In the first quarter of 2025, trade relations between Vietnam and Japan continued to maintain positive growth momentum. Vietnam’s export turnover to Japan reached 6.3 billion USD, up 12.4% over the same period last year. Key export items such as textiles, seafood, phones and components, and coffee all recorded significant growth. On the other hand, import turnover from Japan to Vietnam reached 5.7 billion USD, up 9.1% over the same period in 2024. Vietnam mainly imports from Japan items such as machinery, equipment, electronic components, iron and steel, and raw materials for production.

Overview of Vietnam – Japan export situation in the first quarter of 2025

Total export turnover in the first quarter of 2025 reached 6.3 billion USD, up 12.4% over the same period in 2024[1]. Japan is not only one of the major investors in Vietnam but also a potential export market. Free trade agreements, such as the ASEAN Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), have helped Vietnam increase its access to the Japanese market while reducing tariff barriers, and facilitating Vietnamese enterprises to export to Japan.

Vietnam’s main export items to Japan in the first quarter of 2025

100% = 6.3 billion USD

Source: Vinanet.vn

– Textiles and garments: This is Vietnam’s main export item to Japan. With a turnover of 1.07 billion USD in the first quarter, an increase of 11.9% over the same period last year, textiles and garments account for 16.7% of Vietnam’s total export turnover to Japan[2]. Japan is a large consumer market for fashion products, especially winter wear and sportswear.

– Means of transport and spare parts: Export turnover reached 788.8 million USD (accounting for about 12.3% of Vietnam’s total export turnover to Japan), up 9.7% over the same period last year[3].

– Machinery, equipment, tools, and other spare parts: a group of goods that are strongly exported thanks to high demand from the processing, electronics, and machinery manufacturing industries in Japan. The export value in the first quarter of 2025 reached 643.7 million USD, accounting for 10% of the total export turnover[4].

– Wood and wood products: In the first quarter of 2025, Vietnam’s wood and wood product exports to Japan reached 510.9 million USD, up 21.8% over the same period last year. This item continues to play an important role in the export structure to the Japanese market.

– Phones of all kinds and components: a strong export group, especially high-end electronic components. The export turnover of this item reached 503.4 million USD, accounting for 7.87% of Vietnam’s total export turnover.

Imports from Japan to Vietnam in the first quarter of 2025

In the first three months of 2025, Vietnam imported a total of 5.9 billion USD from Japan (up 2.8% over the same period last year), accounting for about 6% of Vietnam’s total import turnover[5].

Vietnam’s imports from Japan in the first quarter of 2025

100% = 5.9 billion USD

Source: Mekongasean.vn

– Computers, electronic products, and components: This is the group of goods with the largest import turnover from Japan, reaching 1.99 billion USD, accounting for about 34% of the total import value from this market. However, the import turnover of this group of goods decreased by 3.6% compared to the same period last year[6].

– Machinery, equipment, tools, and spare parts: Reached 1.23 billion USD, up sharply by 30.8% over the same period last year, reflecting high demand for upgrading and expanding domestic industrial production.

– Iron and steel scrap: Iron and steel imports from Japan reached 372 million USD, up 20.9%; while iron and steel scrap reached 253 million USD, down 9.8% over the same period last year[7].

– Plastic products and plastic raw materials: Plastic products reached 202 million USD, up 15.9%; plastic raw materials reached 142 million USD, up 18.8% over the same period last year[8].

– Fabrics and textile materials: Fabric imports from Japan reached 163 million USD, up 6.6% over the same period last year, serving the domestic textile industry[9].

Opportunities for Japanese products in Vietnam

Vietnamese consumers increasingly favor Japanese products thanks to their superior quality, sophisticated design, and high durability. This trust is reinforced by Japan’s strict manufacturing processes and high-quality standards. In particular, the rapidly growing middle class in Vietnam has driven demand for high-quality products, opening up great opportunities for Japanese goods[10].

With good quality and beautiful design, Japanese products will continue to gain the trust of Vietnamese consumers

Source: Baotintuc.vn

Japanese brands have been expanding their operations in Vietnam, contributing to increasing their presence and influence in the market. Major retail chains such as Uniqlo, Muji, and AEON have set up many stores in major cities, making it easier for consumers to access Japanese products. This expansion not only helps increase sales but also raises consumer awareness and trust in Japanese brands[11].

Vietnam mainly imports computers, electronics, and components from Japan, such as household appliances including rice cookers, air purifiers, and household items from famous brands such as Panasonic and Zojirushi, thanks to their superior quality, advanced technology, and strong consumer preference. In addition, cosmetics and personal care products from Shiseido, Hada Labo, and DHC are very popular, especially among urban women. In addition, functional foods, Wagyu beef, matcha, and products for mothers and babies such as diapers and Japanese milk are also trusted. Fashion from Uniqlo and Muji increasingly dominates the market thanks to their modern style and suitability to Vietnamese tastes.

Economic relations between Vietnam and Japan are increasingly developing, with many free trade agreements signed, creating favorable conditions for the import and distribution of Japanese products in Vietnam. Policies to support businesses and improve the business environment also contribute to promoting the presence of Japanese goods in the Vietnamese market.

Conclusion

The import-export situation between Vietnam and Japan in the first quarter of 2025 continued to record positive growth, with two-way turnover reaching a high level and many key product groups increasing sharply. This reflects a stable, in-depth, and expanding trade relationship. In addition, opportunities for Japanese products in the Vietnamese market are increasingly evident, thanks to consumers’ trust in the quality of Japanese goods, along with the rapid development of Japanese retail chains and brands in Vietnam. This is a favorable foundation for Japanese enterprises to continue expanding their market share in many fields such as consumption, food, cosmetics, household appliances, and health care.

[1] https://vinanet.vn/thuong-mai-cha/xuat-khau-sang-nhat-ban-dat-63-ty-usd-trong-3-thang-dau-nam-2025-796086.html

[2] https://mekongasean.vn/quy-12025-det-may-la-mat-hang-duy-nhat-xuat-khau-sang-nhat-dat-gia-tri-ty-usd-40917.html

[3] https://asemconnectvietnam.gov.vn/

[4] https://vinanet.vn/thuong-mai-cha/xuat-khau-sang-nhat-ban-dat-63-ty-usd-trong-3-thang-dau-nam-2025-796086.html

[5] https://theinvestor.vn/vietnam-records-316-bln-in-q1-trade-surplus-us-remains-biggest-buyer-d15177.html

[6] https://thongtincongthuong.vn/tinh-hinh-xuat-khau-nhap-khau-hang-hoa-cua-viet-nam-thang-3-va-3-thang-nam-2025/

[7] https://mekongasean.vn/quy-12025-det-may-la-mat-hang-duy-nhat-xuat-khau-sang-nhat-dat-gia-tri-ty-usd-40917.html

[8] https://mekongasean.vn/quy-12025-det-may-la-mat-hang-duy-nhat-xuat-khau-sang-nhat-dat-gia-tri-ty-usd-40917.html

[9] https://mekongasean.vn/quy-12025-det-may-la-mat-hang-duy-nhat-xuat-khau-sang-nhat-dat-gia-tri-ty-usd-40917.html

[10] https://cafebiz.vn/giai-ma-xu-huong-tieu-dung-hang-nhat-ban-tai-sieu-thi-viet-nam-2024-176240823172545914.chn

[11] https://baotintuc.vn/anh/dung-hang-nhat-tro-thanh-thi-hieu-tieu-dung-cua-nguoi-viet-nam-20230419152450367.htm

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