China remains Vietnam's biggest trade partner in 2013

HANOI - China remained Vietnam's largest trade partner in 2013 with total turnover reaching $50.21 billion, up 22 percent year-on-year, according to statistics from the Vietnam Customs on Tuesday.

Specifically, in 2013, Vietnam spent $36.95 billion for imports from China, up 28.4 percent, while it transported some $13.26 billion worth of goods to China, up 7 percent year-on-year.

During the period, imports from China accounted for 28 percent of Vietnam's total import value, while exports to China accounted for 10 percent of total export value, said the customs office.

Vietnam's trade deficit with China in 2013 stood at around $23.7 billion in 2013, an increase of 44.5 percent compared to 2012, said the customs office.

Bilateral trade turnover is expected to reach $60 billion in 2015.