H&M (Hennes & Mauritz) is one of the world’s largest fashion retailers, based in Sweden, known for its fast-fashion model and a network of over 4,800 stores across 75 markets. The company not only leads in scale but also pioneers the transformation of its supply chain toward sustainable development.
A Leading Fashion Brand’s Sustainable Supply Strategy
With a long-term sustainability strategy, H&M is committed to building a “green” supply chain, emphasizing transparency, sustainability, and social responsibility. The company has improved traceability and product transparency by applying the Higg Index across its supply chain.
It is also investing in cutting-edge technologies such as the Circulator—a circular design platform—to create fully recyclable fashion items, striving toward a circular economy by 2025. These efforts demonstrate H&M’s resolve to restructure its supply chain sustainably, reduce environmental impact, and comply with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards.
Vietnam — A Strategic Supply Link for H&M
In its journey to green and diversify its supply chain, Vietnam has emerged as a strategic link for H&M and many global fashion brands. Vietnam is currently one of the world’s largest textile and garment manufacturing hubs, ranking second globally in textile export value.
In 2024, Vietnam’s textile and garment exports reached approximately USD 44 billion. Notably, the U.S. and EU are key markets: the U.S. accounted for 37.98% with over USD 16.71 billion, while the European Union contributed around USD 4.3 billion to the total export value.
Thanks to the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), many Vietnamese textile products now enjoy 0% tariffs when exported to the EU, significantly increasing their competitiveness compared to products from China or Bangladesh. This gives Vietnam a vital advantage, making it an attractive destination in the sustainable sourcing strategies of European fashion giants like H&M.
Vietnam Surpasses Bangladesh to Become the World’s Second-Largest Textile Exporter
With a skilled workforce, competitive costs, and political stability, Vietnam is playing an increasingly critical role in H&M’s Asian supply network. Leading global fashion brands such as H&M, Uniqlo, and Decathlon have chosen Vietnam as a long-term manufacturing partner due to its ability to meet strict quality and delivery standards.
According to a representative of the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden, more and more Nordic enterprises (Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway) are turning to Vietnam as an expanded production base, especially after the EVFTA took effect—cutting tariffs and facilitating trade. In this context, H&M’s strengthened presence and engagement in Vietnam underscores the country’s indispensable role in its plan to build a sustainable global supply chain.
Goals and Expectations at Vietnam Sourcing Expo 2025
As part of its strategy to identify strategic suppliers in Asia, H&M has decided to send a senior sourcing delegation to the Vietnam International Sourcing Expo 2025 (Vietnam Sourcing Expo 2025) in Ho Chi Minh City for the first time. The event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, and will take place from September 4–6, 2025, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC). This marks H&M’s first official participation in a national-level trade fair in Vietnam and is regarded as one of the key highlights of this year’s expo.
At Vietnam Sourcing Expo 2025, H&M’s primary goal is to identify and build relationships with suppliers in the fashion, textile, and related accessories and materials sectors, with a strong focus on partners capable of sustainable production.
H&M is known for its strict ESG requirements—from environmental standards (such as eco-friendly materials, water-saving processes, and carbon reduction) to social standards (working conditions and fair wages) and transparent governance. Therefore, the company is particularly seeking suppliers of “green” products—such as organic fabrics, recycled materials, and environmentally friendly fashion—that can also ensure traceability across the supply chain.
In addition, H&M is also looking for partners who can provide fashion accessories (buttons, zippers, decorative items) and complementary apparel products (footwear, bags, etc.) to complete its supply chain ecosystem in Asia. The ultimate goal is to build a broad and flexible supplier network that meets the criteria of quality, speed, and sustainability—while minimizing supply chain disruption risks.
Opportunities for Vietnamese Suppliers
H&M’s participation—alongside renowned global retailers—at Vietnam Sourcing Expo 2025 offers Vietnamese suppliers a unique chance for direct collaboration, especially in textiles and supporting industries. This is more than a business opportunity—it enhances the reputation of Vietnamese products on the global stage.
Vietnam’s Trade Counselor to Sweden, Mr. Tran Van Tuan, stressed that H&M’s selection of this expo shows that Vietnam Sourcing Expo has become a trusted destination for global brands seeking new suppliers.
At the event, Vietnamese suppliers can present directly to H&M’s sourcing team—showcasing product samples, production processes, and sustainability certifications (e.g., SA8000, WRAP, BSCI, Higg Index). These face-to-face exchanges can expedite evaluation processes and open doors to factory visits—a crucial step toward securing long-term contracts.
Beyond H&M, the expo features other major buyers such as AEON, Walmart, Decathlon, LuLu Group, IKEA, Uniqlo, Amazon, and more—covering industries from fashion and food to household goods and furniture. This is a perfect opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to “reach multiple goals at once”, connecting with hundreds of global buyers right at home.
With solid production capabilities, quality certifications, and compelling brand stories, Vietnamese suppliers can leverage the expo as a springboard, transforming opportunities into high-potential export contracts.
Vietnam Sourcing Expo 2025 – A Global Trade Hub
Featuring over 500 exhibitors and 300 buyer delegations from 30+ countries, Vietnam Sourcing Expo 2025 is a powerful platform connecting Vietnamese suppliers with global buyers. Hosted at SECC (HCMC), the expo focuses on key export sectors—food & beverage, consumer goods, interiors, textiles, and supporting industries—while offering a rich lineup of B2B sessions, specialty seminars, and forums covering hot topics like tariffs, EU standards, green transformation, and logistics.
Vietnam Sourcing Expo is steadily proving its worth as a gateway for Vietnamese enterprises to reach global markets.
Past editions resulted in on-the-spot trade deals, and this year—with H&M’s debut alongside major global brands—the event continues to position itself as a “strategic stop” for international buyers targeting Vietnam.
This expo also empowers Vietnamese businesses to capitalise on FTAs such as EVFTA and CPTPP, unlocking deeper integration into global value chains. Suppliers are advised to prepare thoroughly—compile capability documents, produce high-quality samples, and register early for B2B meetings. With thorough preparation, Vietnamese suppliers have a real chance to convert expo opportunities into concrete, long-term contracts, becoming strategic partners for leading multinational buyers.
