Vietnam's E-Commerce Boom and the Rise of Live Commerce

Discover how Vietnam's booming e-commerce, fueled by live commerce, is reshaping retail and offering exciting opportunities for local brands.

Vietnam's E-Commerce Boom and the Rise of Live Commerce

Key Points

  • Vietnam's e-commerce market is rapidly growing, projected to reach $20.5 billion, with a 54% increase in just six months.
  • The rise of live commerce is transforming the shopping experience, generating substantial sales through interactive livestreamed events.
  • Local brands face challenges from foreign platforms but can thrive by enhancing their online presence and leveraging digital innovations.

Vietnam’s e-commerce sector is experiencing a remarkable transformation, showcasing impressive growth rates and a vibrant marketplace fueled by digital innovation. With an estimated total market value reaching $20.5 billion in 2023, this thriving environment represents 8% of the nation's total consumption value. As consumers increasingly turn to online shopping, the landscape is not only reshaping retail dynamics but also offering entrepreneurs vast opportunities. This post explores the key drivers, challenges, and future prospects of e-commerce in Vietnam, emphasizing how it continues to evolve.

E-commerce sales growth in Vietnam

Impressive Growth Amidst Challenges

According to recent reports, Vietnam’s e-commerce market has witnessed a staggering growth rate of up to 54% in just six months in 2024. This rapid ascent reflects consumer behavior shifting significantly towards online purchases, especially in categories like electronics, beauty, and fashion. Platforms like

Shopee

,

Lazada

, and

TikTok Shop

lead the charge, with TikTok Shop emerging as a formidable contender, amassing significant market share despite being relatively new to the scene. This shift connects consumers with a vast array of products while simultaneously empowering small businesses to tap into a broader audience.

Vibrant e-commerce market in Vietnam

The Appeal of Live Commerce

One of the most exciting developments in this evolving landscape is the rise of live commerce. Growing in popularity, live-streamed shopping events can generate sales between 100 billion to 150 billion VND per session. This interactive method not only showcases products in real-time but also creates a unique shopping experience that fosters customer engagement. As evidenced by notable platforms like TikTok, which integrates entertainment with shopping, businesses can effectively connect with consumers while driving sales.

Live commerce event in Vietnam

Opportunities for Domestic Brands

While the e-commerce market is bustling with activity, it's important to address the challenges local brands face. A significant challenge lies in the competitive dominance of foreign e-commerce platforms, which often overshadow local ones. According to recent data, only a few domestic brands, such as

Vinamilk

and Cocoon, feature prominently among the top earners. This scenario points to a need for Vietnamese brands to improve their online presence and strategies.

Vietnamese brands in e-commerce

The Future is Bright

Despite the hurdles, the future of e-commerce in Vietnam looks promising. With ongoing investments in logistics infrastructure and digital payment systems, the country is poised to overcome existing challenges. The Vietnamese government's initiatives to enhance digital adoption contribute to a favorable ecosystem for e-commerce growth. Noteworthy is the ASEAN Online Sale Day, which promotes cross-border sales within the region. This event encourages local businesses to expand their reach beyond national borders, tapping into a larger consumer base.

ASEAN Online Sale Day promoting e-commerce

Conclusion: Embracing Change

As Vietnam's e-commerce landscape continues to thrive, embracing change and adopting innovative strategies will be essential for businesses seeking to establish themselves in this dynamic market. From leveraging live commerce to enhancing customer trust through quality assurance, there is ample opportunity for brands that are willing to adapt. Moving forward, we can expect ongoing growth as consumers embrace online shopping, paving the way for a more interconnected and digital future in commerce.

Future of e-commerce in Vietnam