As the global wave of robotization accelerates, Vietnam faces pressure to overhaul its manufacturing model, which has long relied on cheap labor. With supply chain strategies being challenged, both South Korea and China are vying for a foothold in the Vietnamese market by leveraging robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), creating a clear competitive landscape. Attention is now on whether Korea-Vietnam cooperation can extend beyond manufacturing to become a key partnership in robotics.
According to Bloomberg Vietnam, the density of robots in Vietnam's electronics industry is about 90 to 150 per 10,000 workers, falling short of the global average of 162. In contrast, South Korea leads the world with 1,220 robots per 10,000 workers, followed by Singapore with 818 and China with 470.
China's dominance is particularly evident in terms of volume. In 2024 alone, approximately 295,000 new robots are expected to be installed in China, capturing 54% of the global market. Currently, around 2 million robots are operational in China, which is 4.5 times more than in Japan. The food and beverage sector has seen an 86% increase in new robot installations, while the textile industry has grown by 29%, indicating rapid robotization even in labor-intensive sectors.
Vietnam holds a 24.5% share of the Southeast Asian robotics market, emerging as the largest market in the region last year. However, much of this growth has been driven by foreign direct investment (FDI) in the electronics sector. Global companies like Samsung, LG, and Foxconn have relocated their operations to Vietnam as part of a 'China Plus One' strategy, bringing robots along with them. Consequently, Vietnam is still considered to be in the 'user' stage of robotics, with the need to enhance its capabilities in system integration and industry-specific optimization.
Korea and China Compete in Vietnam's Robotics Market
Amid this backdrop, South Korea is intensifying its efforts to position Vietnam as a next-generation advanced manufacturing hub. The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) recently operated a 'Korean Robotics Pavilion' at the 'VINAMAC EXPO 2026' held in Hanoi from May 14 to 16, showcasing five Korean tech companies that presented their robotic products and automation solutions. Approximately 50 export consultations were conducted with 17 buyers, including Vietnamese automation firm ITEK Automation Solutions.
South Korea's exports of industrial robots to Vietnam have surged sharply. In 2022, exports increased by 67% year-on-year, and they are projected to grow by another 12.4% to approximately $15.29 million (about 230 billion won) by 2025. Over the past three years, exports of transport and handling robots have skyrocketed 13-fold, while automation solutions have risen by about 40%. KOTRA is set to host the 'Korea-Vietnam AI Innovation Day' on May 20 in Ho Chi Minh City to discuss collaborative strategies for digital transformation in manufacturing.
Chinese companies are also making significant inroads. The 'China Home Life Vietnam 2026' exhibition, which opened on May 13, featured around 500 Chinese firms showcasing industrial machinery, automation equipment, and AI-based smart devices. The exhibition included delivery and cleaning robots, voice-controlled smart home systems, and automated production lines for small and medium-sized enterprises. Some companies actively emphasized the potential for technology transfer and customized production partnerships. With both South Korea and China targeting Vietnam, local firms face a crucial decision in choosing their partners.
Moreover, Vietnam's internal supply chain operations are rapidly evolving. Factories are now operating 24/7, demanding speed and precision in raw material procurement, logistics, and warehouse management. As robot-based quality control becomes commonplace, defects that were difficult to detect through manual inspection are now being monitored, and real-time data integration has become a fundamental requirement for entering the primary supply chain.
Ultimately, Vietnam's ability to enhance its robot system integration and industry-specific optimization capabilities will be a decisive factor in determining its future standing. Combining imported robots with management software in sectors such as food, textiles, and cold chain logistics presents a realistic opportunity.
Historically, Korea and Vietnam's collaboration has primarily focused on production networks centered around electronics and manufacturing. However, as robotics and AI emerge as core infrastructure in supply chains, the potential for the two countries to evolve into major partners encompassing system integration and technological advancement is increasingly significant.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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