Vietnam Electronics Manufacturing: Industry Overview 2024

The electronics manufacturing industry in Vietnam has grown rapidly, becoming a key player in the global supply chain. With its strategic location in Southeast Asia, Vietnam offers competitive labour costs, a young and skilled workforce, and increasingly sophisticated infrastructure. The country has attracted significant investments from global electronics giants such as Samsung, LG, and Intel, which have established large production facilities here. As a result, electronics have become one of Vietnam’s top export sectors.

The government has supported this growth by implementing favourable policies, including tax incentives and investment in industrial zones. Additionally, Vietnam’s participation in various free trade agreements, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), has strengthened its position as a manufacturing hub. These agreements reduce tariffs, making Vietnam an attractive option for companies looking to diversify their production bases.

Despite its success, Vietnam faces challenges, including rising labour costs and competition from other manufacturing nations like Thailand and Malaysia. However, with continued investment in technology and a focus on innovation, Vietnam’s electronics manufacturing sector is poised to remain a critical part of its economy, driving export growth and contributing to overall economic development.

Electronics manufacturing in Vietnam in numbers

Vietnam’s electronics manufacturing industry is a key driver of the economy, supported by strong foreign investment and increasing export demand. 

Vietnam’s electronics market

Vietnam’s consumer electronics market is expected to generate approximately US$6.89 billion in revenue in 2024, with telephony standing out as the largest segment in this market, projected to reach a volume of US$4.18 billion this year. The market is also expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 2.16 percent from 2024 to 2029, according to estimates from Statista.

Revenue, key Vietnam electronics firms, US$millions, quarterly

Revenue, key Vietnam electronics firms, US$millions, annual

Vietnam’s electronics imports-exports

Vietnam’s electronics industry is heavily reliant on imports for components and finished products, but it also stands as a major exporter, particularly in high-demand segments like mobile devices, computers, and consumer electronics.

Vietnam electronics exports (ex. phones), November 2024, US$

Source: Vietnam Exports Tracker

Vietnam electronics imports (ex. phones), November 2024, US$

Source: Vietnam Imports Tracker

Vietnam electronics production

The Industrial Production Index (IPI) for electronic products, computers, and optical products rose by 6.33 percent in November compared to October, according to Vietnam’s General Statistics Office. Year-on-year, the industry recorded an 11.95 percent increase in November 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Cumulative growth over the first 11 months of 2024 reached 8.72 percent.

Vietnam Industrial Production Index, electronics manufacturing, September 2024

Major electronics manufacturers in Vietnam

Vietnam has become a major hub for electronics manufacturing, attracting global giants and driving the country’s industrial growth. Samsung is the largest electronics manufacturer in Vietnam, with total investments exceeding $20 billion. The company operates massive production complexes in Bac Ninh and Thai Nguyen provinces, where it produces a significant portion of its smartphones and electronic components for export worldwide. Samsung’s factories in Vietnam are responsible for nearly half of its global smartphone production.

LG Electronics is another major player, with substantial investments in Hai Phong, where it manufactures televisions, home appliances, and vehicle components. LG’s presence in Vietnam has helped the company expand its production base in Southeast Asia. Intel also has a strong footprint in Vietnam, operating a large chip assembly and testing facility in Ho Chi Minh City. This plant is Intel’s largest in the world and plays a critical role in the company’s global supply chain.

Panasonic and Foxconn (one of Apple’s key suppliers) also have significant operations in Vietnam, producing everything from consumer electronics to components for smartphones and other devices. Vietnam’s combination of skilled labour, competitive costs, and government support has attracted these electronics giants, making the country a crucial player in global electronics manufacturing.

Vietnam’s electronics manufacturing by Region

Vietnam’s electronics manufacturing is concentrated in three key regions, each playing a vital role in the country’s production and export of electronic goods.

The northern region, particularly Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen, and Hai Phong provinces, is the most prominent hub. This area is home to massive production complexes for global giants like Samsung, which operates two of its largest smartphone and electronics manufacturing plants here. LG also has a significant presence in Hai Phong, producing televisions and automotive components. The north benefits from its proximity to China, which aids in supply chain integration and logistics.

The central region is developing but has less manufacturing activity compared to the north and south. However, cities like Da Nang are growing in importance, with increased government efforts to attract investment through industrial parks and free trade zones.

The southern region, especially Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong province, is another vital area for electronics production. Intel’s largest chip assembly and testing facility is based in Ho Chi Minh City, playing a key role in global semiconductor manufacturing. This region is also home to numerous other electronics component manufacturers and assemblers, benefiting from its established industrial infrastructure and access to major seaports.

These regions, with their respective strengths, collectively drive Vietnam’s growth as a leading electronics manufacturing hub.

What’s next?

Vietnam has emerged as a major electronics manufacturing hub, attracting significant investments from global companies like Samsung, LG, and Intel. The northern region, particularly Bac Ninh and Thai Nguyen provinces, is the primary centre for production, responsible for nearly half of Samsung’s global smartphone output. The southern region, centred around Ho Chi Minh City, is home to Intel’s largest chip assembly plant, contributing to Vietnam’s growing role in the global semiconductor industry.

Government support, competitive labour costs, and participation in free trade agreements have further boosted the sector. Vietnam’s electronics exports now make up a huge portion of the country’s total exports, with growth expected to continue as more companies shift their production bases to the country. 

Despite challenges like rising labour costs, Vietnam remains a crucial player in global electronics supply chains and looks set to become even more pivotal in the near future. With this in mind, foreign electronics firms should make sure to keep up to date with Vietnam’s manufacturing industry by subscribing to the-shiv.