In today’s fast-evolving global economy, Vietnam has emerged as one of Asia’s most dynamic trading nations. With rapid industrialization, strong foreign direct investment (FDI), and expanding manufacturing capabilities, the country continues to strengthen its position in international trade. Recent Vietnam import data reveals that the nation’s total imports reached $379 billion in 2024, marking a 7.2% year-on-year increase.

As the 20th largest importer globally, Vietnam’s trade structure reflects its transformation into a high-tech manufacturing and export hub. In the first five months of 2025 alone, imports totaled $175.56 billion, rising 17.4% compared to the same period last year. Production materials accounted for over 93% of total imports, highlighting Vietnam’s dependence on intermediate goods for its export-driven economy.

This comprehensive analysis explores vietnam imports, top import categories, vietnam imports by country, major importers, tariff developments, and emerging trends shaping the country’s trade landscape in 2025.

Overview of Vietnam’s Import Growth (2014–2025)

Over the past decade, Vietnam’s import performance has shown consistent growth, interrupted only slightly during global economic slowdowns.

  • 2014: $147.83 billion

  • 2018: $236.86 billion

  • 2021: $330.75 billion

  • 2022: $358.78 billion

  • 2024: $379 billion

  • 2025 (first 5 months): $175.56 billion

The surge in vietnam imports is largely fueled by manufacturing expansion, rising domestic consumption, and integration into global supply chains. According to official vietnam trade data, industrial feedstocks dominate the import structure, reinforcing Vietnam’s role as an assembly hub for electronics, textiles, and machinery.

Top 10 Vietnam Imports by HS Code (2024–25)

Vietnam’s import basket is diverse but heavily concentrated in industrial and technology-driven products. Based on vietnam customs data, the top import categories include:

1. Electrical Machinery & Equipment (HS Code 85) – $116.54 Billion

Accounting for nearly 35% of total imports, this category includes integrated circuits, semiconductors, and telecom equipment. The electronics sector remains the backbone of Vietnam’s industrial expansion.

2. Nuclear Reactors & Machinery (HS Code 84) – $29.10 Billion

Machinery imports support manufacturing, infrastructure, and industrial automation.

3. Plastics & Articles Thereof (HS Code 39) – $16.48 Billion

Plastic resins and materials are vital for packaging, electronics, and automotive industries.

4. Mineral Fuels & Oils (HS Code 27) – $16.03 Billion

Energy imports remain essential for industrial production and transport.

5. Iron & Steel (HS Code 72) – $12.21 Billion

Steel imports drive construction and infrastructure development.

6. Vehicles (HS Code 87) – $7.22 Billion

Vehicle imports reflect growing consumer demand and automotive assembly operations.

7. Optical & Medical Instruments (HS Code 90) – $7.12 Billion

Healthcare modernization continues to push demand for medical equipment.

8. Knitted or Crocheted Fabrics (HS Code 60) – $6.68 Billion

Supports Vietnam’s garment export sector.

9. Cereals (HS Code 10) – $4.79 Billion

Ensures food security and supply diversification.

10. Cotton (HS Code 52) – $4.75 Billion

Essential for textile and apparel exports.

The dominance of electronics and machinery highlights how vietnam imports are deeply aligned with export-oriented production rather than consumer-led demand.

Vietnam Imports by Country: Top Trade Partners

Understanding vietnam imports by country is critical for businesses seeking to enter the Vietnamese supply chain. Vietnam maintains diversified trade relationships across Asia, North America, and Oceania.

China – $144.3 Billion (37.9%)

China remains Vietnam’s largest supplier, providing electronics components, machinery, and industrial materials.

South Korea – $79.7 Billion (20.9%)

A major source of semiconductors and advanced manufacturing inputs.

Japan – $35.8 Billion (9.4%)

Supplies automotive components, industrial machinery, and high-tech equipment.

Taiwan – $32 Billion (8.4%)

Strong contributor to electronics and semiconductor imports.

United States – $14.3 Billion (3.8%)

Agricultural goods, machinery, and advanced technologies.

Thailand – $11.6 Billion (3.1%)

Food products, chemicals, and auto parts.

Malaysia – $7.3 Billion (1.9%)

Electronics and petrochemical supplies.

Indonesia – $5.8 Billion (1.5%)

Energy and mineral imports.

India – $5.7 Billion (1.5%)

Pharmaceuticals, textiles, and machinery.

Australia – $4.5 Billion (1.2%)

Agricultural products and raw materials.

The structure of vietnam imports by country demonstrates heavy reliance on regional Asian supply chains, though diversification efforts toward ASEAN, India, and Western markets are growing steadily.

Top Importers in Vietnam (2024–25)

The electronics and semiconductor sectors dominate the list of Top importers in Vietnam, reflecting the country’s central role in global tech supply chains.

Leading companies 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

  • FuyU Tech – $2.1 billion

  • Luxshare Van Trung – $1.7 billion

  • Fukang Tech – $1.7 billion

  • Hana Micron – $1.6 billion

  • Wistron Vietnam – $1.6 billion

These firms primarily import semiconductors, integrated circuits, and ICT components from China, South Korea, and Taiwan.

The strong presence of multinational corporations indicates how vietnam imports are closely tied to FDI-driven manufacturing ecosystems.

Sector Composition of Vietnam Imports (2024)

According to official vietnam trade data, production materials accounted for over 93% of imports in 2024. Major categories exceeding $10 billion include:

  • Electronics, computers & components – $107.1 billion

  • Machinery & spare parts – $48.9 billion

  • Fabrics – $14.9 billion

  • Iron & steel – $12.6 billion

  • Plastics – $11.8 billion

The data clearly shows that Vietnam’s economy is fueled by intermediate goods rather than finished consumer products. This reinforces the importance of monitoring Vietnam import data for supply chain planning.

Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Vietnam (2025)

Trade tensions have influenced Vietnam’s import and export flows. In 2025, the United States reinstated 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum and introduced additional reciprocal tariffs on Vietnamese goods.

These developments have prompted Vietnam to diversify sourcing channels and strengthen regional partnerships. As a result, vietnam imports by country are gradually expanding toward ASEAN and European suppliers.

Emerging Trends in Vietnam Imports (2024–25)

1. Electronics & Semiconductor Expansion

Foreign-invested enterprises continue expanding production, driving high-tech component imports.

2. Infrastructure Development

Machinery and steel imports remain strong due to energy and transportation projects.

3. Renewable Energy Equipment Growth

Vietnam’s green transition is increasing imports of solar panels and related technologies.

4. EV & Automotive Parts Demand

Electric vehicle components and auto parts imports are projected to rise significantly.

5. Supply Chain Diversification

Vietnam is actively reducing overdependence on a single market, particularly China.

These trends suggest continued growth in vietnam imports over the next few years.

Import Hubs and Logistics Infrastructure

Vietnam’s import flows are concentrated in major economic centers:

  • Ho Chi Minh City

  • Hai Phong

  • Hanoi

Modern ports and logistics facilities support efficient cargo handling and customs clearance. Reliable vietnam customs data enables businesses to track shipment patterns and identify potential partners.

Why Vietnam Import Data Matters for Businesses

Access to updated Vietnam import data provides critical insights for:

  • Identifying high-demand product categories

  • Evaluating competitor sourcing strategies

  • Discovering potential buyers and distributors

  • Monitoring tariff impacts

  • Tracking changes in vietnam imports by country

For exporters targeting Vietnam, understanding detailed vietnam trade data improves market entry planning and pricing strategies.

Key Highlights of Vietnam’s Import Landscape (2024–25)

  • Total imports reached $379 billion in 2024

  • Electronics remain the largest import category

  • China, South Korea, and Japan lead trade partnerships

  • Production materials dominate import composition

  • High-tech imports continue rising

  • Diversification beyond China is accelerating

These factors position Vietnam as a strategic hub within global manufacturing networks.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s import performance in 2024–25 reflects its ongoing transformation into a high-value manufacturing powerhouse. The steady rise in vietnam imports underscores strong industrial demand, infrastructure development, and deep integration into global supply chains.

With diversified sourcing strategies and expanding trade partnerships, vietnam imports by country show increasing resilience and adaptability amid global uncertainties. Electronics, machinery, plastics, and industrial materials continue to dominate the import structure, reinforcing Vietnam’s export-driven economic model.

For global businesses, closely monitoring Vietnam import data, leveraging reliable vietnam customs data, and analyzing vietnam trade data are essential steps toward identifying growth opportunities. As the country advances toward technological modernization and supply chain diversification, Vietnam’s import market will remain one of the most dynamic and opportunity-rich landscapes in Asia.