In addition to its renowned agricultural exports, Vietnam is asserting its strength in another strategic industry: footwear. Recent data from the General Department of Vietnam Customs shows that the country’s footwear exports brought in more than $2.1 billion in May 2025 alone, although this marked a 3.5% decline from April.

$9.76 Billion in Just Five Months: Vietnam’s Global Expansion Accelerates

During the first five months of 2025, Vietnam’s total footwear export turnover reached $9.76 billion, representing a robust 12.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The United States stands as Vietnam’s largest export destination, accounting for over $3.5 billion in shipments—a 16% year-on-year increase. The Netherlands ranks second with $742 million (up 17%), followed by China at $644 million, although exports to China saw a 16% decline from the previous year.

For 2024, Vietnam’s total footwear exports surpassed $27 billion—roughly $3 billion higher than the previous year. The remarkable rebound that began in late 2023 has continued into 2025. Vietnamese footwear enterprises have demonstrated agility and resilience, maintaining traditional export markets while actively opening new ones, thereby securing sustained double-digit growth of over 12%.

With this momentum, Vietnam now ranks as the world’s second-largest footwear exporter, second only to China.

Leveraging Global Trade Pacts: From EVFTA to CPTPP and Beyond

Vietnam’s footwear sector has skillfully capitalized on various free trade agreements, including the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). These agreements have enabled Vietnamese firms to secure substantial export contracts for 2024, helping diversify their market reach beyond traditional partners.

New markets in the Middle East, South America, and Africa are now being targeted through proactive trade promotion initiatives. These regions are becoming increasingly viable, especially for Vietnam’s dominant segment: sports footwear. This product category alone could significantly boost short-term export figures to Middle Eastern markets, which also import sandals from Vietnam, albeit in smaller volumes.

Strategic Actions: Mitigating Risks and Ensuring Sustainable Growth

Recognizing the evolving global trade environment, Vietnam has taken proactive steps to safeguard its position. These include ramping up bilateral trade negotiations, advocating for tariff exemptions on high-value-added domestic products, and conducting thorough reviews of origin certifications to prevent misuse of the "Made in Vietnam" label.

However, industry leaders warn that long-term competitiveness cannot rely solely on favorable trade terms. Vietnam must pivot toward a “post-preferential” growth model that emphasizes:

• Increased localization: Raising the domestic content ratio in export products to enhance resilience.

• Technological innovation: Advancing materials science and automation to reduce dependence on low-cost labor.

• Market diversification: Expanding domestic consumption and strengthening footholds in non-traditional markets such as Europe and the Middle East.

  
  

Vision 2025: $29 Billion Export Target and Sector Resilience

Looking ahead, the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (LEFASO) has set an ambitious export growth target of 10% for 2025, which would bring total export revenue to approximately $29 billion. Early indicators suggest that order flows are stabilizing.

However, LEFASO notes that firms must elevate their operational capacities to meet increasingly stringent international standards, especially as global logistics costs rise. Vietnamese manufacturers will also need to enhance their competitive edge through digital transformation, energy efficiency, and innovation in design and sustainability.

Call for Government Support: Policy, Logistics, and Green Energy

To help the footwear industry maintain its upward trajectory, LEFASO is urging the Vietnamese government to introduce supportive measures, particularly in:

• Establishing clear policies on clean and green energy for export production,
  

• Improving infrastructure and logistics systems to reduce costs,
  

• Facilitating innovation in production and branding for global competitiveness.
  

With contracts already signed with buyers in over 150 countries, Vietnam's footwear sector is not just growing—it is competing for the top position globally. As supply chains continue to evolve and global consumer demands shift toward sustainable and ethically produced goods, Vietnam’s proactive and strategic positioning offers a model for other emerging economies.