Vietnam

Exporting to Vietnam: A Complete Guide for Global Traders

Introduction

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies, offering strong opportunities for exporters worldwide. This guide will walk you through the key steps, regulations, and considerations for exporting to Vietnam.

Vietnam’s booming economy—projected to grow at 6-7% annually through 2030—presents a prime opportunity for U.S. exporters. With a population of over 100 million, a rising middle class, and increasing demand for high-quality American goods, bilateral trade hit $155.1 billion in 2024, up 20.5% from 2023. U.S. goods exports to Vietnam reached $13.1 billion in 2024, a 32.9% surge from the prior year, driven by agricultural products, machinery, and aircraft. Despite a persistent U.S. trade deficit of $123.5 billion with Vietnam in 2024, recent 2025 developments, including a landmark U.S.-Vietnam trade framework announced on July 2, have slashed tariffs on U.S. imports to Vietnam to 0%, opening doors wider than ever.

Tap into Vietnam – Your Gateway to ASEAN Trade

Practical insights and tools for U.S. businesses exporting to Vietnam — one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing markets.

This guide equips American companies with actionable insights to navigate the market, streamline exports, and capitalize on these shifts. Whether you’re in agriculture, tech, or manufacturing, Vietnam’s WTO commitments and the 2001 U.S.-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) provide a stable foundation for growth.

Why Vietnam?

Booming economy (6%+ annual growth)
ASEAN trade hub (access to 600M+ consumers)
U.S.–Vietnam trade volume exceeded $100B
Strategic sectors: electronics, agri-food, machinery, healthcare

Why Export to Vietnam Now?

• Market Potential: Vietnam ranks as the 9th-largest U.S. agricultural export market and a hub for electronics and machinery demand. Urban consumers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City favor premium U.S. brands for quality and innovation.
• Trade Boost from 2025 Deal: The July framework eliminates tariffs on U.S. goods entering Vietnam, while addressing transshipment concerns (e.g., 40% duties on rerouted Chinese products). This reciprocity builds on Vietnam’s proactive tariff cuts via Decree 73/2025/NĐ-CP, reducing duties on 16 U.S. product categories like soybeans and aircraft parts.
• Supply Chain Shift: As firms diversify from China, Vietnam’s “China+1” strategy amplifies demand for U.S. inputs in manufacturing.

Why Export to Vietnam?

• Rapidly growing middle class and consumer demand
• Strategic location in ASEAN with trade agreements
• Improving business climate and infrastructure
• Demand for high-quality foreign products (machinery, food, cosmetics, etc.)

As compared to other ASEAN countries:

1. Rapid Economic Growth: Often exceeding 6% annually, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the region.
2. Manufacturing Hub: The country is a major manufacturing center.
3. Young Workforce: A large, youthful population offers a skilled and adaptable workforce.
4. Strategic Trade Agreements: Vietnam has entered numerous free trade agreements, including the CPTPP and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.
5. Political Stability: Vietnam enjoys a relatively stable political environment.
6. Cooperation: The U.S. enjoys a comprehensive strategy partnership.
7. Growing Middle Class: A burgeoning middle class increases domestic demand for goods and services.

• Median Age: 33.1 years (2024 est.)
• 50% of the population is below age 35
• 67% of the population is below age 45

Economic Areas

Northern Area: Hanoi

• Economic Growth: GDP growth rate consistently above the national average as the city transformed into an attractive economic hub.
• Diverse Industries: Key sectors including manufacturing, services, information technology, and tourism and is home to numerous industrial parks and export processing zones.
• Foreign Investment: The government offers various incentives to attract foreign businesses.
• Population: about 8.5 million

Central Area: Da Nang

• Strategic Location :A transportation hub located on the central coast of Vietnam, provides key international logistics and proximity to major cities.
• Growing Tourism Industry: The tourism sector significantly contributes to the local economy, attracting investments in hospitality, restaurants, and related services.
• Emerging Technology Hub: A center for technology and innovation, with an increasing number of tech startups and IT companies establishing operations there.
• Population:  About 1.5 million

Southern Area: Ho Chi Minh City

• Economic Center: The largest economic hub in Vietnam, contributing around 20% of the country’s GDP and serving as the focal point for commerce, finance, and trade.
• Diverse Industries: Key sectors include manufacturing, technology, finance, and retail. Home to numerous multinational corporations, local businesses, and a vibrant startup ecosystem.
• Trade and Logistics: With its well-developed infrastructure, it’s one of the busiest ports in Southeast Asia, making it a crucial logistics and trade center enhancing its status as a commercial powerhouse.
• Population: Approximately 13 million