Vietnam and Indonesia stand among South-East Asia’s fastest-growing economies — and their strengthening trade relationship reflects this momentum. Bilateral trade between the two countries has more than doubled over the past four years, increasing from US$8.07 billion in 2020 to over US$16 billion in 2024.1 This impressive growth underscores a robust economic partnership founded on shared regional goals and complementary industries.
For Indonesian business owners looking to expand into other Southeast Asian markets, Vietnam presents a promising export opportunity. With Vietnam’s strategic location and continued economic growth, understanding how to tap into its market can unlock new avenues for business growth.
Indonesia–Vietnam trade: A growing economic partnership
Trade between Indonesia and Vietnam is characterized by a diverse exchange of goods that supports the industrial and consumer needs of both countries.
Key Indonesian exports to Vietnam
In 2024, Indonesia exported 39 major items to Vietnam, and some of the standout export products include:
- Coal - US$2.490 billion
- Iron and steel - US$1.260 billion
- Automobiles - US$1.030 billion
- Other common metals - US$753 million
- Animal and vegetable fats - US$690 million
- Paper - US$285 million
Key Vietnamese exports to Indonesia
Simultaneously, Vietnam’s export value growth has also outpaced that of its imports, leading to a gradual decrease in the country’s trade deficit with Indonesia. As of 2024, Vietnam has exported 34 key items to Indonesia, with the top products being:
- Rice – US$746 million
- Machinery, equipment, tools, and other parts – US$491 million
- Iron and steel – US$410 million
- Transport vehicles and parts - US$394 million
- Chemicals - US$359 million
- Chemical products - US$139,700 million
(Disclaimer: Statistics from Vietnam Briefing as of March 2025.2)
Broader cooperation beyond trade
Beyond trade, Vietnam and Indonesia’s economic relationship has evolved into a strategic partnership anchored by investment collaboration and shared development priorities. According to Indonesian Deputy Minister of Investment Nurul Ichwan, the two countries recognize the vast potential of their economic ties—not just in boosting bilateral trade, but also in driving cooperation across strategic investment sectors.
This deepening relationship is reflected in Vietnam’s growing investment in Indonesia, with key sectors including electric vehicles, hospitality, fisheries, and construction. Projects like VinFast’s investment in Indonesia illustrate the long-term vision for sustainable cooperation, especially in green energy and clean technology.
Both countries are also capitalizing on opportunities provided by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), enhancing market access and regional integration. With Indonesia’s abundant natural resources and Vietnam’s strengths in renewable energy and digital development, the partnership is expanding into priority areas such as food security, semiconductors, healthcare, infrastructure, and carbon reduction technologies, including CCS and CCUS.
These collaborative efforts demonstrate a shift toward sustainability and strategic alignment, positioning Vietnam and Indonesia as complementary forces driving economic progress within ASEAN.3
Step-by-step guide: Exporting from Indonesia to Vietnam
For businesses in Indonesia that want to take advantage of Indonesia’s strong trade relationship with Vietnam, knowing the process of how to export to the country is important.
1. Initial preparations for Indonesian exporters
Before you can start shipping products to Vietnam, you need to acquire the necessary business documentation and apply for a trade company in Vietnam or work with an importer of record (IOR).
a. Business documentation required in Indonesia
Exporters in Indonesia are required to register through the Indonesia National Single Window System (SINSW)—an integrated electronic platform that facilitates the processing of customs documents and export-related licensing.
To apply via SINSW, exporters must first obtain access rights, which are granted upon registration and submission of the following documentation:
- For individual exporters: Taxpayer Identification Number or Nomor Pokok Wajib Pajak (NPWP) and Customs Registration Number or Nomor Identitas Kepabeanan (NIK) (as applicable).
- For cooperatives and business entities: Both Business Identification Number or Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB) and NPWP.
Once access is granted, exporters must submit the required documentation based on the type of commodities being exported. These requirements are outlined in Appendix I of Ministry of Trade Regulation No. 19/2021 and must be accompanied by a declaration of responsibility.
If the application is deemed complete and in compliance with all criteria, the Director-General of Foreign Trade will issue an export business license via the INATRADE system. This license is delivered electronically through SINSW and includes a digital signature and QR code for verification.
For exporters of restricted goods, such as coffee, rubber, and fertilizer, additional documentation is mandatory. These may include:
- ET (Registered Exporter)
- SPE (Export Permit)
- LS (Surveyor’s Report)
- COO (Certificate of Origin)
- Other required documents such as Quota Certificates or Inspection Reports from the relevant regulatory authorities.
These measures ensure compliance with national export regulations and facilitate smoother cross-border trade.
b. Setting up a trading company in Vietnam or registering under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI)
Before Indonesian companies can begin importing goods into Vietnam, registration with the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) is essential. For businesses seeking a long-term presence, establishing a trading company in Vietnam is a strategic option. This approach is particularly suitable for companies planning to conduct ongoing import, export, and distribution activities within the Vietnamese market.
Setting up a trading company typically involves the following steps:
- Obtaining an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)
- Securing an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)
- Applying for a Trading License
- Acquiring product-specific approvals, if applicable
For companies that prefer not to establish a legal entity in Vietnam, working with an IOR is a practical alternative. This option is ideal for businesses with limited import activities, time-sensitive shipments, or those looking to avoid the complexities of local logistics, regulatory compliance, and language barriers.4
2. Essential documentation
It’s important to know the different documentation required for exporting from Indonesia and importing goods into Vietnam. The paperwork you need to keep in mind is listed as follows:
a. Export paperwork when exporting products to Vietnam
According to ASEAN Briefing, the documents required by Indonesian customs authorities includes the following:
- Bill of Lading, air waybill, or other transportation documents such as a postal or cargo receipt
- Commercial invoice
- Customs export declaration
- Packing list
- Export declaration of goods (PEB)
- Insurance certificate
- Export permit
- Certificate of origin (COO)5
b. Import documents for customs in Vietnam
As per Vietnam Briefing, companies involved in import activities must submit a set of documents to Vietnam’s customs authorities, which include the following:
- Business registration certificate
- Certificate of import/export business code registration
- Bill of lading
- Import goods declaration form
- Import permit (for regulated or restricted items)
- Certificate of origin
- Cargo release order
- Commercial invoice
- Customs import declaration form
- Inspection report
- Packing list
- Delivery order (for goods arriving via seaport)
- Technical standard or health certificate
- Terminal handling receipts6
3. Accurately classify the products being imported into Vietnam
Vietnam uses an 8-digit Harmonized System (HS) code for classifying imported goods—adding two additional digits to the standard international HS code. While the global HS system already organizes products into sections, chapters, and sub-chapters, Vietnam’s extended format allows for even more precise categorization.
These extra digits enable Vietnamese authorities to distinguish goods in greater detail, supporting more accurate trade statistics and better regulatory control. For importers, correctly identifying the HS code is essential, as it determines import duties, required permits, and compliance requirements.7
4. Pay tariffs, taxes and fees
Vietnam levies taxes on nearly all imported products, which may include import tax, value-added tax (VAT), and, for certain items, special consumption tax (SCT). Import tax rates vary depending on the type and origin of the goods. For instance, consumer and luxury goods are subject to higher tax rates, whereas machinery, equipment, and raw materials are generally taxed at lower rates or may even qualify for exemptions.
Based on the origin of the goods, import duty rates fall under three categories: preferential, special preferential, and ordinary rates:
- Preferential tax rates: Applies to goods from countries, groups of countries, or territories that grant most-favored nation (MFN) status in their trade relations with Vietnam.
- Special preferential tax rates: For goods from countries or regions that offer special import tax preferences to Vietnam, most commonly under ASEAN’s Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) scheme.
- Ordinary tax rates: For goods from countries or territories that do not offer MFN or special tax preferences. These rates must not exceed 70% more than the corresponding preferential tax rates as set by the government.
Once you’ve submitted your documentation and paid your taxes, your commodities will be forwarded to the consignee or IOR in Vietnam.8
Importing into Indonesia from Vietnam: A step-by-step guide
For businesses that are planning to source products from Vietnam, it’s also important to know what to prepare so that goods can move through customs efficiently.
1. Prepare mandatory import documents
To import goods into Indonesia, you must have the following documentation ready:
- Taxpayer identification number (NPWP)
- Business identification number (NIB)
- Purchase order
- Packing list
- Commercial invoice
- Certificate of origin
- Airway bill or bill of lading
- Other relevant permits, depending on the applicable HS Code
2. Identify correct HS Codes
Similar to when exporting goods overseas, it’s important to classify your goods using the appropriate HS Code when importing as well, as this determines import duties, taxes, and any additional permit requirements. For businesses receiving goods from Vietnam, it’s important to remember that Indonesia uses a 6-digit HS classification system. So when classifying products like cocoa powder with sugar, it will fall under HS Code 1806.10.00.9
3. Know your consignee or importer of record (IOR)
The consignee or IOR is legally responsible for the imported goods, including regulatory compliance and payment of all import duties, tariffs and other fees. Therefore, it’s essential to establish clear communication with your IOR to coordinate timelines, costs, and responsibilities.
4. Appoint a compliant logistics partner
To minimize errors and delays, collaborate with a logistics partner that is experienced in Indonesian import laws, particularly for goods shipped from Vietnam to Indonesia. They can help manage customs clearance, HS classification, documentation, and real-time updates.
Streamlining your shipments with DHL Express
The economic relationship between Indonesia and Vietnam is strong and growing, offering a wealth of opportunities for businesses on both sides. But tapping into these opportunities requires navigating complex trade and compliance frameworks.
That’s where DHL Express comes in. As a global leader in international shipping services, DHL Express offers:
- Expertise in customs clearance for both Indonesia and Vietnam
- Guidance on export documentation, import permits, and shipment paperwork
- Real-time shipment tracking, giving you full visibility for every send international parcel
- Efficient, secure delivery overseas, minimizing delays and ensuring your goods arrive on time
Whether you're looking to export to Vietnam or import from Vietnam, DHL Express offers unparalleled services and expertise to keep your business compliant and competitive.
Ready to expand your business to Vietnam? Open a business account today to make every shipment smoother, faster, and more reliable.
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