A relay is an electrical control device that uses a low-power control signal to manage high-power circuits.
Relays come in various types, including electromagnetic relays, solid-state relays, time relays, thermal relays, and intermediate relays. They are widely used in industrial automation, communication systems, household appliances, and power systems.
Relays offer fast response times, high contact capacity, strong insulation, and can achieve remote control and automation of circuits. Compared to components like fuses or circuit breakers, relays are primarily used for signal transmission and control rather than for direct overload protection.
The relay industry’s supply chain involves raw material suppliers (such as copper wire, soft iron cores, and high-quality insulation materials), electronic component manufacturers, and application sectors such as power, communications, and home appliances. According to CRI, in industrial automation systems, relays are widely used to control the interconnection between switches and sensors; in the telecommunications industry, they handle signal switching in switches and base stations; in household appliances, they are commonly found in the control modules of devices such as air conditioners and washing machines. With the rapid development of the industrial automation industry, global demand for relays is expected to continue growing, particularly in energy, transportation, and manufacturing, where relays will play increasingly significant roles.
According to CRI, major global relay manufacturers include Omron, Panasonic, Schneider Electric, Fuji Electric, and TE Connectivity.
Vietnam's relay market is growing steadily with the development of industrialization and the electronics industry. CRI indicates that the Vietnamese government is actively promoting improvements in power network infrastructure and expansion of power facilities. In recent years, multiple power plant and substation projects have been undertaken, leading to an increase in Vietnam's relay market size. However, the relay industry in Vietnam is still in its early stages. Domestic companies mainly focus on the low-end market and assembly, with limited technology and production capabilities. Consequently, Vietnam's relay market is heavily reliant on imports.
According to CRI data, in 2023, Vietnam's total relay imports amounted to around USD 170 million. From January to August 2024, relay imports in Vietnam totaled approximately USD 130 million, marking a 14% increase over the same period last year. The market size is expanding rapidly and is expected to continue growing quickly in the coming years.
CRI’s analysis reports, Vietnam's main sources for relay imports between 2021 and 2024 include South Korea, China, and Singapore. Key companies exporting relays to Vietnam include LS Electric Co., Ltd, Korea Electric Terminal Co., Ltd, and Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, Inc.
Major relay importers in Vietnam include companies in machinery manufacturing and electronics manufacturing. According to CRI, these include Yazaki EDS Vietnam Co., Ltd, Sumi Vietnam Wiring Systems Co., Ltd, and LS Electric Vietnam Co., Ltd.
With Vietnam's economic development, accelerated industrialization, and growth in related manufacturing sectors, CRI expects the relay market in Vietnam to continue expanding, with relay imports likely to increase further.
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