The rapid growth of e-commerce in Vietnam has attracted both domestic and international players, particularly Chinese e-commerce giants like Taobao, Tmall, Pinduoduo, and JD.com. These platforms have quickly gained a foothold by offering Vietnamese-language interfaces, attractive discounts, free shipping, and seamless transaction processes. The expansion of these Chinese platforms poses significant challenges for Vietnamese enterprises, as they risk losing market share and face stiff competition in pricing, technology, and logistics.
Chinese companies’ ability to offer competitive prices due to lower production costs pressures Vietnamese businesses to adjust their strategies. Experts believe the increasing number of players in the e-commerce field will lead to positive competition, offering consumers more choices and accelerating the development of Vietnam’s e-commerce market. However, foreign platforms compel domestic businesses to innovate, improve product quality, and enhance services.
Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises to leverage the global ecosystem and expand their market presence.
Chinese giants in Vietnam’s market
Optimizing internal capacities, promoting local specialties, and building strong “Made-in-Vietnam” brands on e-commerce platforms can help enhance the value of Vietnamese products and create a competitive edge.
Cross-border e-commerce is no longer a novel concept, and many Vietnamese businesses have successfully tapped into this channel, particularly in developed markets such as the US, Europe, and Japan. Sustainable consumption trends are gaining traction globally, and products from Vietnam, including handicrafts, agricultural goods, and wooden products, are increasingly attracting international customers. Instead of viewing international platforms solely as competitors, local businesses can explore partnerships.
Many global platforms are looking for local suppliers to meet diverse consumer needs, offering Vietnamese companies access to global distribution networks and logistics systems to scale up rapidly. The competition between domestic and international e-commerce businesses will undoubtedly intensify in the coming years. However, the opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to grow stronger are immense, particularly when they harness the power of global e-commerce channels.
Participating in global supply chains, building international brands, and adopting modern technologies will help Vietnamese businesses overcome challenges and integrate into the global ecosystem.
