Vietnam has emerged as one of Asia’s most dynamic trading nations, deeply integrated into global supply chains. As manufacturing capacity expands and consumer demand rises, the country’s dependence on imports has grown steadily. For international exporters, manufacturers, investors, and policymakers, understanding Vietnam import data is now essential for identifying trade opportunities and supply-chain risks.
According to Vietnam trade statistics and global trade data, Vietnam ranked as the 20th largest importer worldwide in 2024, with total imports reaching $379 billion, marking a 7.2% year-on-year increase. This upward trajectory continued into 2025. As per Vietnam trade records, imports during the first five months of 2025 totaled $175.56 billion, representing a strong 17.4% growth compared to the same period last year.
This guest post explores the complete picture of Vietnam imports, covering top imported products, major trade partners, leading import companies, historical trends, and emerging patterns shaping Vietnam’s economy in 2025.
Overview of Vietnam’s Import Performance (2024–25)
Vietnam’s import growth is closely linked to its expanding manufacturing ecosystem and export-oriented economy. A striking feature of recent years is the dominance of production materials, which accounted for nearly 94% of total imports, valued at $164.75 billion in early 2025 alone.
These figures highlight Vietnam’s role as a regional assembly and processing hub. Imports of semiconductors, machinery, fabrics, and industrial feedstocks directly support export growth, reinforcing the close relationship between Vietnam imports and exports.
Key highlights include:
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Total imports in 2024: $379 billion
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YoY growth (2024): +7.2%
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Q1 2025 imports: $99.68 billion
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Manufacturing inputs: 93.8% of total imports
Vietnam’s Major Imports: Top 10 Products by HS Code
Vietnam’s import basket is broad and diversified, catering to industries ranging from electronics and construction to healthcare and food processing. Based on Vietnam import customs data and HS-code-wise analysis, the top imports in 2025 are as follows:
1. Electrical Machinery & Equipment (HS 85) – $116.54 Billion
Accounting for nearly 35% of total imports, electrical machinery tops the list. Integrated circuits, smartphones, electronic components, and telecom equipment drive this category, reflecting Vietnam’s rapid digitalization and electronics manufacturing growth.
2. Nuclear Reactors & Machinery (HS 84) – $29.10 Billion
Imports of industrial machinery support Vietnam’s energy projects, factories, and infrastructure expansion. This category is vital for productivity gains and industrial modernization.
3. Plastics & Articles Thereof (HS 39) – $16.48 Billion
Plastic resins and molded products are crucial inputs for packaging, automotive, construction, and consumer goods manufacturing.
4. Mineral Fuels & Oils (HS 27) – $16.03 Billion
Despite domestic production, Vietnam remains dependent on imported fuels to power transportation, logistics, and heavy industries.
5. Iron & Steel (HS 72) – $12.21 Billion
Steel imports support urbanization, industrial parks, and large infrastructure projects across the country.
6. Vehicles (HS 87) – $7.22 Billion
Growing incomes and urban mobility needs continue to push demand for cars, trucks, and specialized vehicles.
7. Optical, Medical & Surgical Instruments (HS 90) – $7.12 Billion
Healthcare modernization has driven steady growth in imports of diagnostic equipment and medical devices.
8. Knitted or Crocheted Fabrics (HS 60) – $6.68 Billion
Vietnam’s garment industry relies heavily on imported fabrics to sustain its export competitiveness.
9. Cereals (HS 10) – $4.79 Billion
Food security remains a priority, with cereal imports supplementing domestic agricultural output.
10. Cotton (HS 52) – $4.75 Billion
Cotton imports are essential for textile production, reinforcing Vietnam’s position as a global apparel exporter.
Vietnam Imports by Country: Top Trade Partners
An analysis of Vietnam imports by country reveals strong regional integration, particularly with East Asian economies. Proximity, supply-chain efficiency, and established trade agreements play a crucial role.
Top 10 Import Partners (2024–25)
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China – $144.3 billion (37.9%)
China remains Vietnam’s largest supplier, providing electronics, machinery, chemicals, and raw materials. -
South Korea – $79.7 billion (20.9%)
A critical source of semiconductors and electronics, largely driven by Korean FDI in Vietnam. -
Japan – $35.8 billion (9.4%)
Japan supplies high-value machinery, automotive components, and industrial equipment. -
Taiwan – $32 billion (8.4%)
Technology and machinery dominate imports from Taiwan. -
United States – $14.3 billion (3.8%)
Key imports include agricultural products, machinery, and technology goods. -
Thailand – $11.6 billion (3.1%)
Strong ASEAN trade ties support imports of food products and machinery. -
Malaysia – $7.3 billion (1.9%)
Electronics and chemical imports anchor bilateral trade. -
Indonesia – $5.8 billion (1.5%)
Energy and mineral imports define this partnership. -
India – $5.7 billion (1.5%)
Textiles, pharmaceuticals, and machinery dominate Indian exports to Vietnam. -
Australia – $4.5 billion (1.2%)
Agricultural and mineral products lead imports from Australia.
Together, these partners shape Vietnam’s supply chains and illustrate the evolving dynamics of Vietnam imports by country.
Top Import Companies in Vietnam (2024–25)
Vietnam’s import ecosystem is heavily influenced by multinational electronics manufacturers. According to the Vietnam Importers Database, the top importers include:
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Intel Vietnam – $9.9B
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Hanyang Vina – $8.5B
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Samsung Thai Nguyen – $7.9B
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Samsung HCMC – $5.0B
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Compal Vietnam – $2.9B
All top importers specialize in semiconductors, integrated circuits, and ICT components. China, South Korea, and Taiwan remain their dominant source countries, reinforcing Vietnam’s electronics-driven import structure.
Historical Vietnam Import Trends (2014–2025)
Over the past decade, Vietnam’s imports have more than doubled:
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2014: $147.83B
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2018: $236.86B
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2021: $330.75B
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2024: $379B
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2025 (5 months): $175.56B
This long-term growth reflects rising domestic demand, expanding industrial capacity, and deeper global integration.
Vietnam Import Trends and Outlook for 2025
Several key trends are shaping Vietnam imports in 2025:
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Electronics dominance driven by Samsung, Intel, and Apple suppliers
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Growth in intermediate goods, reinforcing Vietnam’s assembly-hub status
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Supply-chain diversification, reducing over-reliance on China
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Rising imports of EV components and renewable-energy equipment
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Stable growth in agriculture and food imports due to climate pressures
Despite tariff uncertainties in global markets, Vietnam continues to position itself as a resilient and strategic trade partner.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s import landscape in 2025 reflects a rapidly industrializing, export-driven economy with deep global linkages. From semiconductors and machinery to textiles and fuels, Vietnam import customs data highlights the country’s reliance on high-value industrial inputs. Strong partnerships with China, South Korea, Japan, and ASEAN countries continue to define Vietnam imports and exports, while diversification efforts open new opportunities.
For businesses seeking accurate insights, accessing verified Vietnam import data, shipment-level records, and importer databases is essential for informed decision-making. As Vietnam’s role in global trade expands, understanding its import dynamics will remain a key competitive advantage.