Fact Check: "Vietnam exported $136.6 billion worth of goods to the United States in 2024."
What We Know
In 2024, the United States imported approximately $136.6 billion worth of goods from Vietnam, marking a significant increase of 19.3% compared to the previous year (U.S. Trade Representative). This figure is part of a broader trade relationship, where total goods trade between the two nations reached an estimated $149.6 billion. U.S. exports to Vietnam were recorded at $13.1 billion, which also reflects a substantial increase of 32.9% from 2023 (New York Times).
Analysis
The claim that Vietnam exported $136.6 billion worth of goods to the United States in 2024 is accurate, but it is important to clarify that this figure represents U.S. imports from Vietnam rather than Vietnamese exports. The U.S. Trade Representative's report confirms that the $136.6 billion figure is indeed the total value of goods imported from Vietnam (U.S. Trade Representative).
Additionally, the New York Times corroborates this data, stating that the U.S. imported $136.6 billion of goods from Vietnam, while only exporting $13.1 billion to Vietnam in the same year (New York Times). This significant trade deficit of $123.5 billion highlights the imbalance in trade between the two countries.
The sources used in this analysis are credible and reliable, particularly the U.S. Trade Representative, which is a government agency responsible for developing and recommending U.S. trade policy. The New York Times, while a reputable news source, may have a slight editorial bias, but it provides accurate reporting based on official data.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "Vietnam exported $136.6 billion worth of goods to the United States in 2024" is true in terms of the value of goods imported by the U.S. from Vietnam. However, it is essential to note that this figure refers to U.S. imports rather than Vietnamese exports. The data is supported by reliable sources, confirming the accuracy of the claim.
