Vietnam has established itself as a key player in global trade, supported by its strategic location, broad trade agreement network, and competitive manufacturing base.
In 2026, exports remain a key driver of economic growth as the country continues to leverage its open economy and deep integration into global supply chains.
Vietnam exports a diverse range of goods, including electronics, garments, machinery, agricultural products, and seafood.
Major trade agreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have enhanced Vietnam’s preferential access to international markets and boosted trade volumes.
However, the country faces growing challenges in maintaining sustainable trade growth.
A global economic slowdown, inflation, and supply chain disruptions have impacted performance, while environmental pressures and over-reliance on external markets add further complexity.
Vietnam’s ability to adapt through market diversification and value-added industry development will shape its long-term resilience.
Vietnam’s free trade agreements
Vietnam’s participation in multiple free trade agreements, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, has significantly boosted its access to global markets.
These agreements, along with bilateral deals like the Vietnam-Korea Free Trade Agreement and Vietnam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, eliminate tariffs and enhance trade across sectors like electronics, textiles, and agriculture.
By fostering stronger trade ties with key partners in Asia, Europe, and beyond, Vietnam has positioned itself as a major player in global supply chains and increased its competitiveness in international markets.
See also: List of Vietnam’s Free Trade Agreements
Tariffs and trade barriers
Vietnam has steadily liberalised its trade regime over the past two decades, especially following its WTO accession in 2007 and the signing of numerous free trade agreements.
While tariffs have fallen across most product categories, businesses must still navigate a combination of tariff and non-tariff barriers, both within Vietnam and in key export markets.
Vietnam’s average tariff rates
Vietnam’s average applied Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff rate is approximately 9.5 percent, though this varies widely by product.
Under its free trade agreements—including the EVFTA, CPTPP, and RCEP—Vietnam offers preferential or zero-tariff access on a wide range of goods. For example:
- Many electronic components, machinery, and raw materials now enter duty-free
- Consumer goods and processed foods may still carry duties of 5 to 30 percent outside FTA coverage
- Agricultural products are subject to seasonal tariffs and protective measures in some cases
Vietnam also applies import VAT (typically 5 to 10 percent) and special consumption tax on selected goods such as alcohol, tobacco, and luxury vehicles.
Non-tariff barriers in Vietnam
Despite low tariffs under FTAs, Vietnam maintains non-tariff measures (NTMs) that affect importers:
- Labelling and language requirements for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals
- Pre-import licensing for certain industrial chemicals, medical equipment, and telecom devices
- Technical standards and conformity assessments, including product testing and safety certifications
- Quota systems for specific sensitive goods, such as sugar and salt
- Customs delays and documentation inconsistencies, particularly for high-value or regulated imports
Foreign firms often face challenges around regulatory transparency, especially in sectors such as health, agriculture, and telecoms.
See also: Vietnam Trade Barriers 2025: USTR Trade Estimates Report Key Findings
Key Vietnam trade bodies
Vietnam’s key trade bodies play a crucial role in regulating, promoting, and supporting the country’s trade activities.
These organisations are central to developing trade policies, facilitating international trade agreements, and providing support to businesses involved in exports and imports. Some of the key trade bodies in Vietnam include:
Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT)
This government body oversees national trade policies, manages import-export regulations, and facilitates international trade agreements.
MOIT is responsible for promoting Vietnam’s trade interests globally and ensuring compliance with international trade standards.
Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)
VCCI represents the business community and plays a vital role in promoting trade and investment.
It provides information, training, and consultancy services to businesses and acts as a bridge between the government and private enterprises.
VCCI also plays an active role in policy advocacy for trade development.
Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE)
Operating under MOIT, VIETRADE is dedicated to promoting Vietnam’s exports and trade relations globally.
It organises trade fairs, business delegations, and offers support for businesses to explore international markets.
General Department of Vietnam Customs
This body regulates and controls the flow of goods in and out of the country.
It ensures that Vietnam’s customs policies align with international standards and provides essential data and support for the trade sector.
Export Processing and Industrial Zones Authority (EPZ/IZ)
This agency is responsible for managing Vietnam’s export processing and industrial zones, which are critical hubs for foreign investment and trade.
These zones attract significant FDI and are key to the country’s manufacturing and export activities.
These trade bodies work collaboratively to strengthen Vietnam’s trade capabilities, facilitate investment, and promote the country’s integration into the global economy.
Trade logistics in Vietnam
Vietnam’s logistics sector plays a crucial role in supporting the country’s import and export activities, especially given its growing integration into global trade.
As Vietnam has developed into a manufacturing hub and key exporter in Southeast Asia, the logistics infrastructure has been expanding to meet the needs of its robust trade volume.
The country’s logistics industry encompasses transportation, warehousing, freight forwarding, and supply chain management services, all of which are vital for efficiently moving goods across borders.
See also: Logistics in Vietnam
Vietnam’s exports
Vietnam’s exports have become a cornerstone of the country’s economic growth, driven by its integration into global supply chains and a competitive manufacturing sector.
In 2025, Vietnam’s total export value reached US$475.04 billion, highlighting the importance of exports in maintaining economic stability.
The electronics sector, led by companies such as Samsung, remains the largest contributor to exports, with items such as mobile phones, computers, and electronic components dominating.
In addition, textiles and garments remain significant exports, benefiting from Vietnam’s competitive labour market and strong international demand.
Vietnam’s top exports
Vietnam exports a range of goods from all different industries. Some of its biggest exports are:
Electronics: Mobile phones, computers, and components
Vietnam’s electronics industry has become the country’s most important export sector, led by the production of mobile phones, computers, and electronic components.
This growth has been largely driven by foreign-invested manufacturers, most notably Samsung, which operates several massive facilities in northern Vietnam and accounts for a significant share of the country’s total export value.
The country serves as a major assembly and export hub for global electronics brands, benefiting from:
- Low labour costs
- A network of free trade agreements (FTAs)
- Strategic proximity to China and global shipping lanes
- A steadily improving logistics and infrastructure base
Vietnam is increasingly attracting diversified electronics investment, including in semiconductors, data servers, and solar components, further solidifying its position as a rising global technology manufacturing hub.
See also: Vietnam Electronics Manufacturing
Textiles and garments: Clothing and fabrics
Vietnam’s textile and garment industry is one of the country’s most established export sectors, contributing significantly to employment and foreign exchange earnings.
The industry is structured around a mix of foreign-invested manufacturers and large domestic firms such as Vinatex, producing:
- Cut-and-sew garments
- Knitwear and woven fabrics
- Technical textiles and workwear
- Fashion items for brands like Nike, H&M, Uniqlo, and Adidas
Vietnam’s participation in free trade agreements such as the CPTPP and EVFTA has enhanced its access to high-value markets, especially as buyers look to diversify sourcing away from China.
See also: Vietnam Garment Manufacturing
Footwear: Shoes and leather goods
Vietnam is one of the world’s largest footwear exporters, ranking second only to China.
The country produces a wide variety of shoes—including sports footwear, casual shoes, sandals, and leather goods—for major international brands such as Nike, Adidas, Puma, and Skechers.
The sector benefits from:
- A skilled and cost-competitive labour force
- Strong foreign direct investment from global shoe manufacturers
- Well-developed industrial clusters in provinces like Dong Nai, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City
- Duty-free access to key markets via FTAs such as EVFTA and CPTPP
Vietnam’s footwear supply chain includes not just assembly but also component manufacturing, such as soles, uppers, and synthetic materials.
See also: Vietnam Footwear Manufacturing
Agricultural products: Rice, coffee, rubber, tea, and cashews
Agriculture remains a vital pillar of Vietnam’s export economy, especially for rural employment and foreign exchange.
The country is a leading global supplier of several key tropical and industrial agricultural commodities, including rice, coffee, rubber, tea, cashews, and increasingly fruit.
Other major exports include:
- Cashews – Vietnam is the world’s largest exporter of processed cashew nuts, shipping mainly to the US and EU.
- Natural rubber – Used in tyres and industrial products, with exports to China, India, and the EU.
- Tea – Produced in northern provinces and exported primarily to China, Russia, and Pakistan.
- Fruits – Dragon fruit, mango, durian, and banana exports have grown, with strong demand from China and regional markets.
See also: Vietnam’s Agriculture Industry
Seafood: Shrimp, pangasius, and aquatic products
Vietnam is one of the world’s top seafood exporters, with the industry playing a central role in both its economy and rural livelihoods.
The country’s long coastline, extensive river systems, and favourable aquaculture conditions have enabled the growth of a large and diversified seafood sector.
Key exports include:
- Shrimp – Vietnam is one of the world’s largest shrimp exporters, with both black tiger and whiteleg shrimp farmed extensively in the Mekong Delta. Major markets include the US, EU, Japan, and South Korea.
- Pangasius (tra fish) – A low-cost white fish primarily exported to the US, China, and Europe, often used as a substitute for cod or tilapia.
- Other products – Tuna, squid, octopus, clams, and crabs round out the country’s aquatic export portfolio.
The US and EU remain key markets, though China has grown in importance in recent years.
See also: Vietnam Seafood Processing
Furniture: Wooden furniture and home décor
Vietnam has emerged as one of Asia’s leading exporters of wooden furniture, ranking among the top five globally.
The industry has become a vital part of the country’s non-electronics manufacturing base, driven by competitive costs, skilled craftsmanship, and growing international demand.
Vietnam supplies a wide range of products, including:
- Indoor furniture (beds, wardrobes, dining tables, chairs)
- Outdoor and garden furniture
- Kitchen cabinets and shelving
- Home décor items made of wood, bamboo, or rattan
See also: Vietnam Furniture Manufacturing
Vietnam’s imports
Vietnam’s imports play a critical role in supporting its rapidly growing economy, particularly its export-driven manufacturing sector.
The country relies heavily on imports of raw materials, machinery, and components to fuel its production of goods for both domestic consumption and export.
Key imports include electronics, machinery, chemicals, petroleum products, and textiles.
These imported goods are essential for Vietnam’s industrial base, especially in sectors such as electronics manufacturing, textiles, and heavy industry.
In 2025, Vietnam’s total import value reached US$455.01 billion, reflecting the country’s dependence on international supply chains.
Vietnam’s top imports
Vietnam imports a range of goods from all different industries. Some of its biggest imports are:
Electronics components
Vietnam’s booming electronics export sector relies heavily on the import of parts and components used in the assembly of mobile phones, computers, and a wide range of electronic devices.
These imports form the backbone of the country’s high-tech manufacturing supply chain.
Key imported components include:
- Semiconductors and integrated circuits
- Printed circuit boards (PCBs)
- Camera modules and displays
- Batteries, sensors, and connectors
- Memory chips and storage drives
Machinery and equipment
Vietnam imports a wide range of industrial machinery, construction equipment, and production tools, which are essential for its fast-growing manufacturing base and ambitious infrastructure projects.
These capital goods enable domestic firms and foreign-invested enterprises to expand capacity, improve efficiency, and modernise production lines.
Key imported machinery categories include:
- CNC machines, injection moulding systems, and textile machinery
- Construction equipment such as cranes, excavators, and concrete mixers
- Packaging, bottling, and food processing machines
- Energy-related equipment for power plants and renewable projects
- Automation systems and robotics for high-tech manufacturing
Fabrics and textiles
Vietnam’s thriving garment and textile export sector is heavily reliant on the import of raw materials, particularly fabrics, yarns, and dyes, which serve as the foundation for its global clothing production.
Although Vietnam is a leading exporter of finished garments, it imports over 80 percent of its fabric needs, making upstream textile supply one of the industry’s key structural weaknesses.
Primary imported materials include:
- Woven and knitted fabrics (cotton, polyester, synthetic blends)
- Dyed and finished textiles
- Sewing threads and yarns
- Functional fabrics for sportswear and technical garments
See also: Vietnam’s Fabric Manufacturing Industry: Key Products, Trends & Imports
Petroleum and refined oil products
Vietnam imports substantial volumes of petroleum and refined oil products to meet its energy demands across transport, manufacturing, and household use.
Although the country has domestic oil fields and two major refineries (Dung Quat and Nghi Son), domestic output is not sufficient to cover national consumption, especially during periods of refinery maintenance or global price volatility.
Key imported petroleum products include:
- Refined gasoline and diesel
- Jet fuel and aviation kerosene
- Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
- Fuel oil for industrial boilers and power generation
See also: Vietnam Petroleum Industry: Consumption, Trade & Key Players
Chemicals
Vietnam relies heavily on the import of chemicals to support a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and construction to agriculture, healthcare, and consumer goods.
These imports form a critical part of the country’s supply chain for both export production and domestic consumption.
Key imported chemical categories include:
- Industrial chemicals – Used in electronics, plastics, textiles, and construction (e.g. solvents, acids, adhesives, surfactants)
- Agricultural chemicals – Fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides critical for Vietnam’s intensive crop production
- Pharmaceutical chemicals – Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, and reagents for drug manufacturing
- Specialty and fine chemicals – Including dyes, pigments, coatings, cleaning agents, and cosmetic ingredients
- Petrochemicals and polymers – Feedstocks for plastic, rubber, and synthetic textile manufacturing
See also: Vietnam’s Chemical Industry: Growth, Key Players, Products & More
Plastics and plastic products
Vietnam imports large volumes of plastic resins and intermediate plastic materials to support its growing plastics processing and packaging industries.
These materials are used across a wide range of sectors, including electronics, automotive, construction, textiles, and consumer goods.
Key imported plastic inputs include:
- Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
- Engineering plastics for electronics and automotive components
- Plastic film, sheets, and packaging materials
See also: Vietnam Plastics Industry: Growth, Key Players, Products
Metals and steel
Vietnam imports substantial quantities of iron, steel, and other industrial metals to support its infrastructure development and fast-expanding manufacturing sector.
These materials are used in everything from civil construction and real estate to shipbuilding, machinery production, and industrial equipment.
Key imported metals include:
- Iron and flat-rolled steel products – For use in buildings, bridges, and machinery frames
- Steel billets, coils, and sheets – Inputs for Vietnam’s domestic re-rolling and fabrication sector
- Aluminium – Used in construction, packaging, and transport manufacturing
- Copper – Critical for electrical wiring, electronics, and renewable energy projects
- Stainless steel and alloyed steel – For high-strength and corrosion-resistant applications
Automotive parts and vehicles
Vietnam imports a wide range of automobiles, motorbikes, and automotive components, serving both growing consumer demand and the needs of local assembly plants.
While domestic production has increased, especially for motorbikes and some passenger cars, the country remains heavily dependent on imported completely built units (CBUs) and auto parts for various market segments.
Key imports include:
- Passenger vehicles – Mid- to high-end sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles (EVs)
- Commercial vehicles – Trucks, buses, and vans for logistics and transport
- Motorbikes and scooters – Premium or specialised models not locally assembled
- Automotive components – Engines, gearboxes, brake systems, lighting, electronics, tyres, and body panels
See also: Vietnam’s Automotive Industry
Pharmaceutical products
Vietnam imports a broad range of pharmaceutical products to meet growing domestic healthcare demand, especially for high-value, patented drugs and specialised treatments not produced locally.
While domestic pharma manufacturing is expanding, the country remains heavily reliant on imports for both finished medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Key imported products include:
- Branded and generic prescription drugs
- Vaccines and biologics
- Cancer treatments and cardiovascular medicines
- Antibiotics, antivirals, and chronic disease therapies
- Medical consumables – bandages, syringes, gloves, and surgical supplies
See also: Vietnam’s Pharmaceuticals Industry
Regional trade comparisons
Thailand
Thailand’s export growth has slowed in recent years as production costs rise and foreign investors shift labour-intensive manufacturing to Vietnam.
While Thailand still has a more diversified industrial base, Vietnam now attracts more export-oriented FDI and outperforms it in total export growth.
Learn more about trade in Thailand→
Malaysia
Malaysia remains strong in electronics and petroleum exports, with higher technological sophistication than Vietnam.
However, Vietnam has surpassed Malaysia in overall export expansion and manufacturing investment, reflecting its lower costs and broader trade agreements.
Indonesia
Indonesia’s trade relies heavily on commodities such as coal, palm oil, and nickel, which are more volatile than Vietnam’s manufactured exports.
Although Indonesia earns larger raw material surpluses, Vietnam’s diversified industrial exports generate more stable growth and stronger global supply chain links.
Learn more about trade in Indonesia→
Philippines
The Philippines focuses on electronics assembly and service exports, particularly IT and business process outsourcing.
In contrast, Vietnam’s advantage lies in tangible goods manufacturing and trade surpluses, while the Philippines continues to record consistent trade deficits.
Explore trade in the Philippines→
Singapore
Singapore acts primarily as a logistics and re-export hub, with trade volumes far exceeding its domestic output.
Vietnam differs by being a production base rather than a redistribution centre, giving it more control over value creation in exports.
FAQ: Trade in Vietnam
These are some of the commonly asked questions about trade in Vietnam.
Why do so many firms manufacture in Vietnam?
Vietnam is a popular place to manufacture because of its strategic location, many free trade agreements, and strong manufacturing sector.
What are Vietnam’s biggest exports?
Vietnam’s biggest exports are electronics, clothing, shoes, agricultural products (like rice and coffee), and seafood.
What are Vietnam’s biggest imports?
Vietnam’s biggest imports are electronics parts, machinery, fabrics, petroleum, and chemicals.
What free trade agreements is Vietnam a part of?
Vietnam is a member of 17 free trade agreements, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), among many others.
Outlook for trade in Vietnam
The future of Vietnam’s trade outlook remains promising, driven by the country’s strong integration into global supply chains and participation in multiple free trade agreements.
Vietnam is expected to continue benefiting from its competitive manufacturing sectors, particularly in electronics, textiles, and agriculture.
Ongoing improvements in infrastructure and logistics will likely support trade efficiency, while digital transformation may enhance the competitiveness of various industries.
However, Vietnam’s trade future will also depend on navigating global challenges such as economic slowdowns, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions.
Diversifying export markets, reducing dependence on key partners, and managing environmental and sustainability concerns will be crucial to ensuring steady trade growth.
With the right policies in place, Vietnam has the potential to further solidify its role as a significant player in international trade.
That said, Vietnam’s trade environment is dynamic and prone to change quickly. With this in mind, foreign firms conducting import-export business in Vietnam should make sure to keep up with the latest trade developments by subscribing to the-shiv.
First published October 2, 2024. Last updated February 7, 2026.