iPhone imports cost Vietnam US$1.61 billion last year, equivalent to 46% of all phone imports.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, total imports were up 10.5% to $3.5 billion, with Samsung, Oppo, and Xiaomi accounting for most of the rest.
Samsung imports cost $940 million, and that of Oppo, $442 million.
Almost $18 worth of components were also imported, and South Korea and China accounted for 93% of phone and part imports.
Many Apple distributors said the more expensive an iPhone model, the higher the demand.
According to the ministry, some 210.5 million phones worth VND663.7 trillion were manufactured in Vietnam last year, down 9.1% in volume but up 15.1% in value.
Exports fetched the country $33.32 billion, with Samsung alone accounting for $31.42 billion.