Beef imported from the US at a Vietnamese supermarket.
The surge, particularly in raw materials and high-tech equipment, reflects Vietnam’s active efforts to boost US imports and move toward a more balanced trade relationship.
According to preliminary data from the General Department of Customs, Vietnam imported over USD 1.5 billion worth of US goods in April alone, up 40.2 percent compared to the same month last year. Cumulatively, from January to April, US imports reached USD 5.6 billion.
Significantly, several major import categories from the US posted double-digit growth. Leading the list were computers, electronic products, and components, with Vietnam spending USD 1.8 billion, up 44.5 percent year-on-year. This group alone accounted for 32.5 percent of total US imports, reflecting the country's expanding high-tech zones and increased demand for electronics assembly.
Cotton imports from the US reached USD 444.6 million, up 27 percent. Plastic raw materials totaled USD 346 million, up 43.5 percent, while soybean imports hit USD 414 million, up 47.3 percent. Animal feed imports also rose slightly to USD 427 million, up 0.7 percent.
US fruit and vegetable imports into Vietnam nearly doubled, hitting USD 203 million — a 55.6 percent increase. This sharp growth was attributed to Vietnam’s recent easing of plant quarantine policies and expanded market access for US produce such as grapes, cherries, and Gala apples.
Other notable increases include pharmaceutical imports at USD 42 million (up 50 percent) and steel and iron products at USD 72 million (up 20 percent).
Recently, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, head of the Vietnamese Government’s negotiation delegation, held a working session with major Vietnamese corporations and enterprises. During the meeting, Minister Dien emphasized Vietnam’s growing and stable demand for large-scale procurement of US goods and services — including aircraft, turbines for gas-fired power plants, power transmission systems, and GPU chips — all sectors where the US holds significant advantages.
However, the Minister noted that bilateral trade still falls short of its full potential. He urged Vietnamese enterprises to take a more proactive role in realizing this potential.
“This is a practical move to deepen and strengthen economic, trade, and investment relations between the two countries in a substantial and effective manner — while also contributing to a more balanced and sustainable trade relationship,” said Minister Nguyen Hong Dien.