In today’s fast-evolving global economy, Vietnam imports are playing a central role in shaping the country's industrial and consumer landscape. With Vietnam's economy growing rapidly and global investors increasingly eyeing the country as a regional production and consumption hub, analyzing import trends has become essential for businesses, policymakers, and investors.

According to the latest Vietnam import export data, the country imported goods worth $379 billion in 2024, marking a 7.2% increase year-over-year. The momentum has continued into 2025, with imports totaling $175.56 billion in just the first five months, reflecting a sharp 17.4% growth from the previous year.

This article explores the most recent trends, top imported products, leading trade partners, and the most prominent import companies that define Vietnam’s import economy.

Vietnam’s Major Imports: What the Country Is Buying

Vietnam’s import profile is diverse, reflecting its transition from an agricultural economy to a global manufacturing and consumer powerhouse. A significant portion of Vietnam imports is driven by the need for production materials, electronics, and machinery to support both domestic consumption and its burgeoning export industries.

As per 2025 data, production materials accounted for 93.8% of all imports, valued at $164.75 billion. Here are the top 10 imported product categories by HS code:

1. Electrical Machinery & Equipment (HS 85) – $116.54 billion (34.79%)

2. Nuclear Reactors & Machinery (HS 84) – $29.10 billion (8.69%)

3. Plastics and Articles (HS 39) – $16.48 billion (4.92%)

4. Mineral Fuels & Oils (HS 27) – $16.03 billion (4.79%)

5. Iron and Steel (HS 72) – $12.21 billion (3.65%)

6. Vehicles (HS 87) – $7.22 billion (2.16%)

7. Medical & Optical Instruments (HS 90) – $7.12 billion (2.13%)

8. Knitted Fabrics (HS 60) – $6.68 billion (2%)

9. Cereals (HS 10) – $4.79 billion (1.43%)

10. Cotton (HS 52) – $4.75 billion (1.42%)

This heavy emphasis on electronics and machinery highlights Vietnam’s critical position in the global manufacturing supply chain, especially in electronics, ICT, textiles, and renewable energy.

Vietnam Imports by Country: Who Supplies Vietnam?

Understanding Vietnam imports by country gives vital context to its international relationships and trade dependencies. As per Vietnam import export data from 2024–25, the top 10 countries that supply imports to Vietnam include a mix of regional giants and global powers:

1. China – $144.3 billion (37.9%)

2. South Korea – $79.7 billion (20.9%)

3. Japan – $35.8 billion (9.4%)

4. Taiwan – $32 billion (8.4%)

5. United States – $14.3 billion (3.8%)

6. Thailand – $11.6 billion (3.1%)

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%)

China remains Vietnam’s largest import partner by a wide margin. However, South Korea and Taiwan are rapidly increasing their share, especially in high-tech sectors. Japan and the U.S. remain strategic partners, supplying everything from machinery to agricultural goods.

This evolving list of partners reflects Vietnam’s diversification strategy, which is focused on reducing over-reliance on any single country, particularly China.

Top Importers in Vietnam: Who’s Leading the Charge?

Large multinational corporations with manufacturing bases in Vietnam are among the country’s largest importers. According to the Vietnam Importers Database 2024-25, the top 10 importers include major players in the electronics and semiconductor sectors:

Rank Company 2024 Import Value Key Products Main Source Countries

1 Intel Vietnam $9.9 billion Micro-assemblies, circuits China, S. Korea, Taiwan

2 Hanyang Vina $8.5 billion Electronic components China, S. Korea

3 Samsung Thai Nguyen $7.9 billion Chips, micro-assemblies China, S. Korea

4 Samsung HCMC $5 billion Electronic parts China, S. Korea

5 Compal Vietnam $2.9 billion ICT parts, semiconductors China, S. Korea

6 FuyU Tech $2.1 billion ICT assemblies, circuits China, S. Korea

7 Luxshare Van Trung $1.7 billion Circuit boards, electronics China, S. Korea

8 Fukang Tech $1.7 billion Electronics, components China, S. Korea

9 Hana Micron $1.6 billion Semiconductors China, S. Korea

10 Wistron Vietnam $1.6 billion ICT parts, circuits China, S. Korea

These importers are integral to Vietnam’s rise as a regional manufacturing and export hub for electronics, telecom, and semiconductors.

Key Vietnam Import Trends to Watch in 2025

Several trends are shaping the landscape of Vietnam imports in 2025:

1. Electronics Dominate: Imports of computers, electronic parts, and semiconductors surged to over $107 billion in 2024, a 21.7% increase from the previous year.

2. Infrastructure and Industrial Demand: Vietnam’s ongoing push to build modern infrastructure and high-tech manufacturing plants is driving strong import demand for machinery, metals, and fuels.

3. Diversification Strategy: Vietnam is reducing dependence on China by increasing imports from ASEAN nations, India, and the EU.

4. Intermediate Goods: A High volume of imports in parts and assemblies reflects Vietnam's growing role as a global assembly hub.

5. Green Imports Rising: Imports of renewable energy equipment and electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction, aligning with Vietnam’s sustainability goals.

U.S. Tariffs and Impact on Vietnam Imports

In 2025, new U.S. tariff measures created ripple effects across Vietnam’s trade ecosystem. In February, 25% tariffs were reinstated on Vietnamese steel and aluminum. By April, broader 10% tariffs were implemented across most Vietnamese goods, followed by a short-lived 46% “reciprocal” tariff.

This disrupted sectors like textiles, electronics, furniture, and solar panels, the latter hit with a staggering 396%–800% duty. Ongoing negotiations in mid-2025 aimed to de-escalate tensions, but the volatility highlights the sensitivity of Vietnam’s trade flows to international policy shifts.

Vietnam Imports Over the Years: A 10-Year Growth Snapshot

Year Import Value ($)

2014 $147.83 billion

2015 $165.77 billion

2016 $174.97 billion

2017 $213.21 billion

2018 $236.86 billion

2019 $253.44 billion

2020 $261.30 billion

2021 $330.75 billion

2022 $358.78 billion

2023 $325.44 billion

2024 $379 billion

2025 (Jan–May) $175.56 billion

This consistent upward trajectory illustrates how Vietnam’s economic transformation has driven import growth across all sectors.

Conclusion

The latest Vietnam import export data underscores how vital Vietnam imports have become to the country's economic development and global integration. With a growing reliance on high-tech inputs, diversified sourcing, and resilient demand from industrial sectors, Vietnam presents promising opportunities for global exporters and investors.

For stakeholders looking to engage with the Vietnamese market—whether as suppliers, logistics partners, or policymakers—staying up-to-date with Vietnam imports by country and sector-specific trends is crucial. Tools like the Vietnam Importers Database and live shipment data tracking offer actionable insights into one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies.