Vietnam’s textile and garment exports were estimated at $22.2 billion in H1 2026—up by 1.7 per cent YoY, according to the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association.
Exports of fibres, fabrics, accessories and non-woven materials recorded solid growth of between 5.6 per cent and 10.6 per cent during the period.
However, garment exports dropped by 0.4 per cent YoY during the six months amid weak demand.
However, garment exports dropped by 0.4 per cent YoY during the six months amid weak consumer demand in key markets.
The sector aims at maintaining average monthly export revenue of more than $4 billion in the remaining months to achieve its full-year target of around $48 billion.
In the first five months of the year, the United States was Vietnam’s largest export market, with shipments worth $6.81 billion—up by 1.3 per cent YoY and accounting for about 45 per cent of total exports.
The EU was the brightest market, posting an 8.8 per cent YoY increase to $1.94 billion, while exports to Japan and South Korea dropped by 6.2 per cent and 8.9 per cent YoY respectively during the five months.
The sector maintained a trade surplus of nearly $10 billion in H1 2026, according to domestic media outlets.
However, VITAS said the industry faces major challenges, including sluggish demand in key markets, intense price competition, heavy dependence on imported raw materials, rising costs related to environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards and product traceability, as well as growing uncertainty over global trade policies.
VITAS chairman Vu Duc Giang said future growth will depend on improving productivity, creating higher-value products, developing domestic sources of raw materials, diversifying export markets and accelerating digital and green transformation.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
