Vietnam's import market grew by 18% in 2024, making it one of the most attractive markets for exporters. But with trade show costs averaging $15,000-$50,000 per event, many SMEs are priced out of traditional buyer discovery methods. This guide shows you how to find verified Vietnamese buyers using customs data intelligence.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Define Your Target Product Category
Identify your HS code (Harmonized System code) for your products. For example, HS 620342 covers men's cotton trousers.
Tip: Use Globby's HS Code Directory to find the exact code for your products.
- 2
Search Vietnamese Import Records
Use a trade data platform to search for Vietnamese companies importing your HS code. Filter by import volume, frequency, and source countries.
Tip: Look for importers who source from countries similar to yours - they're more likely to consider new suppliers.
- 3
Analyze Buyer Profiles
Review each potential buyer's import history, including volumes, pricing trends, and supplier diversity. Identify those growing their imports.
Tip: Companies increasing import volumes year-over-year are actively expanding and more open to new suppliers.
- 4
Verify Company Legitimacy
Cross-reference with Vietnamese business registries, check their website, and look for trade references. Avoid companies with inconsistent data.
Tip: Globby's Company Verification feature automatically checks against multiple databases.
- 5
Find Decision-Maker Contacts
Identify procurement managers, import directors, or owners. Use LinkedIn, company websites, and trade databases to find direct contacts.
Tip: Personalized outreach to the right person has 3x higher response rates than generic emails.
- 6
Craft Your Outreach Message
Reference their specific import data in your message. Mention their current suppliers and explain your competitive advantage.
Tip: "I noticed you import 500 TEU of cotton textiles from China monthly..." is more effective than "We are a textile supplier..."
Why Vietnam is a Hot Market in 2025
Vietnam's strategic location, young workforce, and growing middle class make it ideal for consumer goods, machinery, and raw materials. The country imported $330 billion worth of goods in 2024.
The Problem with Trade Shows
Trade shows are expensive, time-consuming, and often yield unqualified leads. Digital buyer discovery offers a more targeted, cost-effective approach.
Using Customs Data for Buyer Discovery
Customs data reveals exactly which companies are importing your product category, how much they're buying, and from which countries. This is the same intelligence that Fortune 500 companies use.
Conclusion
Finding reliable buyers in Vietnam doesn't require a $50,000 trade show budget. With customs data intelligence, you can identify, verify, and contact qualified buyers from your desk. The key is using data to personalize your approach and demonstrate that you understand their business.