Five-month imports from Japan up 16.7%, led by technology products
VOV.VN - Vietnam's imports from Japan rose strongly during the five-month period of 2026 to US$11.28 billion, up 16.7% year-on-year, with technology-related products posting the strongest growth as companies stepped up purchases to fulfill previously signed orders.
According to the Vietnam Customs, Vietnam's imports from Japan stood at US$2.28 billion in May 2026, up 20.44% from a year earlier. Cumulative imports in the January-May period reached US$11.28 billion.
The import structure reflects sustained demand for production-related goods. Computers, electronic products and components remained the largest import category, totaling US$4.25 billion, up 37.14% year-on-year. Machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts ranked second, with imports exceeding US$2.11 billion.
Meanwhile, imports of several basic industrial materials and products declined from a year earlier, including iron and steel, ferrous scrap and fabrics. Petroleum-derived products recorded the sharpest increase, surging 445% year-on-year. Growth was also seen in completely built-up automobiles, auto parts and seafood.
With the positive momentum seen since the beginning of the year, Vietnam's imports from Japan are projected to maintain double-digit growth throughout 2026. Electronic components, computers and high-tech machinery are expected to remain key drivers of import demand, supported by rising manufacturing and export-oriented assembly activity in the months ahead.
Higher imports of technology products and machinery are also intended to meet the needs of Japanese manufacturers operating in Vietnam. Japan is currently Vietnam's third-largest foreign investor, with about 5,630 projects and total registered capital surpassing US$79.4 billion.
If Vietnamese businesses continue to make effective use of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, including the Vietnam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the flow of high-quality goods from Japan to Vietnam could remain steady and reach a new high by the end of this year.
The growth in bilateral trade reflects the stable and sustainable development of economic ties between the two countries, while reaffirming Japan's position as one of Vietnam's leading trading partners in the region and globally.
Vietnam, Japan cultivate energy collaboration
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long held a working session with Representative Director and Executive Vice President of Japan’s Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. (IKC) Atsuhiko Hirano in Hanoi on June 12, saying that he expects the Japanese firm to work closely with Vietnamese partners in energy.
