Le Hoang Tai, deputy director of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, said Vietnam, Japan trade has maintained strong momentum despite global uncertainties.
Two way trade surpassed USD 50 billion for the first time in 2025, reaching more than USD 51.4 billion, up over 11 per cent year on year. Vietnam exported an estimated USD 26.8 billion and imported nearly USD 24.7 billion, posting a surplus of more than USD 2 billion.
Tai said the trade structure is complementary, with Vietnam exporting textiles, electronics and agricultural products while importing machinery, equipment and high technology from Japan.
Free trade agreements such as CPTPP and RCEP have helped reduce tariffs and improve market access, particularly for Vietnamese goods entering Japan’s high end consumer market.
Japan remains a leading investor in Vietnam, with 5,635 valid projects and registered capital exceeding USD 79 billion, ranking third among foreign investors. In 2025, Japanese firms added about USD 1.62 billion in new capital, accounting for 9.4 per cent of total newly registered foreign direct investment.
Amid global supply chain restructuring, Vietnam is increasingly viewed as a reliable manufacturing hub, supported by competitive labour costs, improving infrastructure and a stable political environment.
Funihiko Hirabayashi, secretary general of the ASEAN, Japan Centre, said the bilateral relationship is expanding in both scale and quality, underpinned by trust and a commitment to sustainable cooperation.
He highlighted Japan’s ageing population as both a challenge and an opportunity, particularly in healthcare, welfare and innovation.
Hirabayashi urged Vietnamese firms to strengthen long term capacity, improve product quality and build credibility, stressing that trust is key to accessing global markets.
From Tokyo, trade counsellor Ta Duc Minh at the Vietnamese embassy in Japan said ties have entered a “golden phase” following the upgrade to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
He noted that Japanese investment is shifting towards integrated supply chain ecosystems, with companies increasingly seeking local suppliers to reduce import dependence and enhance resilience.
Vietnam has become an important production and export base for Japanese corporations, particularly in electronics and transport equipment, he said.
Emerging trends include a stronger focus on green supply chains, digital transformation and high tech industries such as semiconductors and clean energy, creating opportunities for Vietnamese firms to move up the value chain.
In supporting industries, Japanese firms are seeking mechanical components, moulds, auto parts and electronic components.
Agriculture and food processing also remain promising, as Japan imports 60 to 65 per cent of its food demand. Vietnamese exports such as seafood, coffee and tropical fruits are gaining traction, though strict standards on food safety, traceability and packaging remain key requirements.
A trade delegation to Japan is scheduled for June 2026, offering businesses opportunities to connect with partners and explore the market.
Experts said such forums play a crucial role in sharing information and preparing businesses for deeper cooperation.