Vietnamese lychees are on sale in France. (Photo: VNA)

According to the General Department of Customs, Vietnam exported more than 16 billion USD worth of goods to the EU during January-May, up 20% against last year, while imports from the bloc were up nearly 17%.

The EU is currently Vietnam’s fifth largest trade partner and second biggest importer of Vietnamese goods, after the US. Countries that saw surges included Spain, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Sweden.

In recent days, Vietnam’s fresh lychees were shipped to the Czech Republic, Germany, France and Belgium.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), European importers have shown more interest in Vietnamese seafood suppliers given tariff advantages from the EVFTA and the stable source of raw materials.