Vietnam’s exports to Japan maintained strong momentum in the first five months of 2026, reaching USD 12 billion, up 14% year-on-year, while bilateral trade totaled USD 23.3 billion. 

The strong performance reflects growing demand for Vietnamese products and reinforces Japan’s position as one of Vietnam’s key export markets, particularly for electronics, machinery, transportation equipment, and textiles. 

Four billion-dollar exports to Japan categories  

A key highlight of Vietnam’s exports to Japan in the first five months of 2026 is the emergence of four export categories generating more than USD 1 billion each. Together, these sectors contributed USD 5.3 billion, accounting for approximately 44% of Vietnam’s total exports to Japan.

The leading export categories include:

• Textiles and garments: USD 1.6 billion, down 6% year-on-year.
• Vehicles and spare parts: USD 1.3 billion, up 3.3%.
• Machinery, equipment, tools, and spare parts: USD 1.2 billion, up 16%.
• Mobile phones and components: USD 1.1 billion, recording an impressive 60% increase.

Meanwhile, machinery and transportation equipment continued to demonstrate stable demand from Japanese manufacturers and consumers.

Electronics continue to drive exports to Japan 

Beyond the billion-dollar categories, electronics remained one of the strongest performers in Vietnam’s exports to Japan. Exports of computers, electronic products, and components reached USD 970 million, increasing nearly 60% from USD 606 million during the same period last year.

The increasing export value also demonstrates the deep integration of Vietnamese manufacturers into Japan’s advanced industrial supply chains.

Stable growth in wood and seafood exports  

Several traditional export industries continued delivering solid results despite global market uncertainties. Although growth rates varied across industries, these sectors continue to play an important role in diversifying Vietnam’s exports to Japan and reducing dependence on a limited number of product groups.

Japan remains one of Vietnam’s largest importers of processed seafood, furniture, and high-quality wood products thanks to long-term trade relationships and strict quality standards.

Several product groups record triple-digit growth

One notable feature of Vietnam’s exports to Japan in 2026 is the outstanding performance of several emerging product categories. These impressive growth rates suggest that Vietnamese manufacturers are expanding beyond traditional export products and successfully supplying more diversified industrial goods to the Japanese market.

The rapid expansion also reflects increasing production capacity and improved competitiveness among Vietnamese exporters.

Agricultural exports remain important

Agricultural products continue contributing to Vietnam’s exports to Japan, although their overall share remains smaller than that of industrial goods.

Japan remains a premium market with rigorous food safety and quality requirements, encouraging Vietnamese agricultural exporters to invest in traceability, processing technology, and sustainable production.

Japan remains one of Vietnam’s most important trading partners, supported by strong economic cooperation and free trade agreements such as the CPTPP and RCEP. With four export categories surpassing USD 1 billion and strong growth in key industries, Vietnam’s exports to Japan are expected to maintain solid momentum throughout 2026. 

Source: Mekong ASEAN Magazine 

11/07/2026