Export from Vietnam: A Guide For Vietnamese SME Exporters

In this article, we’re going to discuss how to effectively expand your business and start exporting goods from Vietnam around the world. Whether you’re a manufacturer in Ho Chi Minh, an industry leader in the Hanoi textile industry, or an established electronics company in Hai Phong, it’s time to expand your customer base and start generating money from valuable international customers. So, if you want to reach international buyers as a Vietnam exporter, or start dipping your toe into the world of overseas e-commerce, get ready to learn more about the emerging opportunities for Vietnamese SME exporters.

Exporting from Vietnam amid the global pandemic

While you may assume that ongoing travel restrictions would be detrimental to global trade and exports, and that these would especially create supply chain disruptions, a dramatic shift in consumer behavior has actually helped many SMEs increase profit margins. This is in great part due to the Internet playing such an invaluable role worldwide during lockdowns and isolation. With increased online engagement, there now remains a captive audience online just waiting to be reached. So if you’re a Vietnamese business hoping to attract international buyers, signing up for an online marketplace or investing in social media is a smart move.

In addition to this, Vietnam’s economy has been strengthened by the U.S - China trade war. US buyers are now looking to diversify their suppliers, and are reaching out to countries able to offer competitive prices due to low-cost manufacturing in Asia. Vietnam is perfectly positioned to take on this new opportunity.

However, it has still been challenging for Vietnam exporters to negotiate Binh Duong and Dong Hai’s extended stay-home orders and evening curfews. On the upside, however, Vietnam is currently prioritizing vaccinating workers from the Samsung electronics factory in the north of the country, as well as workers from the Intel electronics factory and various garment factories in Ho Chi Minh. ¹ This should therefore make exporting from these sectors easier.

It must be noted that Vietnam’s trade surplus fell from $2.94 billion USD in October 2020, to $1.1 billion USD in October 2021, which was mainly due to the country’s increased demand for imported goods.² However, this increase in domestic consumption is creating an opportunity for new businesses to start trading overseas. Moreover, Vietnam’s rapid growth in the manufacturing of exported goods and an increased interest from foreign investors is helping Vietnam’s economy quickly recover from the global pandemic.³

COVID-19 has in fact amplified Vietnam’s profile as an emerging country to invest in. The ADB forecasts Vietnam to be one of the fastest-growing economies in SEA in 2021. The Ministry of Industry and Trade, meanwhile, reports that several of the world’s biggest technology corporations aim to shift their supply chain to Vietnam; all thanks to free trade agreements, low-cost manufacturing, and their ability to quickly adapt and react to a global pandemic.⁴

Top-exported goods from Vietnam

For those who don’t know, Vietnam is considered one of the largest coffee exporters. In fact, the country has surpassed Brazil to become the world’s top exporter of coffee. Vietnam sells high-quality coffee to EU countries including Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. Vietnamese coffee has an export value of $771 million USD, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.⁶

After coffee, Vietnam exports also include garments and textiles, computer parts, electrical machinery, and the export of smartphones. Foreign companies flock to the ASEAN region for its affordable manufacturing costs, and US buyers take advantage of the fact that Vietnam currently has no import/export tariffs imposed.

While coffee, textiles, and electronics are among the top Vietnamese exports, there are also a substantial number of food and beverages. Read our article on the “5 best made in Vietnam food & beverage products to export globally” to find out more.

Top export destinations from Vietnam

Vietnam’s largest export market is the US, which means huge volume. Additionally, Vietnam’s economy is well on its way to achieving a growth of 6.5% (by the end of 2021). While US buyers account for a vast number of Vietnam’s export customers, the huge consumer markets of China and the EU are also close behind.⁵

Vietnam is strategically well-placed for exporting goods worldwide. Close to Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, and the Philippines, it is also well-positioned to meet the rising demands of those emerging middle-class markets across Asia who now have increased buying power. Investor-friendly Vietnamese exporters should seize this unique opportunity and expand overseas in 2021.

Why Vietnamese SMEs should sell internationally

The world has never been a more connected place. You can trade with almost any country and at any time, thanks to the rise and prevalence of global e-commerce. According to the Global E-commerce Update 2021, by eMarketer, e-commerce sales within retail grew by 27.6% worldwide in 2020.⁶ In fact, Southeast Asia SMEs are said to be steadily gaining power, with over 9,000 companies in Malaysia and Singapore already selling goods online, and with 77% of those already serving customers overseas. The top seller from Malaysia generated a massive $34 million USD in Gross Merchandise Value during 2020, despite the global pandemic.⁷

Case study: Alibaba.com Vietnamese exporter

While the global pandemic may still be impacting global trade, reaching international buyers has never been easier thanks to international marketplaces such as Alibaba.com. So, if you’re thinking about selling goods abroad, right now is your best chance. Join our international sellers who are already experiencing substantial growth and success on Alibaba.com. Let’s take a look at two stories from our Vietnamese sellers.

1: Digitalization with Alibaba.com

Director of Nam Viet Foods & Beverage Co. LTD, Bui Thi Hau considers using Alibaba.com to have been a strong strategic business move. Each month, this Vietnamese export company is able to connect with over 500 potential customers and as a result, generate over 100 orders. Bui Thi Hau reveals that Alibaba.com is the backbone of their business, accounting for 90% of their export revenue.

2: Vietnamese SME experiences growth in the agricultural industry

Phan Duc, Export Manager of VIHABA, states that the key to becoming highly successful on Alibaba.com is to regularly update information and take part in the Master Class sessions. These types of workshops help to educate sellers and exporters on significant market and industry changes. One of the most effective tools Alibaba.com provides, in Phan Duc’s experience, is the messaging and keyword ranking tools. Both have enabled VIHABA to manage customer inquiries and improve how they promote their products online.

Hear more Alibaba.com success stories here.