Vietnam Imports 2025: Trade Data, Top Products, Partners & Market Trends

In today’s deeply interconnected global economy, Vietnam has emerged as one of the most dynamic trading nations in Asia. Once known primarily as an export-oriented manufacturing hub, Vietnam has also become a major import market, driven by rapid industrialization, foreign direct investment (FDI), rising consumer demand, and expanding infrastructure. Understanding Vietnam imports is now essential for manufacturers, exporters, suppliers, and investors seeking to enter or scale operations in Southeast Asia.

According to Vietnam import data and official Vietnam customs statistics, the total value of Vietnam’s imports reached $379 billion in 2024, reflecting a 7.2% year-on-year increase. This growth underscores Vietnam’s position as the 20th largest importer globally, reinforcing its strategic role in global supply chains. Momentum has continued into 2025, with imports totaling $175.56 billion in the first five months alone, up 17.4% compared to the same period last year.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s import landscape in 2025, covering major imported products, Vietnam imports by country, top importers, historical trends, and the evolving forces shaping Vietnam’s trade future.

Why Vietnam Imports Matter in 2025

Vietnam’s economic model relies heavily on imports to support export-led manufacturing. A striking 93.8% of total imports in early 2025 consisted of production materials, including electronics components, machinery, fabrics, metals, and chemicals. These inputs fuel Vietnam’s factories, enabling it to remain competitive in global markets.

The continued rise in Vietnam imports and exports highlights Vietnam’s role as a regional assembly and processing hub rather than a purely consumption-driven market. For global suppliers, this creates sustained demand for intermediate goods, industrial machinery, and high-tech components.

Vietnam’s Major Imports: Top 10 Products by HS Code

Vietnam’s import basket is both broad and industrially focused. Based on the latest Vietnam import customs data, the following products dominate inbound trade:

1. Electrical Machinery & Equipment (HS Code 85)

• Import Value: $116.54 billion

• Share: 34.79%

Electrical machinery remains Vietnam’s largest import category. Integrated circuits, semiconductors, smartphones, and electronic components support multinational manufacturers such as Samsung, Intel, and Apple suppliers operating in Vietnam.

2. Nuclear Reactors & Machinery (HS Code 84)

• Import Value: $29.10 billion

• Share: 8.69%

Machinery imports reflect Vietnam’s continued investments in industrial expansion, power generation, and infrastructure development.

3. Plastics & Articles Thereof (HS Code 39)

• Import Value: $16.48 billion

• Plastics are vital for packaging, electronics, automotive parts, and consumer goods manufacturing.

4. Mineral Fuels & Oils (HS Code 27)

• Import Value: $16.03 billion

• Despite domestic production, Vietnam remains reliant on energy imports to fuel industry and transport.

5. Iron & Steel (HS Code 72)

• Import Value: $12.21 billion

• Core inputs for construction, industrial zones, and infrastructure projects.

6. Vehicles (HS Code 87)

• Import Value: $7.22 billion

• Reflects growing demand for passenger vehicles, commercial transport, and EV components.

7. Optical, Medical & Surgical Instruments (HS Code 90)

• Import Value: $7.12 billion

• Supports Vietnam’s rapidly modernizing healthcare sector.

8. Knitted or Crocheted Fabrics (HS Code 60)

• Import Value: $6.68 billion

• Critical for Vietnam’s garment and textile export industry.

9. Cereals (HS Code 10)

• Import Value: $4.79 billion

• Ensures food security amid changing consumption patterns.

10. Cotton (HS Code 52)

• Import Value: $4.75 billion

• A key raw material for textile manufacturing and apparel exports.

Together, these categories highlight how Vietnam imports are overwhelmingly production-oriented rather than consumption-focused.

Vietnam Imports by Country: Top 10 Trade Partners

Vietnam’s supply chains are global, but Asia continues to dominate. Based on Vietnam imports by country data for 2024–25, the following nations are Vietnam’s largest import partners:

1. China – $144.3 billion (37.9%)
   Vietnam’s largest supplier, providing electronics, machinery, chemicals, and raw materials.

2. South Korea – $79.7 billion (20.9%)
   A critical partner for electronics, semiconductors, and industrial equipment.

3. Japan – $35.8 billion (9.4%)
   Supplies automotive parts, machinery, and advanced technology.

4. Taiwan – $32 billion (8.4%)
   A major source of machinery and electronics components.

5. United States – $14.3 billion (3.8%)
   Exports agriculture, machinery, technology, and specialty materials to Vietnam.

6. Thailand – $11.6 billion (3.1%)
   Supplies food products, machinery, and chemicals.

7. Malaysia – $7.3 billion (1.9%)

8. Indonesia – $5.8 billion (1.5%)

9. India – $5.7 billion (1.5%)

10. Australia – $4.5 billion (1.2%)

While China remains dominant, Vietnam is actively diversifying its sourcing base—an important trend shaping Vietnam imports by country in 2025.

Top Import Companies in Vietnam

Vietnam’s import ecosystem is led by multinational manufacturers operating large-scale production facilities. According to Vietnam import customs data, the top importers include:

• Intel Vietnam – $9.9 billion

• Hanyang Vina – $8.5 billion

• Samsung Thai Nguyen – $7.9 billion

• Samsung HCMC – $5 billion

• Compal Vietnam – $2.9 billion

All top 10 importers are heavily involved in electronics and semiconductors, sourcing mainly from China, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and the U.S. This concentration reinforces Vietnam’s status as a high-tech manufacturing hub.

Vietnam Imports Over the Last Decade

Vietnam’s import growth over the past 10 years has been remarkable:

• 2014: $147.83 billion

• 2018: $236.86 billion

• 2021: $330.75 billion

• 2024: $379 billion

• 2025 (first 5 months): $175.56 billion

This long-term trajectory reflects sustained industrial expansion, deeper integration into global value chains, and rising FDI inflows.

Key Vietnam Import Trends (2024–25)

Several structural trends are reshaping Vietnam imports:

• Surge in electronics imports, driven by foreign-invested manufacturing.

• Rising machinery and infrastructure imports, supporting power plants and industrial parks.

• Higher intermediate goods imports, reinforcing Vietnam’s assembly-hub role.

• Supply chain diversification, reducing over-dependence on China.

• Growing renewable energy and EV-related imports, aligned with green policies.

Despite short-term uncertainty from global tariffs, the fundamentals of Vietnam imports and exports remain strong.

Outlook for Vietnam Imports in 2025

Looking ahead, Vietnam’s import demand is expected to remain robust. Expansion by Apple suppliers, continued Samsung investment, EV supply chain development, and renewable energy projects will sustain high levels of machinery and electronics imports. Agricultural and raw material imports may also rise due to climate-related production pressures.

For global exporters and manufacturers, Vietnam represents not just a fast-growing market but a strategic gateway into ASEAN and global production networks.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s import data for 2025 paints a clear picture of a fast-industrializing, globally integrated economy. With Vietnam imports reaching new highs, driven by electronics, machinery, and industrial inputs, the country continues to strengthen its role in international trade. Understanding Vietnam import data, Vietnam import customs data, and Vietnam imports by country is essential for businesses seeking long-term growth in Southeast Asia.

As Vietnam deepens its integration into global supply chains, opportunities across manufacturing, logistics, and sourcing will continue to expand—making Vietnam one of the most compelling trade destinations in the world today.