Vietnam has rapidly emerged as one of the most dynamic economies in Asia, driven by strong industrial growth, export-oriented manufacturing, and increasing integration into global supply chains. As the country continues to modernize and expand its production capabilities, imports play a crucial role in supporting domestic industries and meeting consumer demand. Analyzing vietnam import data offers valuable insights into the country’s economic priorities, industrial structure, and global trade relationships.
According to recent vietnam trade data and vietnam import customs data, the country’s total imports reached approximately $379 billion in 2024, marking a 7.2% year-on-year increase. This steady growth highlights Vietnam’s expanding manufacturing base and rising demand for industrial inputs. Globally, Vietnam now ranks among the top 20 importers, reflecting its increasing role in international trade.
The upward momentum has continued into 2025. Based on early vietnam shipment data, imports reached $175.56 billion in the first five months of 2025, a 17.4% increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, production materials accounted for 93.8% of total imports, underscoring Vietnam’s position as a major manufacturing hub in Asia.
This article explores the structure of vietnam imports, the leading product categories, major trade partners, and key trends shaping the country’s import landscape.
Overview of Vietnam’s Import Structure
Vietnam’s economy is heavily dependent on imported raw materials, machinery, and electronic components. The majority of these imports are used in export-oriented industries such as electronics, textiles, and automotive manufacturing. Understanding vietnam import data reveals that most imported goods are intermediate inputs rather than finished consumer products.
In 2024, production materials alone accounted for more than 93% of total imports, highlighting the country’s industrial focus. The largest sectors included electronics, machinery, fabrics, plastics, and steel—essential components for manufacturing and infrastructure.
This strong reliance on imported inputs reflects Vietnam’s strategic role as a regional assembly and manufacturing center for global brands.
Top 10 Vietnam Imports by HS Code
According to vietnam import customs data, the country’s import basket is dominated by technology-driven and industrial products. Below are the top import categories by value.
1. Electrical Machinery & Equipment (HS Code 85)
$116.54 billion (34.79%)
This category leads Vietnam’s import list, driven by demand for semiconductors, electronic components, and telecommunications equipment. These imports support the country’s booming electronics manufacturing sector.
2. Nuclear Reactors & Machinery (HS Code 84)
$29.10 billion (8.69%)
Machinery imports are essential for factories, construction projects, and industrial expansion.
3. Plastics & Articles Thereof (HS Code 39)
$16.48 billion (4.92%)
Plastics are widely used in packaging, manufacturing, and construction.
4. Mineral Fuels and Oils (HS Code 27)
$16.03 billion (4.79%)
Energy imports remain vital for transportation, manufacturing, and power generation.
5. Iron and Steel (HS Code 72)
$12.21 billion (3.65%)
Steel imports support infrastructure development and urbanization projects.
6. Vehicles (HS Code 87)
$7.22 billion (2.16%)
Vietnam’s growing middle class is increasing demand for automobiles and motorcycles.
7. Optical, Medical & Surgical Instruments (HS Code 90)
$7.12 billion (2.13%)
Healthcare equipment imports are rising as Vietnam improves its medical infrastructure.
8. Knitted or Crocheted Fabrics (HS Code 60)
$6.68 billion (2%)
These materials feed into Vietnam’s massive garment export industry.
9. Cereals (HS Code 10)
$4.79 billion (1.43%)
Food imports help stabilize domestic supply and support food security.
10. Cotton (HS Code 52)
$4.75 billion (1.42%)
Cotton imports are crucial for textile manufacturing and apparel exports.
Overall, the composition of vietnam imports highlights the country’s dependence on industrial inputs, particularly electronics, machinery, and textiles.
Vietnam Imports by Country: Top Trade Partners
An analysis of vietnam imports by country reveals a strong concentration among Asian economies. Regional proximity, integrated supply chains, and foreign direct investment have strengthened these trade relationships.
Top 10 Import Partners (2024–25)
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China: $144.3 billion (37.9%)
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South Korea: $79.7 billion (20.9%)
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Japan: $35.8 billion (9.4%)
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Taiwan: $32 billion (8.4%)
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United States: $14.3 billion (3.8%)
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Thailand: $11.6 billion (3.1%)
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Malaysia: $7.3 billion (1.9%)
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Indonesia: $5.8 billion (1.5%)
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India: $5.7 billion (1.5%)
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Australia: $4.5 billion (1.2%)
China dominates vietnam imports by country, supplying electronics components, machinery, raw materials, and intermediate goods. South Korea and Japan follow closely, driven by their investments in Vietnam’s manufacturing sector.
These partnerships reflect Vietnam’s integration into East Asian production networks, where components move across borders before final assembly.
Leading Import Companies in Vietnam
The top importers in Vietnam are primarily electronics and semiconductor manufacturers. These companies rely on imported components to assemble products for global markets.
Top Importers (2024)
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Intel Vietnam – $9.9 billion
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Hanyang Vina – $8.5 billion
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Samsung Thai Nguyen – $7.9 billion
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Samsung HCMC – $5 billion
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Compal Vietnam – $2.9 billion
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FuyU Tech – $2.1 billion
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Luxshare Van Trung – $1.7 billion
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Fukang Tech – $1.7 billion
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Hana Micron – $1.6 billion
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Wistron Vietnam – $1.6 billion
These companies mainly import integrated circuits, micro-assemblies, and electronic components from China, South Korea, and Taiwan. The dominance of electronics firms in this list highlights how vietnam import data is closely tied to the performance of the tech manufacturing sector.
Historical Vietnam Import Growth (2014–2024)
Vietnam’s imports have grown significantly over the past decade, reflecting rapid industrialization.
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2014: $147.83 billion
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2016: $174.97 billion
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2018: $236.86 billion
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2020: $261.30 billion
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2021: $330.75 billion
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2022: $358.78 billion
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2023: $325.44 billion
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2024: $379 billion
The surge in imports during 2021–2024 coincides with major foreign investments in electronics, automotive, and high-tech manufacturing.
Key Import Trends Shaping Vietnam in 2024–25
1. Rapid Growth in Electronics Imports
Electronics and computer components accounted for more than $107 billion in imports, driven by major investors such as Samsung, Intel, and Apple suppliers.
2. Rising Machinery and Infrastructure Imports
Vietnam continues to import large volumes of machinery and equipment to support factory construction, industrial parks, and energy projects.
3. Diversification of Supply Chains
While China remains the largest supplier, vietnam imports are gradually diversifying toward ASEAN countries, India, and Europe.
4. Growth in Intermediate Goods Imports
The dominance of production materials in vietnam import data reflects the country’s role as a regional assembly hub.
5. Increasing Renewable Energy Equipment Imports
As Vietnam expands its green energy initiatives, imports of solar panels, turbines, and related equipment are expected to rise.
Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Vietnam (2025)
Trade tensions and tariff measures in 2025 have influenced Vietnam’s import and export environment.
Key developments include:
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February 2025: 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum applied to Vietnam.
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April 2025: A universal 10% baseline tariff on imports.
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Additional reciprocal tariffs of up to 46% on Vietnamese goods.
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Temporary reduction of tariffs to 10% after negotiations.
These changes have prompted companies to adjust sourcing strategies, which could reshape future vietnam imports by country.
Sector Outlook for 2025
Based on recent vietnam trade data, several sectors are expected to drive import growth:
High-Tech Manufacturing
Expansion by global electronics firms will increase imports of semiconductors, chips, and ICT components.
Automotive and EV Components
Vietnam’s growing auto industry will drive imports of vehicles and parts from China, Thailand, and South Korea.
Renewable Energy Equipment
Government policies supporting clean energy will boost imports of solar and wind technology.
Agricultural Imports
Climate-related challenges may increase the need for imported grains and food products.
Why Vietnam Import Data Matters for Businesses
For global companies, vietnam import data provides valuable insights into:
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Market demand for specific products
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Competitive landscapes across sectors
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Supply chain dependencies
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Potential trade partners and buyers
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Emerging growth industries
Whether entering the Vietnamese market or expanding existing operations, analyzing vietnam shipment data and vietnam import customs data helps businesses make informed strategic decisions.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s import landscape reflects a fast-growing, export-driven economy deeply integrated into global supply chains. With total imports reaching $379 billion in 2024 and strong growth continuing into 2025, the country remains one of the most important manufacturing and trade hubs in Asia.
Electronics, machinery, plastics, fuel, and metals dominate vietnam imports, while China, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan remain the leading suppliers. The strong presence of electronics manufacturers among top importers further confirms Vietnam’s position as a global assembly center.
Looking ahead, rising high-tech production, infrastructure investments, renewable energy projects, and supply chain diversification will continue to shape vietnam import data in the coming years.
For businesses seeking new opportunities in Asia, closely monitoring vietnam imports by country and sector-wise trends will be essential to capturing growth in this rapidly evolving market.
