Industry: Vietnam machines and tools imports jump 7.89 percent in May

Vietnam’s imports of machine, equipment, tools, and instruments reached US$5.32 billion in May 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a significant increase of 7.89 percent compared to April, bringing the year-to-date (YTD) import value to US$22.90 billion.

China maintains overwhelming dominance with strong growth:

China remained the primary source for these imports, with a May value of US$3.44 billion. This signifies a robust 6.72 percent increase from April and accounts for a commanding 63.07 percent of the total year-to-date imports.

South Korea shows significant growth, while Japan and USA decline:

Imports from South Korea surged by 23.62 percent to US$447.46 million in May. Conversely, imports from Japan decreased by 12.32 percent to US$387.89 million, and USA imports fell by 13.87 percent to US$87.42 million.

Extraordinary month-on-month surges from various markets:

Several countries exhibited remarkable month-on-month growth in May, often from lower bases:

• Russia recorded an astonishing surge of 582.55 percent, reaching US$6.04 million.
• France imports jumped by 246.29 percent, reaching US$60.13 million.
• Canada imports surged by 167.47 percent.
• Brazil saw a significant increase of 106.18 percent.
• Turkey imports grew by 84.05 percent.
• Ireland recorded a rise of 68.71 percent.
• Mexico saw a strong increase of 59.96 percent.
• Indonesia and Netherlands both experienced increases of over 44 percent.

Significant decreases in imports:

Conversely, some markets faced substantial declines in imports in May:

• UAE saw the largest drop of 96.88 percent.
• Ukraine imports decreased by 85.84 percent.
• Lithuania fell by 56.12 percent.
• Poland imports decreased by 34.30 percent.
• UK imports fell by 27.43 percent.
• Austria saw a decline of 25.35 percent.
• Finland, Sweden, and Czech Republic also experienced notable decreases.
• Belarus and Iceland recorded no imports in May after having imports in April.

The overall strong increase in May’s imports of machine, equipment, tools, and instruments indicates robust investment and industrial activity in Vietnam, driven predominantly by China’s continued supply and significant, albeit volatile, contributions from a wide range of global partners.

See also: Manufacturing in Vietnam 2025: Growth, Options & Other Key Considerations

Vietnam imports of machine, equipment, tools and instruments, May 2025, US$ millions