Vietnam’s garment and textile sector has long been a pillar of its economic ascent—and in 2025, it continues to demonstrate resilience and strong potential, despite global headwinds. For foreign investors and manufacturing firms, Vietnam remains one of Asia’s most compelling destinations for apparel production.
Industry Overview: A Key Economic Contributor
As one of Vietnam’s leading export sectors, garments and textiles generated an impressive US$44 billion in export revenue in 2024, representing an 11% increase year-over-year. In the first five months of 2025 alone, exports hit US$17.58 billion, up 9% from the same period in 2024, according to the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS).
Vietnam’s trade surplus in this sector reached US$6.95 billion during this period, with imports totaling US$10.63 billion. The country’s extensive network of free trade agreements (FTAs)—including the CPTPP and EVFTA—continues to give Vietnamese exports a competitive edge by reducing tariff barriers.
Resilience in a Shifting Global Landscape
Despite ongoing global challenges such as soft demand recovery and geopolitical uncertainties, Vietnamese textile and garment businesses have shown adaptability. They have improved operational efficiency, explored niche markets, and diversified export destinations—particularly in response to shifting U.S. tariff policies.
Industry Structure: From Fiber to Finished Garments
Vietnam’s textile industry is segmented into three main stages:
-
Upstream: Fiber production
-
Midstream: Fabric manufacturing and dyeing
-
Downstream: Garment production
Out of more than 3,800 textile companies, around 70% focus on garment manufacturing. However, just 6% produce yarn, 17% manufacture fabric, and 4% specialize in dyeing.
Sourcing Materials: A Key Bottleneck
Currently, only about 40% of raw material demand is met by domestic supply chains. Vietnamese manufacturers still heavily depend on imports from China, South Korea, India, and the U.S. For example, although Vietnam uses roughly 400,000 tons of cotton annually, just 3,000 tons are sourced locally—less than 1% of total demand.
Garment Production: Focused on CMT with Room to Grow
Most Vietnamese garment manufacturers operate under the cut-make-trim (CMT) model, which accounts for 70% of production. More advanced models like original equipment manufacturing (OEM) and original design manufacturing (ODM) make up the remaining 30%. Domestic fabric output is around 2.3 billion meters per year, covering just 25–30% of national demand.
Vietnam’s major export destinations include the U.S., Europe, Japan, and South Korea.
Challenges in Localization and Value Addition
Vietnam’s reliance on imported inputs limits local value addition, which hovers around 45–50% per exported garment. This dependence complicates compliance with rules of origin in FTAs and increases exposure to supply chain risks.
To address this, the country is focusing on developing its supporting industries, opening up new investment opportunities for both local and foreign players.
Future Trends: What’s Driving Growth?
Expanding Global Market Access
Vietnam’s extensive FTA network continues to open new doors for textile exporters. Agreements like the CPTPP and EVFTA provide access to high-value markets and encourage the development of more integrated supply chains within the country.
Embracing Sustainability
European buyers increasingly demand eco-friendly and ethically produced apparel. To remain competitive, many Vietnamese firms are pursuing internationally recognized certifications such as OEKO-TEX®, GOTS, GRS, and Fair Trade. Manufacturers are also adopting green technologies like solar energy, wastewater recycling, and waterless dyeing systems.
Upgrading Production Capabilities
The shift of production from China to Vietnam continues, driven by rising wages in China and trade tensions with the U.S. According to the U.S. Fashion Industry Association (USFIA), 80% of American fashion brands plan to reduce sourcing from China between 2024 and 2025. Vietnam has proactively negotiated with the U.S. to avoid steep tariffs and remains a preferred destination for American buyers.
However, future growth will require investment in automation, digital tools, and high-value production, such as electronics-integrated apparel and performance fabrics.
Key Manufacturing Regions
Southern Vietnam: A Strategic Hub
The southern region—including Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, and Binh Duong—hosts a dense concentration of garment factories. This region benefits from world-class infrastructure, such as:
-
Saigon Port, which handles about 67% of Vietnam’s seaport throughput
-
Cai Mep–Thi Vai Port, a deep-water terminal supporting global shipping routes
-
A robust highway system connecting key industrial zones
Northern Vietnam: Emerging Clusters
In the North, provinces like Nam Dinh and Thanh Hoa have seen rapid industrialization in textiles:
-
Nam Dinh is home to over 6,000 textile facilities, including major projects like TOP Textile JSC’s US$203 million factory and Xielong Vietnam’s US$40 million facility.
-
Thanh Hoa boasts over 300 textile enterprises, producing 700 million items in 2024, with export volumes increasing 20% year-over-year.
These regions are attracting both domestic and foreign investment, creating jobs and strengthening Vietnam’s position in global textile supply chains.
Global Brands Operating in Vietnam
Many top-tier brands rely on Vietnam for their manufacturing needs:
Adidas
By 2021, 40% of Adidas’ global footwear was made in Vietnam, reflecting a strategic move away from China due to rising labor costs and supply chain disruptions. This trend has only accelerated post-COVID-19.
Nike
Vietnam produces over half of Nike’s footwear, with the brand’s supplier base in the country growing from 138 to 155 factories between 2021 and late 2022. This expansion underscores Nike’s long-term commitment to Vietnam as a strategic production base.
Government Support and Incentives
The Vietnamese government continues to promote industrial parks, invest in R&D, and facilitate technology transferfor the textile sector. One of the most appealing incentives is the corporate income tax (CIT) regime, offering:
Preferential CIT Rates
-
10% for life of project or first 15 years
-
17% for life of project or first 10 years
Tax Holidays
-
4-year tax exemption + 50% reduction for 5–9 years
-
2-year exemption + 50% reduction for 4 years
These tax policies are especially attractive for companies investing in high-tech or supporting industries.
Outlook: A Sector Ready for the Next Phase
While Vietnam’s textile and garment industry faces challenges, it remains strategically positioned for long-term growth. With a vision to move up the value chain, improve sustainability, and expand its domestic supply capacity, Vietnam is poised to reinforce its role as a global textile manufacturing powerhouse.
For international firms seeking a cost-effective, reliable, and forward-looking production base, Vietnam continues to be an ideal destination.