Vietnam’s Growing Import Relationship with China
Recent statistics from the General Department of Customs reveal a remarkable trend in Vietnam’s trade dynamics. In the first seven months of 2025, Vietnam’s imports from China soared to an impressive $101.4 billion. This represents an increase of over $21 billion compared to the same period last year—an incredible 27% year-over-year growth that significantly outpaces the national average import growth rate.
China: Vietnam’s Largest Import Partner
With this increase in imports, the proportion of Chinese goods in Vietnam’s total import turnover has risen from 37.3% to 40.2%. This reinforces China’s position as Vietnam’s largest import partner, illustrating the deepening economic ties between the two nations. As the demand for a variety of goods continues to rise, the implications for various sectors within Vietnam’s economy are noteworthy.
Key Categories Driving Imports
At the forefront of this import surge are computers, electronic products, and components. In just seven months, Vietnam invested a staggering $28.5 billion in this category from China, marking a substantial 46.7% increase over the same period last year. This reflects a growing reliance on Chinese technology as Vietnamese industries expand and modernize.
Following closely behind are machinery, equipment, tools, and spare parts, contributing an import value of $21.3 billion, up 35.5%. This growth in machinery imports is indicative of Vietnam’s pursuit of enhancing its manufacturing capabilities, which are crucial for sustaining economic growth.
A Broader Range of Products
Beyond high-tech imports, several other product categories from China are also experiencing robust demand. Mobile phones and components alone saw imports reach $5.1 billion, an increase of 10.6%. Meanwhile, fabrics approached $6 billion, and textile and footwear materials amounted to $2.44 billion (up 12.8%). Textile fibers also recorded a notable surge, totaling $1.1 billion (up 14.4%). These figures signify a strong recovery in Vietnam’s textile and footwear sectors, industries critically reliant on raw materials from China.
Additionally, imports of plastic products reached $3.6 billion (up 31.2%), while plastic raw materials stood at $2.2 billion, with a 24.4% increase. Such growth further reflects Vietnam’s demand for inputs necessary to support its various industries.
Automotive Sector Booms
One remarkable highlight is the automotive sector. Over seven months, Vietnam invested nearly $888 million in fully assembled cars from China, marking a staggering 70.42% increase. Moreover, imports of auto parts and components surged to $1.1 billion, a 74.7% rise. This sharp increase underscores a significant uptick in domestic demand, as well as a noticeable trend in shifting automotive supply chains toward China, showcasing a pivot in Vietnam’s industrial strategy.
Other Rapid Growth Areas
Several other categories have also witnessed triple-digit growth in import value from China. Notable among these are edible oils, precious stones and metals, fragrances, cosmetics, and hygiene products, all of which contribute to the expanding breadth of trade between the two countries.
Vietnam’s Export Trends and Trade Deficits
Simultaneously, Vietnam’s exports to China reached $35.02 billion, reflecting a growth of 7.8% or an increase of $2.5 billion year-over-year. Despite this positive export growth, Vietnam recorded a trade deficit of approximately $66.4 billion with China, highlighting an imbalance that industry experts advise should be addressed.
The Need for Diversification and Domestic Development
While the surge in imports helps maintain vital supply chains in sectors like electronics, machinery, textiles, and automobiles, experts express concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of such trade dynamics. To mitigate risks, Vietnam is encouraged to accelerate the development of its domestic supporting industries. Additionally, diversifying its import partners—particularly from South Korea, Japan, ASEAN countries, and India—could lead to a more balanced and resilient trade relationship globally.
As Vietnam navigates these import trends, it’ll be crucial to strike a balance between leveraging China’s manufacturing strengths and bolstering its domestic capabilities to foster a more sustainable and diversified economy.