Vietnam imported US$32.29 million worth of pharmaceutical materials in August, a 14 percent decline from US$37.53 million in July, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year-to-date imports stood at US$328.41 million.
China dominated supply with US$26.63 million in August, equal to 75.6 percent of the total, though slightly lower than the previous month.
India followed at US$3.55 million, down 21.9 percent month-on-month but accounting for nearly 15 percent of imports.
Spain (US$300,776), France (US$292,160), and Switzerland (US$235,858) made up smaller shares, while Germany and Singapore posted moderate growth despite their limited contribution.
Of note, pharmaceuticals in Vietnam are shaped by strong demand, evolving regulations, and a growing domestic manufacturing base.
The country’s pharmaceutical market is one of the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia, driven by rising incomes, urbanisation, and an ageing population.
While foreign firms dominate patented drugs and high-end segments, local companies are expanding in generic production and traditional medicines.
Regulatory oversight has tightened in recent years with alignment to international standards, though challenges remain in intellectual property protection, clinical trials, and distribution.
Imports continue to play a key role, particularly from Europe and India, but the government is pushing localisation of production under its long-term healthcare development plans.
Investors face both opportunities in unmet healthcare needs and hurdles such as complex licensing and price controls.
The sector is seen as strategically important to Vietnam’s goal of universal healthcare and strengthening its domestic pharmaceutical industry.
Vietnam imports of pharmaceutical materials in August 2025 US$millions
| August | July | MoM | YTD | % of YTD | |
| Total | 32.29 | 37.53 | -13.97% | 328.41 | 100.00% |
| Other | 0.63 | 1.20 | -47.69% | 8.74 | 2.66% |
| China | 26.63 | 29.34 | -9.25% | 248.20 | 75.58% |
| India | 3.55 | 4.54 | -21.87% | 48.67 | 14.82% |
| Spain | 0.30 | 0.47 | -36.65% | 5.25 | 1.60% |
| France | 0.29 | 0.32 | -8.04% | 1.68 | 0.51% |
| Switzerland | 0.24 | 0.26 | -10.74% | 2.72 | 0.83% |
| Germany | 0.24 | 0.17 | 41.37% | 1.57 | 0.48% |
| Singapore | 0.17 | 0.10 | 64.84% | 1.34 | 0.41% |
| Italy | 0.14 | 0.74 | -80.71% | 4.15 | 1.26% |
| UK | 0.09 | 0.33 | -73.19% | 1.08 | 0.33% |
| South Korea | 0.02 | 0.05 | -55.91% | 2.83 | 0.86% |
| Austria | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00% | 1.34 | 0.41% |
| Thailand | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00% | 0.85 | 0.26% |