A recent Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper report on the impact of cheap imported goods on the Vietnamese market has sparked widespread debate, with many readers expressing a desire to support local products but admitting to their preference for cheaper Chinese products.

Reader Le Nga admitted to frequently purchasing Chinese goods on e-commerce platforms, citing their affordability, attractive designs, and variety.

"Money is hard-earned, so I'll choose products that are practical, affordable, and appealing,” said Nga, hoping Vietnamese businesses adopt a consumer-focused approach to produce practical, high-quality, and competitively priced products.

Economic pressures were echoed by reader Rayluan, who pointed out how rising living costs and stagnant wages force consumers to prioritize affordability.

Reader Dan recounted buying a Chinese power strip with a three-meter cable for just VND15,000 (US$0.59), delivered from China to Vietnam via Shopee, a popular e-commerce platform, in a week.

High domestic shipping fees further exacerbate the issue.

Reader Lao Hac explained that shipping costs for small items in Vietnam often exceed their price.

“For instance, shipping fees for a small item can reach VND30,000 [$1.18], doubling for two items, and surpassing VND500,000 [$20] for larger orders,” he said.

Reader Lucas also compared shipping costs, noting that delivery from China to Ho Chi Minh City costs only VND18,000 ($0.71), while that from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is some VND36,000 ($1.42).

“Consumers will always opt for what’s good, affordable, and appealing,” Lucas said, urging Vietnamese manufacturers to innovate and improve their offerings to stay competitive.

Despite the allure of low prices, some readers pointed out the drawbacks of Chinese products. 

“They’re undeniably cheap and attractive, but they often break within a few months,” said reader Hieu Nhoc.

Reader Thanh warned that without regulatory intervention, Chinese imports could increasingly replace Vietnamese commodities across various sectors. 

To address this, reader Lan Anh proposed stricter technical barriers against imports, modeled on practices from Europe, the U.S., and even China itself. 

Lan Anh also suggested upgrading Vietnam’s testing facilities, investing in better equipment, and enhancing capabilities to protect domestic industries.

She further recommended anti-dumping taxes, removing tax exemptions for goods valued above $5, and stricter regulations for live selling. 

These could include requiring quality certifications for imported products, licenses for streamers, and clinical trials for pharmaceuticals.

Reader Nguyen Van Hien expressed concern that an influx of cheap Chinese goods could bankrupt small domestic manufacturers, causing job losses and reducing tax revenue. 

“Tariff barriers alone won’t stop the wave of cheap imports, and appealing to consumers to prioritize Vietnamese goods isn’t practical at this stage,” Hien said.

While acknowledging the need for import controls, reader Tran Thu viewed the influx of foreign goods as a natural outcome of global integration. 

Tran Thu urged Vietnamese producers to focus on creating high-quality, competitively priced products, improving logistics, embracing technological innovation, and delivering excellent after-sales service to reclaim the domestic market.

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