Preliminary data from Vietnam Customs indicates that exports in March reached nearly US$3.16 billion, up 30.07% from February and 3.12% year on year. In the first quarter, total export value rose to more than US$8.86 billion, a modest increase of 1.95% compared to the same period in 2025.

As of April 15, textile and garment exports generated US$10.24 billion, alongside US$1.27 billion from textile fibers and over US$220 million from curtain and technical fabrics.

The United States was Vietnam’s largest export market, accounting for 44.32% of total turnover with nearly US$3.93 billion in the first quarter, up 3.65% year on year. The European Union ranked second with US$1.02 billion, marking a stronger increase of 13.24%. Japan followed closely at just under US$1 billion but saw a decline of 6.7%.

Other key markets showed mixed performance. Exports to the Republic of Korea fell 11.16% to US$735.21 million, while shipments to China rose 13.98% to US$328.8 million. Southeast Asia accounted for US$548.41 million, up 3.6%.

Despite these gains, overall growth stays subdued. Industry observers note that global demand has yet to fully recover, while competition is intensifying. China, for example, recorded a sharp rebound, with exports surging 73.1% in February alone.

Le Tien Truong, chairman of Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex), says the industry is no longer in a simple recovery phase but entering a period of structural adjustment marked by uncertainty. He urges businesses to shift from a passive stance to proactive adaptation, balancing expansion with tighter cost control.

The industry is targeting export revenue of around US$50 billion in 2026, up from more than US$46 billion last year. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions, including Middle East instability since late February, are adding pressure through rising input and logistics costs, while global consumer demand is weak.

According to the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (Vitas), the industry faces prolonged risks from geopolitical volatility, elevated production and transport costs, and sluggish global consumption growth of just 2%–2.5% annually. These factors are prompting international buyers to adopt a more cautious approach.

To navigate these challenges, Vinatex-affiliated firms are focusing on optimising capacity and maintaining stable order flows. Instead of prioritizing higher-value FOB (Free on Board) contracts, companies are increasingly accepting more flexible arrangements such as CMT (Cut Make Trim) orders to sustain operations and capitalise on short-term opportunities.

Meanwhile, textile producers are working to maximise output, expand into markets such as China, and maintain traditional partners like Japan. Investment in new projects is also being accelerated to take advantage of relatively stable input and electricity costs expected in the second quarter of 2026.

Textile and garment sector looks for new room for growth amid competition

VOV.VN - The focus of the textile and garment industry is shifting away from growth in output alone toward raising value added, improving product and service quality, and enhancing the standing of its products.