In today’s globally interconnected trade environment, Vietnam imports have taken center stage as the country plays a vital role in the regional and international supply chain. As a dynamic and rapidly industrializing Southeast Asian nation, Vietnam relies heavily on imports to sustain its production capacity, support industrial growth, and meet the demands of its 100-million-strong population.
Vietnam Imports 2024–25: The Big Picture
According to official data from Vietnam customs and trade authorities, Vietnam’s total imports in 2024 reached $379 billion, marking a 7.2% increase compared to 2023. This growth illustrates the increasing dependency on imported raw materials, components, and finished goods to support its thriving industrial sectors.
By May 2025, Vietnam’s imports had already reached $175.56 billion, showcasing a robust 17.4% year-on-year increase. Notably, production materials formed the lion’s share—over 93.8% of total imports—highlighting Vietnam’s continued reliance on inputs for manufacturing and exports.
Top Categories of Vietnam Imports: Products That Power the Economy
Vietnam’s import portfolio spans across various industries, from high-tech electronics to agricultural commodities. As of 2025, the top 10 imported products by HS Code include:
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Electrical Machinery & Equipment (HS Code 85): $116.54 billion (34.79%)
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Includes electronic components, circuits, and telecom equipment.
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Nuclear Reactors & Machinery (HS Code 84): $29.10 billion (8.69%)
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Supports Vietnam’s industrial expansion and manufacturing.
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Plastics & Articles (HS Code 39): $16.48 billion (4.92%)
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Used extensively in packaging, construction, and consumer goods.
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Mineral Fuels & Oils (HS Code 27): $16.03 billion (4.79%)
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Fuels Vietnam’s industrial machines, transport, and power grid.
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Iron & Steel (HS Code 72): $12.21 billion (3.65%)
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Vital for infrastructure and real estate development.
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Vehicles (HS Code 87): $7.22 billion (2.16%)
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Driven by urbanization and rising vehicle ownership.
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Medical & Optical Instruments (HS Code 90): $7.12 billion (2.13%)
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Supporting the healthcare modernization drive.
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Knitted Fabrics (HS Code 60): $6.68 billion (2.0%)
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Fueling Vietnam’s textile and garment export engine.
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Cereals (HS Code 10): $4.79 billion (1.43%)
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Food security remains a key focus.
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Cotton (HS Code 52): $4.75 billion (1.42%)
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Essential for Vietnam’s textile manufacturing supply chain.
These categories illustrate a strong dependence on industrial feedstocks and electronic components, aligning with Vietnam’s evolving role as a high-tech manufacturing hub in the global market.
Vietnam Imports by Country: Who Supplies Vietnam?
When analyzing Vietnam imports by country, the top ten trading partners provide crucial insight into the country’s economic dependencies and strategic alliances. Based on Vietnam import shipment data and customs records, the leading countries supplying Vietnam in 2024–25 include:
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China – $144.3 billion (37.9%)
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Supplies everything from electronics and textiles to heavy machinery.
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South Korea – $79.7 billion (20.9%)
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A top source for semiconductors, machinery, and tech products.
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Japan – $35.8 billion (9.4%)
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Key imports include vehicles, precision tools, and chemicals.
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Taiwan – $32 billion (8.4%)
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Focused on technology, electronics, and machinery.
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United States – $14.3 billion (3.8%)
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Major products: machinery, agriculture, and chemicals.
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Thailand – $11.6 billion (3.1%)
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Contributes food products, plastics, and auto parts.
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Malaysia – $7.3 billion (1.9%)
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Provides chemicals, electrical goods, and fuels.
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Indonesia – $5.8 billion (1.5%)
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Supplies coal, rubber, and machinery.
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India – $5.7 billion (1.5%)
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Rising player in pharma, chemicals, and textiles.
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Australia – $4.5 billion (1.2%)
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A key source of coal, minerals, and wheat.
This broad sourcing strategy shows Vietnam’s efforts to diversify supply chains, particularly post-COVID and amid geopolitical shifts.
Vietnam’s Leading Importers: Key Players Behind the Data
Vietnam’s import market is shaped significantly by top multinational firms operating in electronics, tech, and manufacturing. According to the 2024–25 Vietnam Importers Database, some of the largest import companies include:
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Intel Vietnam – $9.9B (ICs, semiconductors)
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Hanyang Vina – $8.5B (electronic parts)
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Samsung Thai Nguyen & HCMC – $12.9B combined (chips, circuits)
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Compal, Fuyu Tech, Luxshare, Fukang, Hana Micron, Wistron – all major electronics/ICT importers
These companies collectively drive over $50 billion in imports, mainly sourcing from China, South Korea, and Taiwan.
Vietnam’s Sectoral and Regional Import Trends
Vietnam’s sector-based import statistics for 2024 emphasize how heavily industrial materials dominate:
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Electronics & ICT parts: $107.1B
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Machinery & spare parts: $48.9B
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Fabrics for textiles: $14.9B
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Iron & steel: $12.6B
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Plastics & resins: $11.8B
Meanwhile, import hubs such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, and Hanoi remain the country’s most active trade gateways.
On the regional side, Vietnam is seeking alternatives to Chinese dependence—notably increasing sourcing from India, ASEAN, and Europe.
Recent Tariff Impacts: The U.S. Factor
In 2025, Vietnam faced new U.S. tariff pressures, including:
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25% tariff on steel and aluminum (Feb 2025)
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Universal 10% import tariff + additional 46% reciprocal tariff (April 2025)
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Solar panels: over 396–800% duty
While these duties were partially relaxed after negotiations, they signal the growing geopolitical and trade complexities Vietnam must navigate.
Vietnam Imports Outlook: What to Expect in 2025
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High-tech imports (especially semiconductors and EV parts) will grow as Apple, Foxconn, and other firms expand Vietnam operations.
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Green energy products such as solar panels, turbines, and storage units will see rising demand.
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Auto and EV parts from China, Thailand, and Korea are expected to surge.
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Agricultural imports (like cereals and dairy) may rise due to climate-related shortfalls in local production.
Conclusion
As we move deeper into 2025, Vietnam imports continue to rise, driven by strong manufacturing, industrial investments, and domestic consumption. The country’s diverse sourcing strategy, dominated by key Asian partners, supports its ambition to become a major global manufacturing and logistics hub.
For companies eyeing opportunities in Southeast Asia, understanding Vietnam imports by country, product category, and leading importers offers critical insights. With evolving trade policies, growing foreign direct investment, and a modernizing industrial base, Vietnam remains one of the most exciting and dynamic import markets globally.
- Vietnam Imports 2025: Top Import Products, Partner Countries & Trade
- In today’s globally interconnected trade environment, Vietnam imports have taken center stage as the country plays a vital role in the regional and international supply chain.
- vietnam imports, vietnam imports by country,
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