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With total export value reaching US$254 billion in H1/2025, Vietnam now stands among the world’s most competitive and trusted manufacturing hubs. Read the article for full insights into the best products to import from Vietnam.
Best products to import from Vietnam: What is Vietnam's top export?
The best products to import from Vietnam are electronics and electrical machinery.
According to the latest TradeInt Global Trade Data, Vietnam’s export landscape in 2025 has shifted rapidly, worth US$87.56 billion in export value within H1 2025, toward high-value, technology-oriented products, positioning the country as a global electronics manufacturing hub rather than solely a textile exporter.
What is the best product to import from Vietnam?
Vietnam top 10 export products in first half of 2025:
- HS 85 – Electrical machinery & equipment: US$87.57B: Vietnam’s largest export category, driven by electronics, telecommunications equipment, imaging devices, and electrical components used across global supply chains.
- HS 84 – Machinery & mechanical appliances: US$34.48B: Covers industrial machinery, mechanical equipment, and parts, reflecting Vietnam’s growing role in global manufacturing and industrial production.
- HS 64 – Footwear: US$13.73B: A traditional export strength, supplying shoes and related products to major markets such as the US, EU, and Asia.
- HS 61 – Knitted or crocheted garments: US$8.93B: Includes apparel and accessories produced for international fashion and retail brands.
- HS 62 – Non-knitted apparel & clothing accessories: US$8.37B: Strong performance in woven garments, supporting Vietnam’s position as a key global textile exporter.
- HS 39 – Plastics & related products: US$8.36B: Encompasses plastic materials and manufactured plastic goods used in packaging, construction, and industrial applications.
- HS 94 – Furniture, bedding & lighting: US$7.78B: Driven by wooden furniture, mattresses, and interior products exported mainly to North America and Europe.
- HS 09 – Coffee, tea, spices: US$6.20B: Agricultural exports led by coffee, reinforcing Vietnam’s position as one of the world’s top coffee exporters.
- HS 08 – Edible fruits & nuts: US$4.79B: Includes fresh and processed fruits and nuts, benefiting from rising global demand for tropical produce.
- HS 72 – Steel: US$4.25B: Reflects steady exports of steel and semi-finished products supporting construction and industrial sectors worldwide.
| Rank | HS Code | Product Description | Export Value (US$) | Share % | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HS 85 | Motors, electrical equipment; recorders/players; telecommunications & imaging | 87,565,888,859 | 34.44% | 🔒 Unlock Vietnam Trade Data 2025 |
| 2 | HS 84 | Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, mechanical appliances | 34,476,892,538 | 13.56% | |
| 3 | HS 64 | Footwear, leggings, similar articles | 13,726,134,850 | 5.40% | |
| 4 | HS 61 | Knitted or crocheted garments and accessories | 8,932,515,958 | 3.51% | |
| 5 | HS 62 | Non-knitted apparel & clothing accessories | 8,371,202,409 | 3.29% | |
| 6 | HS 39 | Plastics and related products | 8,358,666,508 | 3.29% | |
| 7 | HS 94 | Furniture, mattresses, bedding, lamps, signs | 7,779,599,355 | 3.06% | |
| 8 | HS 09 | Coffee, tea, yerba mate, spices | 6,201,155,610 | 2.44% | |
| 9 | HS 08 | Edible fruits & nuts, citrus peel | 4,793,683,738 | 1.89% | |
| 10 | HS 72 | Steel | 4,248,183,722 | 1.67% |
Overall, the table summarizes Vietnam’s export structure in H1 2025, showing a strong concentration in electronics and machinery, supported by textiles, footwear, furniture, plastics, and agricultural products as key secondary export pillars.
International Trade Solution for Global
TradeInt supports importers by helping them:
Why import from Vietnam?
1. Cost-efficient production with consistent quality
One of the most immediate advantages of sourcing the best products to import from Vietnam is the ability to achieve lower production costs without compromising on manufacturing standards. This is a rare combination in today’s global trade environment.
What makes Vietnam cost-competitive?
- Labor costs remain significantly lower than China and other regional competitors, approximately 1/3 of China’s average wages, while wage growth has remained relatively stable and predictable.
- Competitive manufacturing rates across sectors like electronics, apparel, furniture, and food processing translate directly into better margins for importers.
- Favorable exchange rate dynamics can further improve cost structures, especially for buyers dealing in USD, EUR, or GBP.
What this means for your business:
- Higher profit margins – Lower landed costs allow you to price more competitively or retain greater margins.
- Stable pricing structures – Predictable labor costs and manufacturing rates reduce the risk of sudden price volatility.
- Scalability without cost penalties – Whether you’re ordering 5,000 units or 500,000, Vietnam’s industrial capacity supports flexible production scaling without disproportionate cost increases.
Cost-effectiveness in Vietnam is about achieving a profitable cost-to-quality ratio. Vietnamese manufacturers have invested heavily in training, equipment, and certifications, meaning you’re getting ISO-certified, internationally compliant products at prices that still undercut many competing markets.
2. Manufacturing capabilities across major export industries
Vietnam remains a world-class textile and apparel hub.
Yet, in recent years, the country’s biggest export category is electronics and electrical machinery (HS 85), valued at US$87.56 billion in H1/2025 alone. This growth has been driven by major multinational investments from Samsung, LG, Intel, Foxconn, and Nokia, alongside emerging Vietnamese OEMs.
Which Vietnam export categories are most attractive for importers?
- Electronics & Electrical Machinery – Smartphones, circuit boards, semiconductors, consumer electronics
- Textiles & Apparel – From basic cotton t-shirts to technical activewear requiring advanced stitching
- Footwear – Athletic shoes, casual footwear, luxury leather goods
- Furniture & Wood Products – Sustainable bamboo, FSC-certified hardwood, modern and vintage designs
- Plastics & Packaging – Injection molding, recycled plastics, eco-friendly alternatives
- Agricultural Products – Coffee (2nd largest exporter globally), rice (2nd largest exporter), seafood, tropical fruits, spices
The diversity of Vietnam’s manufacturing base means you can consolidate sourcing with fewer suppliers or countries. If you’re importing multiple product categories, Vietnam allows you to streamline logistics, reduce supplier management complexity, and potentially negotiate better terms across product lines.
Vietnam stands out for diversifying export profiles by combining skilled human craftsmanship (precision sewing, cutting, finishing, assembly) with modern automation (computerized embroidery, seamless knitting, robotic component processing). This hybrid model supports:
- Large-volume standardized production (e.g., Uniqlo basics)
- Specialized or custom orders (e.g., technical activewear for Nike)
- Fast adjustments to shifting market trends
As a result, the best products to import from Vietnam for most importers are electronics and electrical machinery, followed by textiles and apparel, footwear, furniture and wood products, plastics and packaging, and agricultural exports, where Vietnam combines scale, reliability, and competitive production.
3. Large and increasingly skilled workforce
Vietnam’s labor advantage goes beyond cost. The country benefits from one of Asia’s youngest and most dynamic workforces, with its working-age population projected to reach around 69 million by 2025, part of a total population nearing 101–102 million.
- Large working-age workforce: Vietnam employs 51.9 million people as of Q1 2025, providing a broad and stable labor base for manufacturing.
- High employment level: Strong workforce participation supports consistent production capacity and supply continuity.
- Growing skills base: 28.8% of workers are trained, reflecting steady improvements in technical and industrial capabilities.
- Impact on product reliability: A larger, more skilled workforce enables better quality control, process consistency, and scalable export production.
What strengthens this workforce:
- Expanding technical education programs aligned with export industries (garment technology, electronics assembly, food processing)
- Vocational training partnerships with multinational corporations (Samsung, Intel, Nike) that upskill workers in specialized production techniques
- Growing experience in high-precision work – Whether it’s micro-components for smartphones or complex stitching for performance apparel, Vietnamese workers are trusted for reliability and consistency
A skilled workforce means fewer quality issues, lower defect rates, and faster turnaround times. When you’re importing products that require precision, Vietnam’s trained labor pool delivers consistency to global brands’ demand.
4. Strategic location and established logistics network
Vietnam’s geographic positioning is a logistics dream for importers targeting multiple markets simultaneously.
Key logistics advantages:
- 1,900-mile coastline with 44 international seaports (out of 320 total ports), offering a combined capacity of 470-500 million tons annually
- Strong air cargo infrastructure for time-sensitive shipments
- Road and rail connectivity linking production zones directly to ports and borders
- Central access to ASEAN markets, China, Europe, and the Americas
Furthermore, major logistics players like Maersk, DHL, UPS, Kuehne + Nagel, Schenker, and Expeditors maintain robust operations in Vietnam, ensuring reliable, multi-modal shipping options.
- Electronics to the US/EU benefit from direct container routes and shorter transit times compared to other Asian origins.
- Furniture and footwear to North America enjoy cost-effective ocean freight with established carrier schedules.
- Coffee, rice, and seafood reach European and Japanese markets efficiently through well-established cold chain logistics.
When you’re importing the best products from Vietnam, you’re working with a supply chain that’s been optimized for global export. Reduced transit times, reliable schedules, and competitive freight rates all contribute to lower total landed costs.
5. Tariff benefits through free trade agreements
Vietnam participates in over a dozen Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), creating significant tariff advantages for importers.
Most impactful agreements:
- EVFTA (EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement) – Removes 99% of customs duties between the EU and Vietnam
- CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) – Covers 11 partner nations, including Japan, Canada, Australia, and Mexico
- ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) – Facilitates trade within Southeast Asia
- UKVFTA (UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement) – Post-Brexit opportunity for UK businesses
- IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework) – Emerging framework with the US, Australia, Japan, Korea, and others
What this means for your business:
- Lower landed costs – Reduced or eliminated tariffs directly improve your cost structure
- Improved pricing competitiveness – You can offer better prices to your customers while maintaining margins
- Easier market entry for redistributed goods – If you’re importing into the EU or UK for redistribution, FTA benefits can extend to your customers
For products like furniture, apparel, plastics, and agricultural goods, FTA advantages can be the difference between a viable import strategy and one that’s priced out of the market. Trade professionals should factor these tariff savings into ROI calculations from day one.
6. Manufacturing standards, compliance, and sustainability
Global buyers increasingly require transparency, traceability, and compliance with social and environmental standards.
In response, Vietnamese manufacturers have invested heavily in internationally recognized certifications that help importers meet retailer requirements, regulatory obligations, and market-entry standards across the EU, UK, and North America.
Many export-oriented factories in Vietnam maintain certifications such as:
- ISO 9001:2015 – Quality management systems
- WRAP – Ethical and lawful manufacturing practices
- SA8000 – Social responsibility and fair labor conditions
- GOTS and OCS – Organic fiber sourcing and traceability
- GRS – Recycled material verification
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 – Product safety and chemical compliance
- FSC – Responsible wood and bamboo sourcing
These certifications provide importers with measurable advantages:
- Easier compliance with major retailers and distributors (e.g. EU retailers, US chains)
- Reduced risk of shipment delays or rejections due to non-compliance
- Greater confidence when auditing suppliers or onboarding new manufacturers
- Clear documentation to support sustainability and compliance claims
In parallel, many Vietnamese manufacturers are strengthening sustainable production practices to align with evolving regulatory and consumer expectations. This includes:
- Reduced water usage, chemical discharge, and carbon emissions
- Increased use of organic, recycled, and renewable materials
- Fair wages, safer working conditions, and alignment with ILO standards
- Openness to third-party audits and ongoing compliance verification
For importers sourcing apparel, furniture, plastics, or agricultural products, these practices translate into lower operational risk, more consistent product quality, and stronger long-term supplier relationships.
As a result, “Made in Vietnam” has become increasingly associated with compliance, reliability, and responsible production, rather than cost alone, particularly in markets where ethical sourcing and sustainability influence purchasing decisions.
Conclusion
With total exports reaching US$254 billion in H1/2025, Vietnam has evolved beyond apparel and footwear to become a global leader in electronics and electrical machinery, while still excelling in textiles, furniture, plastics, coffee, and agricultural goods, providing profitable sourcing opportunities across multiple industries.
For importers navigating supplier selection, market demand, and competitive pricing, TradeInt Global Trade Intelligence platform is designed to make data-backed sourcing decisions easier and faster.
Importers can search global shipment records, verify suppliers through historical export performance, identify active buyers and competitors, track price and volume trends, and monitor market shifts in real-time – all in one platform.
If you are planning to export products from Vietnam, leveraging actionable data is the difference between competing and succeeding. Use TradeInt to source smarter, reduce risk, and uncover new opportunities in Vietnam’s growing export economy today.
FAQ
1. What is the best product to import from Vietnam?
The best products to import from Vietnam are electronics and electrical machinery, including telecommunications devices, components, and parts. This category accounts for the largest share of Vietnam’s exports and benefits from strong manufacturing capacity and consistent global demand.
Search Vietnam’s electronics exporters, active buyers, and shipment trends using TradeInt’s product’s search tools
2. What are the top industries in Vietnam for importers?
High-margin import categories include electronics components, technical apparel, footwear, furniture, and value-added agricultural products such as specialty coffee and processed foods, depending on target market demand and tariff benefits.
3. What is the most profitable product to import from Vietnam?
Importers can verify suppliers by reviewing their historical export activity, shipment frequency, destination markets, and buyer relationships, which helps assess reliability and production consistency before committing.
You can try: Search your trade partners/importers/exporters/competitors here
4. Why is Vietnam a preferred sourcing destination for importers?
Vietnam offers competitive production costs, diversified manufacturing capabilities, a skilled workforce, strong logistics infrastructure, and tariff advantages through multiple free trade agreements, making it a reliable sourcing hub across various industries.
You can try: Identify reliable Vietnam exporters by product, HS code, and destination
5. How can importers verify Vietnamese suppliers before sourcing?
Importers can verify suppliers by reviewing their historical export activity, shipment frequency, destination markets, and buyer relationships, which helps assess reliability and production consistency before committing.
You can try: Search your trade partners/importers/exporters/competitors here
6. How do trade data tools like TradeInt help importers?
Trade data platforms like TradeInt help importers identify active exporters, analyze market demand, track competitor activity, and monitor supplier performance, enabling more confident, data-driven sourcing decisions from Vietnam.
Ready to explore global trade intelligence? Schedule a free demo session here
