Vietnam’s Steel Imports Decline in September Despite Year-to-Date Growth

Vietnam imported 1.21 million mt of steel in September 2026, down 11.0% month on month, while scrap imports increased 27.2% to 485,080 mt, according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.

Despite the monthly decline, Vietnam’s steel imports reached 11.58 million mt in the first nine months of 2026, representing a 3.5% year-on-year increase. Scrap imports also rose 1.8% year on year to 4.66 million mt during the same period.

China remained Vietnam’s largest steel supplier, shipping 652,467 mt in September, up 10.4% year on year. Indonesia followed with 177,688 mt, an increase of 23.1%, while Japan supplied 107,656 mt, down 28.6%.

During January-September, steel imports from China totaled 5.90 million mt, down 8.8% year on year. Meanwhile, imports from Indonesia increased 27.2% to 1.22 million mt, and shipments from India reached 992,841 mt, rising more than 1,000% from a low comparison base.

For scrap, Japan remained the leading supplier with 170,703 mt in September, although shipments declined 43.6% year on year.

                                                                                           VietnamSteel by Hoa Sen Group