I. Overview of Chemical Export in Vietnam
The chemical industry plays a foundational role across many industrial production sectors, from agriculture to materials manufacturing and downstream processing. In Vietnam, this industry not only creates domestic value added but is also making an increasingly significant contribution to export activities, especially as global supply chains are undergoing strong restructuring.
According to the latest data, Vietnam’s chemical export value reached approximately USD 2.76 billion in 2024, representing an increase of more than 14% compared to the previous year. Key markets such as China, Japan, and Indonesia accounted for a substantial share of the total export turnover of this product group.
Meanwhile, monthly statistics for 2025 also point to a relatively dynamic picture for chemical exports.
In the first half of 2025, Vietnam’s chemical export to Laos, an important market in the region, reached over USD 309 million, marking a sharp increase compared with the same period of the previous year. This reflects Vietnam’s ability to expand market share not only with traditional trading partners but also across the Southeast Asian market.
II. Current Situation of Vietnam’s Chemical Product Export
Chemical export turnover is not among the highest-value product groups in Vietnam’s overall export, but it is one of the segments showing stable growth and strategic importance.
According to data from the General Department of Vietnam Customs, in January 2025, the value of chemical export to Laos reached approximately USD 64 million, several times higher than the same period last year.
In addition, monthly customs data indicate that chemical export values in several months of 2025 continued to remain at the level of hundreds of millions of US dollars, despite seasonal fluctuations and changes in market demand.
However, the development of the chemical export sector depends not only on international market demand but is also closely linked to the overall context of Vietnam’s import–export activities.
Vietnam’s total merchandise export turnover in 2025 reached USD 475.04 billion, up 17% compared to the previous year, with the manufacturing and processing sector accounting for a large share. Although chemicals are not among the highest-value export groups, compared with electronics, textiles, or agricultural products, the sector remains an important component of industrial production and contributes to the country’s overall achievements in international trade.
III. Key Export Markets for Vietnamese Chemical Products
Vietnam’s chemical export reflect the country’s deep integration into global supply chains. The participation of enterprises in free trade agreements, along with their ability to meet higher technical and environmental standards, is a key factor enabling market expansion in developed markets such as the EU, Japan, and South Korea.
At the same time, raw materials for chemical production in Vietnam still largely depend on imports from countries such as China, the United States, and Taiwan, creating challenges in cost reduction and in enhancing the industry’s autonomy and resilience.
IV. Vietnam’s Chemical Export in the Global Supply Chain
From a strategic development perspective, Vietnam’s chemical industry has received government support through policies aimed at attracting investment in new technologies, expanding production capacity, and moving toward higher value-added products. According to market studies and analyses, during the 2022–2025 period, the chemical sector attracted numerous large-scale projects with total investment capital reaching tens of trillions of VND. These projects have contributed to enhancing competitiveness and increasing the localization rate of export products.
Overall, the outlook for Vietnam’s chemical exports remains highly positive amid globalization and ongoing shifts in global supply chains. To fully capitalize on opportunities arising from free trade agreements and global manufacturing relocation trends, enterprises need to continue improving product quality, complying with international standards, and developing new export markets.
References:
Vietnam’s Chemical Industry: Overview 2025
Hóa chất vươn lên dẫn đầu xuất khẩu sang Lào
Thông cáo báo chí tình hình kinh tế – xã hội quý IV và năm 2025
