Importing semiconductor components into Vietnam: A guide for businesses

⁶Among these imports, semiconductor components remain a critical category. These tiny yet powerful chips drive innovation in everything from smartphones and medical devices to electric vehicles and industrial automation. And with Vietnam's ongoing advancements up the value chain in electronics manufacturing and eyes on advancements in artificial intelligence and automation, demand for semiconductors is only expected to grow.

The projected market value of over US$31 billion by 2027², as stated in the Vietnam Briefing, should thus come as no surprise, as the semiconductor industry in Vietnam draws attention from global suppliers and investors alike. 

This interest is driven in part by the fact that most chip-related facilities operating in Vietnam are foreign-owned. Unlike markets like South Korea and Taiwan, where homegrown giants like Samsung and TSMC dominate, Vietnam’s semiconductor landscape remains open—reliant on foreign direct investment and ripe for further global participation.

Therefore, for global businesses eyeing opportunities in Vietnam’s electronics supply chain, not only is it a huge opportunity, but it also requires a thorough understanding of the ins and outs of importing these components to stay competitive and compliant.

What is driving the increase of semiconductor imports into Vietnam

Vietnam’s momentum in the semiconductor industry is being driven by a confluence of strategic planning, foreign partnerships, and domestic industrial demand. 

According to Vietnam Briefing, the country’s semiconductor market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.6% between 2023 and 2027³. This momentum has been reinforced by the Vietnam–U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership announced in September 2023, which has further encouraged global semiconductor companies to expand operations in the country.

One major driver of semiconductor demand is Vietnam’s booming electric vehicle (EV) market. Led by VinFast and joined by global brands like BYD, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, Vietnam’s EV sector requires an increasing volume of chips for battery management, vehicle automation, and power systems. Globally, EV sales rose 35% year-on-year, and by 2035⁴, EVs are projected to make up half of all car sales—a trend Vietnam is clearly aligning with.

Additionally, the country’s push into high-tech manufacturing is accelerating demand. The General Statistics Office reported 6.98% growth in Vietnam’s manufacturing and processing sectors in the first quarter of 2024⁵, supported by innovation hubs. These zones are becoming magnets for investment in smart factories, robotics, and automation—all of which rely heavily on semiconductors.

The AI sector is also a key contributor. Local tech firm FPT, in collaboration with Nvidia, has announced plans to build a US$200 million AI factory⁶. As AI chips become essential for machine learning, edge computing, and real-time data processing, demand for complex semiconductor components is set to rise even further.

However, despite the ambition and projected growth, Vietnam’s current infrastructure remains limited. The country presently has around 50 chip design companies and seven packaging and testing facilities—all foreign-owned—with no operational fabrication plants⁷. 

Given the absence of local fabrication capacity and the surging requirements across EV, AI, and high-tech manufacturing, imports of semiconductor components into Vietnam are not just expected—they are essential. 

These imports play a critical role in powering both domestic innovation and foreign investment across Vietnam’s rapidly evolving electronics and semiconductor landscape.

Which countries are exporting the most semiconductors to Vietnam

Vietnam’s surging demand for semiconductor components has led to an influx of imports, primarily from regional and global tech powerhouses.

According to the OEC, China remains Vietnam’s top source of semiconductor imports, contributing over US$1.06 billion in 2023 alone⁸. It also dominates broader electronics and component imports, accounting for 32.3% of total turnover—reaching US$31.54 billion by November 2024, a remarkable 49% increase from the previous year⁹.

Other notable contributors in 2023 include:

• Thailand – US$510 million
• Malaysia – US$380 million
• Hong Kong – US$268 million
• Singapore – US$172 million

These imports span a wide range of semiconductor components, including:

• Photosensitive and photovoltaic devices
• LED semiconductor components
• Transistors exceeding 1 watt
• Non-photosensitive diodes and piezo-electric crystals
• Mounted components and replacement parts

These devices are integral to Vietnam’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem, powering production across consumer electronics, industrial automation, automotive systems, and AI applications. 

Essential documentation and compliance for semiconductor imports into Vietnam

Vietnam’s import regulations allow both domestic and foreign-invested enterprises with the proper licenses to engage in direct import-export activities. Under WTO commitments, Vietnam grants foreign-invested enterprises the right to import materials and equipment—particularly for establishing production lines in accordance with their investment licenses¹⁰.

So, to import semiconductor components into Vietnam at a minimum, importers must submit the following documents¹¹ to Vietnamese customs authorities:

• Business registration certificate
• Import business code registration certificate

And, depending on the nature of the shipment, additional documents may also be required, such as:

• Bill of lading
• Import goods declaration form
• Import permit (for restricted items)
• Certificate of origin
• Cargo release order
• Commercial invoice
• Customs import declaration form
• Technical inspection report
• Packing list
• Delivery Order (especially for goods arriving via seaport)
• Technical standard or health certificate
• Terminal handling receipts

Businesses should ensure that these documents are prepared accurately and submitted promptly to avoid customs delays. Additionally, all imported goods are subject to inspections for quality, specifications, and volume. 

Non-compliance with declared values or incomplete documentation can result in fines, delays, or rejection of goods.

In addition, certain imported electronics and components, including some semiconductors, may fall under Vietnam’s automatic import licensing system. Importers must apply for licenses from the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) before proceeding with customs clearance¹². 

Import duties and taxes for semiconductor imports into Vietnam

As part of its national strategy to advance in high-tech sectors, the Vietnamese government has implemented targeted fiscal incentives to attract semiconductor investments and streamline import processes.

At the core of this strategy is a favorable corporate income tax (CIT) regime. High-tech projects, including semiconductor investments, may qualify for preferential CIT rates as low as 10%¹³, compared to the standard 20% applied to most enterprises¹⁴. In addition, businesses engaged in research and development (R&D) activities may be eligible for further tax relief, helping to lower operational costs and incentivize innovation within Vietnam’s high-tech manufacturing ecosystem.

To complement these tax benefits, import duty exemptions¹⁵ are offered for certain categories of goods. Projects recognized under Vietnam’s investment incentive policies may receive import duty exemptions on machinery, equipment, and raw materials used for production purposes. This applies particularly to firms located in designated economic zones or engaged in priority industries such as semiconductors, infrastructure, or social services.

Vietnam’s strong international trade footprint further supports cost savings through its extensive free trade agreement (FTA) network. 

As of 2024, the country is party to 17 FTAs in effect and two under negotiation¹⁶, encompassing trade relations with over 60 global economies. Key FTAs include the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the EU-Vietnam FTA (EVFTA), and the Vietnam-UK FTA (UKVFTA). These agreements offer reduced or eliminated tariffs, improved market access, and preferential rules of origin—each helping semiconductor importers minimize duties on eligible goods.

For importers looking to optimize their tax position, careful planning is key. Businesses should verify whether their goods qualify for duty-free treatment under relevant FTAs, ensure accurate classification of components, and maintain thorough documentation of origin to unlock the full benefits of Vietnam’s trade agreements and incentive schemes.

Streamline semiconductor imports with confidence

Navigating the complexities of importing semiconductor components into Vietnam requires more than just industry knowledge—it demands careful planning, regulatory compliance, and seamless execution across every point of the electronic components supply chain. From understanding Vietnam’s semiconductor logistics landscape to securing the right documentation and leveraging preferential trade agreements, global businesses must be equipped with a clear roadmap to ensure smooth market entry and continued growth.

As Vietnam deepens its role in the global electronics ecosystem, the need for reliable partners in international shipping becomes even more critical. Whether you're moving microprocessors, sensors, or integrated circuits, each link in your semiconductor logistics network must perform with precision.

This is where DHL Express excels. With a proven track record in shipping to Vietnam and managing time-sensitive, high-value goods across borders, DHL Express brings you access to more than 220 global markets—supported by real-time tracking, proactive support, and sector-specific expertise in electronic supply chain management. Our tailored semiconductor logistics services are designed to help you overcome border complexities and deliver your components securely, quickly, and compliantly.

Simplify your international shipping processes and stay ahead in the fast-moving electronics market. Open a business account with DHL Express Vietnam today and power your operations with smarter cross-border logistics.