Vietnam’s electronics industry has reached its highest export level to date, overcoming rising tariffs and tightening trade barriers in key international markets.
Data from Vietnam Customs shows that as of November 15, electronics exports totalled nearly $143 billion. Shipments of computers, electronic products, and components reached $92.13 billion, up 48.3%, while phones and components generated almost $51 billion, an increase of 5% year-on-year.
The sector earned $32 billion more than in the same period of 2024, contributing significantly to Vietnam’s total export value of over $410 billion. Electronics exports in the first ten and a half months exceeded the full-year 2024 figure by $16.5 billion.
Accounting for more than 30% of industrial export revenue, electronics remains a core pillar of Vietnam’s economy. In 2024, the sector generated $126.5 billion in exports, up $17 billion from the previous year.
Industry analysts attribute this ongoing performance to Vietnam’s shift from assembly-focused production to smart manufacturing, paired with strong foreign investment from Samsung, Intel, Foxconn, and other global technology groups.
These investments, ranging from tens of millions to several billion, have helped annual electronics exports consistently surpass $100 billion. The sector employs over $1.5 million skilled workers and is advancing technology transfer and domestic component production, with localization rates reaching 40–50% in some product categories.
Despite the growth trajectory, exporters face mounting pressure to comply with global ESG requirements. At a recent seminar on sustainable supply chains, the Vietnam Electronics Business Association (VEIA) emphasized that ESG compliance is now essential as major markets, particularly the EU, impose stricter environmental, social, and governance standards.
International buyers are demanding greener operations, transparent supply chains, carbon-management systems, data-protection measures, and stronger labor and community welfare commitments.
Leading technology companies have also set ambitious sustainability targets, with Apple aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030, Samsung and Panasonic by 2050, and Sony by 2030.
Industry representatives noted that aligning production with ESG principles requires substantial investment but is necessary to maintain access to global supply chains.
A PwC Vietnam survey found that 80% of domestic firms have adopted or are adopting ESG practices, and 90% of investment decisions now consider reputation and sustainability commitments.
The VEIA is working to standardize ESG criteria across the electronics sector, strengthen supply-chain linkages, and collaborate with ministries to promote supportive policies, helping enterprises remain competitive while meeting the expectations of international partners.
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