Machine and equipment imports for Vietnam, up 0.90 percent month-on-month in September, China and Japan top suppliers

Vietnam’s imports of machines, equipment, tools, and instruments increased 0.9 percent month-on-month to US$5.41 billion in September 2025, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.

For the first nine months of the year, total imports reached US$44.27 billion, reflecting Vietnam’s sustained industrial demand for manufacturing inputs.

China remained the largest supplier with US$3.40 billion, though down 2.18 percent from August.

Japan and South Korea followed at US$388.5 million and US$365.2 million, respectively.

Germany saw an 11.99 percent increase to US$147.9 million, while Taiwan rose 3.01 percent to US$133.9 million.

Notably, Canada surged 690.16 percent to US$27.6 million, Belgium rose 265.78 percent, and Russia jumped 437.66 percent, all from low bases.

Similarly, Vietnam’s exports of machinery, equipment, tools and instruments were also up in September, reaching US$5.6 billion, an increase of 8.1 percent from August, with shipments to the US rose 18.9 percent to US$2.25 billion, accounting for roughly 40 percent of the monthly total.

Of note, Vietnam’s machine, equipment, tools, and instruments industry plays a pivotal role in supporting the country’s manufacturing and industrialisation drive.

The sector supplies critical inputs for industries such as electronics, textiles, construction, and automotive manufacturing, while also serving as a key channel for technological transfer from foreign suppliers.

Domestic producers mainly focus on basic machinery and components, with limited capability in precision engineering or high-tech manufacturing.

Despite this, Vietnam’s dependence on imported machinery remains high, reflecting both strong investment activity and gaps in local production capacity.

Imports primarily come from China, Japan, South Korea, and Germany, which provide advanced equipment for industrial plants, energy projects, and production lines.

As Vietnam moves up the value chain, demand for more sophisticated machinery and automation systems is expected to rise, creating opportunities for both local manufacturers and foreign technology providers.

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