Vietnam is expected to benefit from ongoing changes in global supply chains, with strong export growth anticipated this year, according to an executive from a Hong Kong-based corporation.
Speaking at the Global Sourcing Fair Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City last week, Carol Lau, senior vice president of Global Sources, said Vietnam is becoming an important player in global supply chains as companies reassess sourcing strategies.
Vietnam recorded a 25.7 percent year-on-year increase in exports in February, reaching approximately US$31.11 billion. Key industries driving growth include electronics, textiles, garments, and footwear.
Lau noted that multinational companies are increasingly turning to Vietnam for labor-intensive manufacturing amid global trade tensions. She also highlighted a growing shift in international buyer interest toward sectors such as electronics, machinery, equipment, food products, sports goods, outdoor items, and household appliances.
Despite these positive developments, challenges remain for Vietnamese exporters. These include reliance on technical inputs from abroad, compliance with international standards, and a concentration of exports in a limited number of markets.
Vietnam’s current “semi-finished processing” export model facilitates market entry but may limit the country’s advancement up the global value chain. Additionally, stricter environmental and carbon footprint standards in the EU and US are placing greater pressure on exporters to meet sustainability criteria.
Efforts to modernize production processes, including automation, are underway, but industry stakeholders suggest that faster adaptation is necessary. The heavy reliance on the US market, which accounts for about 30 percent of Vietnam’s exports, also presents a potential vulnerability to changes in US trade policy.
Industry recommendations for Vietnamese exporters include strengthening technological capabilities through partnerships, diversifying into new markets to mitigate risk, and accelerating sustainability initiatives to meet evolving international standards.
At the event, emphasis was also placed on the importance of adopting an Online-to-Offline (O2O) marketing strategy. Exporters are encouraged to maintain consistent brand messaging across digital and physical platforms, supported by investments in training and technology, to enhance customer relationship management and operational efficiency.
Recent surveys by Global Sources indicate a significant rise in international inquiries about Vietnamese products between January and March 2025. Increases were reported across Asia (60 percent), Latin America (39 percent), and Eastern Europe (22 percent).
The Global Sourcing Fair Vietnam, co-organized by Global Sources and VINEXAD, featured more than 400 verified exhibitors from Vietnam and other Asian countries, showcasing approximately 30,000 export-ready products. The event attracted over 10,000 buyers and sourcing agents from key markets including the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia.
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