage was estimated at 49.3 billion VND, down 37.8% over the same period last year.

[1] According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, as of 15/4/2023.

[2] http://agromonitor.vn/category/48/ca-tra: The price of raw pangasius in April 2023 in the Mekong Delta was ranging from 29,000-30,000 VND/kg, up 2,000 VND/kg compared to the same period last year.

[3] The IIP index in April 2022 compared to the same period last year increased by 10.7%.

[4] Export turnover in the first 4 months of 2023 was estimated at 108.6 billion USD, down by 11.8% over the same period last year.

[5] The IIP index in April 2023 compared with the previous month of some localities increased sharply: Son La increased by 29.2%; Hoa Binh increased by 26.4%; Dong Thap increased 19.8%; Phu Yen increased by 11.6%; Thua Thien – Hue increased by 10.4%; Binh Thuan increased by 10.2% ; Kien Giang increased by 8.4%; Quang Binh increased by 7.5%; Dien Bien increased by 6.9%. 

[6] Provinces have high production index of manufacturing in the first 4 months of 2023 compared to the same period last year: Cao Bang (26.3%); Lai Chau (22%); Dak Lak (21.9%); Tuyen Quang (21%); Gia Lai (17.5%); Hai Phong (15%); Quang Ninh (14.1%). Localities with high production index of electricity production and distribution: Hau Giang (274.7%); Thai Binh (54.5%); Ca Mau (43.1%); Quang Tri (31.5%).

[7] The provices where the production index of the manufacturing in the first 4 months of 2023 decreased compared to the same period last year: Quang Nam (- 33.4%); Bac Ninh (- 18.6%); Vinh Long (-16.1%); Soc Trang (-15.5%). The provinces with the index of electricity production and distribution industry in the first 4 months of 2023 decreased compared to the same period last year: Tra Vinh (- 46%); Ninh Binh (-37.3%); Cao Bang (- 27.6%); Ha Giang (-25%); Tuyen Quang (-17.7%); Hai Phong (-15.6%). Provinces have a decrease in the production index of the mining and quarying in the first 4 months of 2023 compared to the same period last year: Dong Thap (-63.2%); Vinh Long (-52.6%); Soc Trang (-45.2%); Hai Duong (-43.4%).

[8] Source: National Enterprise Registration Information System, Business Registration Management Agency, Ministry of Planning and Investment (Received the report on 25^th April 2023)

[9] According to the report of the Foreign Investment Department, Ministry of Planning and Investment received on 22/4/2023.

[10] Report on the implementation of Resolution No. 01/NQ-CP of the Government in the field of finance – state budget in April and 4 months of 2023 of the Ministry of Finance sent on April 27th, 2023.

[11] The value of export turnover is calculated at F.O.B price and the value of import turnover is calculated at C.I.F price (including transportation and insurance costs of imported goods).

[12] Estimated total export and import value in April 2023 provided by the General Department of Customs on April 27, 2023. The General Statistics Office estimated the import and export value of key commodities in April 2023 based on preliminary data provided by the General Department of Customs by April 24, 2023.

[13] Total import and export turnover of goods in 4 months of 2022 reached 243.9 billion USD, up 16.6% over the same period last year, of which export reached 123.19 billion USD, up 17.1%; imports reached 120.8 billion USD, up 16.1%.

[14] The estimated trade surplus in March was 0.65 billion USD.

[15] The price index of electricity and domestic water in April 2023 is calculated based on revenue and consumption output from the date March 1-31, 2023, thus reflecting movements one month later than other commodities.

[16] The rice group index increased by 0.24% (Regular rice increased by 0.29%; delicious rice decreased by 0.02%; sticky rice increased by 0.3%) due to the high price of export rice. Besides, the price of other processed food products such as noodles, noodles, pho, and instant porridge increased by 0.78%; flour by 0.96%; cornmeal by 0.41%, and bread by 0.46%.

[17] Pork price in April decreased by 1.62% (making the general CPI decrease by 0.05 percentage points) due to the guaranteed supply while the demand for pork decreased; beef prices fell 0.09%; poultry meat price decreased by 0.28%; the price of eggs of all kinds decreased by 1.55%; price of fresh seafood decreased by 0.42%; vegetable prices decreased by 3.29%; prices of cakes, jams, and candies reduced by 0.05%. In addition to discounted items, a number of items in the month increased in price compared to the previous month: Prices of fresh and processed fruits increased by 0.26% as citrus fruits increased by 0.57%, bananas increased by 0.25%, apples increased by 0.71%; prices of milk, butter, and cheese increased by 0.29%; prices of tea, coffee, and cocoa increased by 0.07%.

[18] Drink prices outside the family increased by 0.48%; the cost of meals out of the family increased by 0.11%; fast food takeaway increased by 0.03%.

[19] CPI after excluding fresh food, foodstuff, energy and goods managed by the State including health services and education services.

[20] According to the report of the Border Gate Department, the Border Guard Command, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Immigration Department.

[21] The reporting period is from March 21, 2023, to April 20, 2023.

[22] From the end of December 2019 to April 26, 2023, there were 686.8 million cases of Covid-19 infection (6,861.8 thousand deaths).

[23] According to a quick report from the Office of the Ministry of Public Security and the Vietnam Maritime Administration (Ministry of Transport) on April 23, 2023.

[24] Summary of reports from 63 Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, reporting period from March 19 to April 18, 2023.

[25] According to a quick report from the Ministry of Public Security on April 23, 2023.