Overview of Vietnam–China Trade in 2025

Overview of Vietnam–China Trade in 2025

In 2025, trade between Vietnam and China continues to expand strongly, reaffirming its position as one of Asia’s most critical trade corridors.
In just the first two months of 2025, bilateral trade reached over USD 31 billion.
By mid-year, Vietnam’s total import–export turnover reached USD 432 billion, up more than 16% compared to the same period in 2024.

China remains one of Vietnam’s largest export markets, accounting for around 15–17% of total export value, equivalent to over USD 60 billion annually. Key export categories include machinery, electronic components, metal molds, mechanical equipment, and other processed industrial goods.

Despite Vietnam’s trade deficit of around USD 66 billion with China, the route remains strategically important due to geographical proximity, lower logistics costs, and rising industrial demand in southern China—particularly in Dongguan, the manufacturing hub of Guangdong province.

>> Read More: KFLV x Alibaba – Toward Optimized Vietnam–China Logistics

Dongguan – The Industrial Powerhouse of Southern China

Dongguan, located in Guangdong Province, is widely known as the “factory of the world.” In the first four months of 2025, the city recorded foreign trade worth CNY 486.3 billion (approx. USD 67 billion), up nearly 20% year-on-year.

Dongguan produces one in every five smartphones globally and a quarter of the world’s consumer electronics, supported by more than 1.7 million workers in manufacturing. Major industrial zones include Songshan Lake, Chang’an, Humen, and Dalang, which host thousands of factories in precision engineering, mold manufacturing, electronics, plastics, and metal processing.

As a result, Vietnamese exports to Dongguan—especially metal molds, mechanical components, and electronic parts—are in strong and consistent demand, directly supporting the supply chains of major manufacturing groups in southern China.

Vietnam’s Top Exports to Dongguan in 2025

Vietnam’s Top Exports to Dongguan in 2025

According to recent trade data, China’s main imports from Vietnam are electronics, machinery, mechanical products, and industrial molds.

The most in-demand categories in Dongguan include:

• Metal molds (die-casting and injection molds) – used in plastic and metal component production.
• Mechanical and CNC components, electronic parts – for assembly and machine manufacturing.
• Industrial tools, fixtures, and jigs – supporting precision manufacturing and automation.

Export records from 2025 show a significant increase in mold and component shipments to Dongguan, reflecting the growing supply chain integration between Vietnamese manufacturers and Chinese industrial clusters.

>> Read More: Customs Declaration & Documentation Guide for Exporting Metal Molds to China (Dongguan)

Customs Procedures and Documentation for Exporting to Dongguan (China)

For molds, components, and mechanical tools, exporters must prepare the following documents:

• Sales Contract – detailing product type, value, and Incoterms.
• Commercial Invoice – includes seller/buyer details, declared value, and HS code.
• Packing List – specifying dimensions, weight, and quantity.
• Bill of Lading / Air Waybill – issued by carrier or forwarder.
• Certificate of Origin (Form E) – to enjoy import tariff preferences under the ACFTA.
• Electronic Customs Declaration (VNACCS/VCIS) – submitted to Vietnam Customs.
• Technical Drawings / Product Specifications – required for molds or precision-engineered goods.

Tax and regulatory notes:

• Export tax from Vietnam: 0%.
• Import duty in China: approx. 10–20%, depending on the HS code; may be reduced more with C/O Form E (ACFTA).
• Wood pallets must comply with ISPM 15 international standards for fumigation or heat treatment.
• Used or refurbished molds may require proof of residual value or material composition.

>> Read More: What is C/O Form E? Procedures & ACFTA Preferential Tariff Regulations for Import-Export Businesses

Key Notes and Recommendations for Exporters

• Declare the correct HS code to avoid customs inspection delays.
• Provide clear technical descriptions including materials, function, and dimensions.
• Check vessel schedules and lead time from Hai Phong to Dongguan in advance.
• Work with a Vietnam–China route specialist forwarder to ensure compliance and smooth clearance.
• Maintain export documentation for at least five years for post-clearance audit or tax refund purposes.

KFLV – Vietnam–Dongguan Export and Freight Services

At King Freight Logistics Vietnam (KFLV), we provide end-to-end freight forwarding services on the Hai Phong – Dongguan route, optimized for industrial and technical cargo such as molds, components, and precision tools.

Our key services include:

• Sea freight (LCL & FCL): fixed weekly schedule, only 3 days transit time.
• Cross-border trucking: ideal for smaller or urgent shipments.
• Air freight (Hai Phong / Ho Chi Minh City – Guangzhou): for high-value or time-sensitive goods.
• Customs brokerage & documentation support: HS code consulting, Form E application, ISPM 15 compliance, VNACCS declaration.
  

KFLV guarantees:

• Competitive rates, transparent schedules, and reliable delivery timelines.
• Full cargo safety for high-precision molds and components.
• Comprehensive support from export declaration to final delivery at Dongguan Port or Dongguan Airport.
  

Contact KFLV for Consultation and Quotation

If your business needs to export to China, especially molds, mechanical components, or industrial tools, contact KFLV for detailed consultation and a tailored logistics solution.

Hotline: +84 (0) 938 188 796
Email: cs1@hcm.kfkingfreight.com