Vietnam spends 570 million USD importing pharmaceuticals in Q1

Vietnam spent more than 570 million USD on importing pharmaceuticals in the first quarter of this year, marking a year-on-year increase of 16.7 percent, according to the latest statistics from the General Department of Customs.
Vietnam spends 570 million USD importing pharmaceuticals in Q1 ảnh 1In Vietnam, the poor ability to develop new drugs and the few businesses with access to high standards are the main reasons for the rapid increase in pharmaceutical imports over recent years (Photo: thuonghieuvaphapluat.vn)
Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Vietnam spent more than 570 million USD on importingpharmaceuticals in the first quarter of this year, marking a year-on-yearincrease of 16.7 percent, according to the latest statistics from the GeneralDepartment of Customs.

Importshave come from dozens of countries and territories in Asia, North America,Europe and Oceania. In particular, many major markets in Europe are supplyingpharmaceuticals to Vietnam.

Bythe end of February 2019, France was the largest drug exporter to Vietnam,reaching nearly 55 million USD, up 40.3 percent over the same period last year.It was followed by Germany, India, the US, the Republic of Korea, the UK andBelgium with 44.5 million USD, 37 million USD, 34.2 million USD, 22.7 millionUSD, 18 million USD and 14 million USD, respectively.

Bythe end of 2018, the country's pharmaceutical imports amounted to nearly 2.8billion USD, slightly lower than the import spending of 2017.

Accordingto statistics from IBM Market Research, Vietnam’s pharmaceutical market size in2018 reached nearly 5.3 billion USD. The market size is expected to reach 7.7billion USD by 2021 and 16.1 billion USD by 2026, with a growth rate of up to11 percent.

Thepoor ability to develop new drugs and the few businesses with access to highstandards are the main reasons for the rapid increase in pharmaceutical importsover recent years.

Nearly55 percent of domestic pharmaceutical needs must be met by imported sources,including a large number of patented drugs, which are expensive because theyare unable to be produced domestically.

Thedrug spending per capita in Vietnam in 2017 was about 56 USD. This figure isexpected to increase to 85 USD in 2020 and 163 USD in 2025.-VNS/VNA

VNA

See more

Vietnam is emerging as a preferred destination for many foreign enterprises (Photo: hanoimoi.vn)

Vietnam emerges as bright spot of growth, trusted and responsible partner

Despite a volatile global environment, Vietnam recorded solid gains in 2025. With flexible and proactive policies under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Government, all 15 key socio-economic targets were met or exceeded, while GDP expanded by about 8.02%, surpassing expectations.

An image of a Vietnamese game. CIS region has potential for gaming developers from Viet Nam. (Photo: Courtesy of cellphones.com.vn_

CIS: Opportunity for game developers in Vietnam

The CIS region, which includes Eastern Europe and Central Asia, has potential for gaming developers from Vietnam as this market displays user behaviour patterns that are highly favourable for mobile gaming growth, particularly around major holiday periods.

Banks, including MB Bank, have issued alerts about scams conducted via social media platforms such as Zalo and Facebook, where criminals impersonate acquaintances. (Photo: The Courtesy of MBBank)

Financial scams surge ahead of Tet

As the Lunar New Year (Tet) approaches, financial and banking scams in Vietnam are showing a sharp upward trend, prompting banks and law enforcement agencies to issue repeated warnings.

Hai Phong targets 4.3 billion USD in FDI in 2026 (Photo: VNA)

Hai Phong city targets 4.3 billion USD in FDI in 2026

Hai Phong’s investment appeal is underpinned by a rapidly expanding development space, including the Southern Coastal Economic Zone covering more than 20,000 hectares, a planned free trade zone, deep-water ports at Lach Huyen, and 12 industrial parks newly established in 2025.

The relocation of check-in counters aims to better meet the travel needs of residents and visitors. (Photo: VNA)

Vietjet shifts domestic check-in at Tan Son Nhat from January 13

During the recent New Year 2026 holiday peak, Vietjet added 380 flights, equivalent to nearly 78,000 additional seats, on many key domestic routes linking Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with destinations such as Vinh, Thanh Hoa, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang and Da Lat.

Commercial banks are providing approximately 88% of total green credit outstanding in Vietnam. (Photo: nhandan.vn)

Capital sources expanded for sustainable growth

According to the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), by the end of November 2025, outstanding green credit was estimated at around 750 trillion VND (28.55 billion USD), with an average growth rate exceeding that of overall credit in the economy.

Customers select goods at a supermarket. (Photo: VNA)

Retail market expands sharply, sustainability challenges persist

According to a report on recently released by the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Agency for Domestic Market Surveillance and Development, the size of the market reached more than 7 quadrillion VND (about 266 billion USD) in 2025, up around 10% compared with 2024.

Oil rigs at the Bach Ho oil field. (Photo: VNA)

Resolution 79: State economy to lead growth

Resolution 79 is described as a “clear action declaration” by the Politburo, saying the state economy is not only responsible for maintaining macroeconomic stability, but must also become the force leading a new growth model that is green and sustainable.

Workers at Garment 10 Corporation produce apparel for export. (Photo: Nhan Dan)

Vietnam leverages export advantages within RCEP region

In 2025, seafood exports to China alone exceeded 2.2 billion USD, up about 33% compared to 2024. Shipments to Japan fetched nearly 1.7 billion USD, a year-on-year increase of 14.6%, while those to the Republic of Korea and Australia grew by 9.6% and 3.2%, respectively.

Certificates of membership in the Vietnam International Financial Centre in Da Nang are awarded at the conference on January 9. (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang continues targeted investment promotion approaches

According to Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Pham Duc An, the city prioritises building sustainable economic ecosystems and focuses on key breakthrough sectors with strong spillover effects, including high technology and digital transformation, logistics, urban infrastructure, finance, processing and manufacturing industries, high-tech agriculture, and the pharmaceutical and medicinal herb industry.