In the dynamic landscape of global trade, Vietnam has steadily emerged as a major economic hub in Southeast Asia. The country's continued economic growth, burgeoning industrial sector, and increasing consumer demand have made it a key player in international commerce. A central component of this economic activity lies in Vietnam imports, which serve as the lifeblood for industries ranging from electronics to construction and agriculture.

Overview of Vietnam Imports in 2024 and Early 2025

As per the latest Vietnam import data, the country imported goods worth $379 billion in 2024, marking a 7.2% year-on-year growth compared to 2023. This upward trend has extended into 2025, with imports in the first five months alone reaching $175.56 billion, a significant 17.4% increase over the same period last year.

This growth reflects Vietnam’s strengthening manufacturing base and rising domestic demand. A closer look into the data reveals that nearly 93.8% of the total imports were production materials—essential components for manufacturing and export industries.

Top Products Imported by Vietnam in 2025

According to Vietnam import data by HS code, the country's top import categories are diverse but notably industrial in nature. Leading the pack are:

1. Electrical Machinery and Equipment (HS Code 85): With a whopping $116.54 billion, this category alone accounts for nearly 35% of all imports. It includes integrated circuits, semiconductors, and components vital to electronics manufacturing.

2. Nuclear Reactors and Machinery (HS Code 84): Valued at $29.10 billion, these imports serve Vietnam's expanding industrial and infrastructure development needs.

3. Plastics and Related Articles (HS Code 39): With $16.48 billion worth of imports, plastics are used extensively in packaging, automotive, and consumer goods sectors.

4. Mineral Fuels and Oils (HS Code 27): Vietnam spent $16.03 billion to meet energy demands for its rapidly industrializing economy.

5. Iron and Steel (HS Code 72): Essential for construction, these imports totaled $12.21 billion, helping support Vietnam’s growing infrastructure.

Other significant categories include vehicles, medical instruments, fabrics, cereals, and cotton, showing the breadth of Vietnam’s import requirements.

Vietnam Imports by Country 2024 to 2025

An in-depth look at Vietnam imports by country uncovers the nations that are key trade partners. China continues to dominate, but there is also a visible push toward diversifying supply sources.

1. China – $144.3 Billion

China remains the top trade partner, accounting for nearly 38% of all imports. Vietnam imports a wide range of electronics, machinery, fabrics, and intermediate goods from its northern neighbor.

2. South Korea – $79.7 Billion

With a focus on electronics and technology, South Korea is the second-largest contributor to Vietnam imports by country. Samsung and other major players continue to deepen their manufacturing presence in Vietnam.

3. Japan – $35.8 Billion

Japan remains a key supplier, particularly in high-precision machinery and automotive components. Vietnam benefits from Japan’s quality technology for industrial applications.

4. Taiwan – $32 Billion

Taiwan's exports to Vietnam primarily consist of semiconductors, ICT components, and high-end machinery.

5. United States – $14.3 Billion

From machinery and electronics to agricultural products, the U.S. plays a vital role in supporting Vietnam’s diverse import needs.

Other significant countries contributing to Vietnam's imports include Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and Australia. These trade partnerships not only provide competitive options for sourcing but also enhance Vietnam's resilience in global supply chains.

Leading Import Companies in Vietnam

Vietnam’s import landscape is largely dominated by multinational corporations operating within the electronics and high-tech manufacturing sectors. According to Vietnam import data for 2024–25, the top importing companies include:

• Intel Vietnam: $9.9 billion (Integrated circuits, micro-assemblies)

• Hanyang Vina: $8.5 billion (Electronic components)

• Samsung Thai Nguyen & HCMC: Over $12.9 billion combined (Chips and electronic parts)

• Compal, FuyU, Luxshare, Fukang, Hana Micron, and Wistron round out the top 10.

All these companies are largely focused on high-tech imports such as semiconductors, circuits, and ICT parts. Most of their supply is sourced from China, South Korea, and Taiwan, which aligns with the country-level import trends.

Sectoral and Regional Import Insights

The production materials segment forms the bulk of Vietnam’s import structure, contributing over 93.6% of the total value in 2024. Major hubs for import processing and distribution include Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, and Hanoi—Vietnam’s main industrial and logistics gateways.

Electronics and computer components surged to over $107 billion in 2024, with demand expected to rise due to foreign direct investment from giants like Apple and Foxconn. Machinery, fabrics, steel, and plastics also saw double-digit growth, supporting both domestic consumption and re-export strategies.

Policy Impact on Vietnam Imports in 2025

Trade tensions and shifting global policies have also played a role in Vietnam’s import dynamics. In early 2025, the U.S. reinstated 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum from Vietnam, followed by a universal 10% baseline tariff and additional tariffs up to 46% on various product categories including electronics, furniture, and seafood. While some tariffs were reduced after bilateral negotiations, their effects have caused Vietnam to seek greater import diversification—especially from ASEAN countries and India.

Future Outlook for Vietnam Imports

Looking ahead to the second half of 2025 and beyond, several key trends are set to shape Vietnam imports:

• High-tech import demand will grow: Driven by expanding manufacturing capacities in semiconductors and electronics.

• Electric vehicle parts and green energy components: Expected to rise as Vietnam pushes toward sustainable development.

• Agricultural imports may increase: Due to unpredictable weather patterns affecting local yields.

• Supply chain diversification: Vietnam is reducing overdependence on China by enhancing trade with other Asian and Western nations.

These trends reflect Vietnam’s ambition to become not just a manufacturing hub but a key cog in the global supply chain.

Conclusion

Vietnam's role in global trade continues to expand, and Vietnam imports are a vital part of this transformation. From electronic components to industrial machinery, the breadth and depth of Vietnam’s import portfolio highlight its economic dynamism. With reliable Vietnam import data, businesses and policymakers can navigate the market more strategically, especially by analyzing Vietnam imports by country to identify new sourcing and partnership opportunities.

Whether you're a supplier, investor, or market analyst, understanding the nuances of Vietnam’s import trends is essential. As the country continues to integrate further into global trade networks, its import activity will remain a barometer of its industrial progress and economic potential.