The Vietnamese textile and footwear industry is facing a “new rule of the game” in the international market, as requirements for environmental protection and sustainable development are becoming increasingly stringent. To maintain and expand export market share, businesses need to quickly adapt and transform towards greening.
The textile and footwear pavilion attracted significant interest from international buyers.
Pressure from key export markets
According to Ms. Phan Thi Thanh Xuan, Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association, key markets such as the US and EU are setting very high requirements for sustainable development. Previously, these criteria were mainly proposed by brands, but have now been legalized through laws such as:
- Supply Chain Audit Act: Requires businesses to be transparent and responsible for their entire supply chain.
- Anti-Deforestation Act: To prevent the use of raw materials from sources that are harmful to forests and the environment.
- Extended Producer Responsibility Act: Forcing manufacturers to take responsibility for their products throughout their life cycle, including the post-consumer stage.
- Regulations on eco-labeling and eco-design: Requiring products to meet environmental friendliness and energy-saving standards.
Support from policies and management agencies
Vietnam’s textile industry is actively adopting eco-friendly technologies, aiming to build a green and sustainable supply chain — with strong support from national policies.
Faced with these challenges, Dr. Nguyen Van Hoi, Director of the Institute for Strategy and Policy Research on Industry and Trade, Ministry of Industry and Trade, emphasized the importance of working together between state management and enterprises. Support measures include:
- Completing mechanisms and policies to encourage enterprises to access green technology: Creating conditions for enterprises to invest in environmentally friendly production technology.
- Encouraging investment in domestic raw material production chains: Reducing dependence on imported raw materials and building sustainable supply chains.
- Support access to clean energy sources: Help businesses use renewable energy, reduce emissions and meet international standards.
- Negotiate and develop green criteria: Management agencies need to coordinate with international partners to develop sets of green criteria and standards, and guide businesses in accessing and complying.
Opportunities from free trade agreements
Vietnam has signed 16 free trade agreements (FTAs), opening up many opportunities for businesses to take advantage of the greening process as a competitive advantage. Meeting green standards not only helps businesses access international markets more easily but also enhances brand value and reputation in the global market.
Vietnamese Textiles & Footwear – Leading the export trend at Vietnam Sourcing Expo 2025
A speaker at the International Seminar, held within the framework of Vietnam International Sourcing 2024, shared insights on opportunities for Vietnamese fashion, furniture, and household goods to enter global distribution systems.
At Vietnam Sourcing Expo 2025, Vietnamese textile and footwear enterprises will have the opportunity to:
- Connect directly with international distribution chains and importers such as Uniqlo, Keen International Private Limited, TULS CORP PVT ltd, Mark Formelle LLC,Tolerance, Li Yuan Textile Co., Ltd…
- Introduce green, environmentally friendly products to thousands of international buyers from more than 60 countries and territories.
- Participate in specialized seminars on green trends, supply chain transformation and new international standards.
- Receive support from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and a specialized B2B Matching system to improve connection efficiency.
Take action today
Green transformation is no longer an option, but a vital path for the Vietnamese textile and footwear industry if it wants to maintain its export position.
👉 Participate in Vietnam International Sourcing Expo 2025 to bring your green products closer to global distribution systems.
📅 Time: 04 – 06/09/2025
📍 Location: SECC, Ho Chi Minh City
🔗 Register now at: https://vietnamsourcingexpo.vn/en/register/
Source: congthongtinchinhphu
