The structure of imports from the EU highlights a shift toward higher-value, sustainable and technologically advanced goods rather than general consumer products — a positive sign that reflects Vietnam’s strategic import orientation as it deepens integration with developed markets.
The import structure from the EU continues to be concentrated mainly in high-tech goods, machinery, production equipment, pharmaceuticals, and high-quality consumer goods — accounting for more than half of total import value. Of these, computers, electronic products and components remained the largest category with USD2.31 billion, up 7.25% year-on-year and making up 20.24% of total imports from the EU. Although slightly down by 4.84% compared to the first seven months, this category still posted positive annual growth, indicating stable demand for high-tech goods. In August 2025, imports in this group reached USD322.2 million, down 2.88% year-on-year.

The second-largest category was machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts, reaching USD2.15 billion in the eight-month period, up 10.76% year-on-year and accounting for 18.88% of total imports. In August 2025, imports reached USD288.5 million, down 4.77% month-on-month but still up 2.83% year-on-year, highlighting sustained industrial production demand.

Pharmaceuticals ranked third with USD1.57 billion, up 7.17% year-on-year and accounting for 13.76% of total imports. Despite a sharp 16.61% decline in August 2025 from the previous month, cumulative imports remain strong, reflecting stable demand from the EU.

Several product groups recorded remarkable growth. Notably, transport vehicles and parts surged to USD301.8 million (+90.48% YoY), though August imports dipped 38.32% month-on-month. Dairy products reached USD249.98 million, up 56.84%, signaling rising demand for dairy and nutritional goods from the EU. Imports of steel products and automotive components also increased by 28.93% and 29.84% respectively, supporting a rebound in Vietnam’s manufacturing industries. Additionally, seafood imports rose 73.93%, and CBU automobiles surged 62.94%, demonstrating macro-level diversification in EU sourcing.

Conversely, some product groups saw declines: chemicals (-30.76%), chemical products (-8.04%), pharmaceutical raw materials (-34.71%), and rubber (-2.33%). Textile fabrics (-5.47%), plastic materials (-5.8%), and wood products (-0.88%) also posted drops. These trends suggest strategic supply chain adjustments, with some raw materials increasingly replaced by domestic or intra-Asia sourcing to optimize production costs.

Overall, imports from the EU into Vietnam are expected to maintain growth of 6–8% for full-year 2025, driven by sustained demand for technology, machinery, pharmaceuticals, dairy, and processed food products. The EU continues to be a vital and stable trade partner for Vietnam, contributing to industrial modernization, supply chain diversification, and improved product quality for domestic consumption.

Source: Calculations based on data from the Vietnam Customs