Cross-Border Trade from Vietnam to the Philippines: What We’ve Learned So Far

At ZendEase, we’ve been keeping a close eye on how trade between Vietnam and the Philippines is growing — and not just in big numbers, but in the real, everyday ways that matter to businesses like ours (and maybe yours too).

Vietnamese Goods Are Gaining Ground

From ground coffee and instant noodles in your kitchen to fish sauce and spice packs in local stores, Filipino buyers are starting to warm up to Vietnamese products. They’re affordable, flavorful, and different enough to feel fresh, without being unfamiliar.

We’ve helped move some of these products before, especially for businesses testing out the Philippine market. What we've seen is that demand is there, but navigating the logistics side (documents, labeling, shipment size, customs) can trip people up without the right support.

According to the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry, there has been growing demand for Asian groceries, particularly those from ASEAN neighbors like Vietnam¹.

Rice and Real Needs

The Philippines imports millions of tons of rice annually, and Vietnam consistently ranks as its top supplier². With food security being a major issue, rice imports aren’t slowing down anytime soon.

But exporting rice isn’t something you just do overnight. It takes permits, paperwork, and good timing. While we haven’t shipped rice directly yet, we’ve seen the process up close through our network and partners. It’s one of those areas where having a logistics partner who understands the rules — and how they change — makes a difference.

Big Builds, Big Shipments

Aside from food, the Philippines is spending big on infrastructure. Under its “Build Better More” program, the government is prioritizing public works, housing, and telecom, driving demand for construction materials and tech components³.

Vietnamese manufacturers in these sectors — especially those offering good quality at competitive prices — may find new opportunities here. However these kinds of shipments come with challenges: bulkier cargo, stricter documentation, and longer coordination. That’s where planning, experience, and local insight matter.

There’s a Community Connection, Too

Something we love seeing is how the Vietnamese community in the Philippines plays a role in all this. Whether it’s helping a product find its way into local shops or connecting Vietnamese suppliers with Filipino distributors, this community quietly builds bridges every day.

Recent estimates suggest the Vietnamese population in the Philippines is growing, particularly among students, business owners, and professionals⁴. This makes for a natural cultural and business bridge between the two countries.

What We’re Trying to Do at ZendEase

We’re still early in our Vietnam-to-Philippines journey, but we’ve learned a lot already. Our work so far has focused on helping Vietnamese brands (especially in food and grocery) take their first steps into the Philippine market, and we’re looking to grow that.

We don’t promise magic, but we do believe that good logistics — the kind that’s honest, clear, and responsive — makes a real difference.

References

1. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippines. “Consumer Trends: Asian Groceries on the Rise.” 2023.
2. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). “Rice and Corn Situation and Outlook Report.” Q4 2024.
3. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “Build Better More: Infrastructure Flagship Projects.” 2024.
4. Embassy of Vietnam in the Philippines. “Community Updates.” 2024.