Vietnam's textile and apparel industry generated US$46 billion in revenue in 2025 and has set a target of US$48 billion for 2026. Vietnam's textile and apparel industry generated US$46 billion in revenue in 2025, with an export target of US$48 billion for 2026. As of August 2026, exports reached approximately US$26.9 billion, up 1.6% year-on-year. Green transformation is seen as a prerequisite for maintaining major market share.

Key Points

  • Industry revenue of US$46 billion in 2025, target of US$48 billion for 2026
  • Exports of approximately US$26.9 billion as of August 2026, up 1.6% year-on-year
  • Emissions reduction, recycled materials, traceability and supply chain transparency are replacing scale and cost advantages

Scale Advantages Give Way to Green Standards

Vietnam's textile and apparel industry remains one of the country's major economic sectors. Beyond its export contribution, it provides employment for millions of workers and continues to be regarded by many international companies as a key link in their supply chains.

However, the industry's traditional scale and cost advantages are gradually being replaced by new market requirements—reducing emissions, using recycled materials, traceability and supply chain transparency have become real thresholds for entering major markets.

What Future Growth Depends On

The industry's growth potential in the next phase lies in reducing its reliance on a pure outsourcing model, increasing the proportion of domestic raw materials, applying automation and big data, and participating more deeply in product design, development and supply chain management.

Promoting green transformation and raising added value are considered decisive factors for Vietnam's textile and apparel industry to maintain its position in the global market.

For the second-hand clothing and recycled textile supply chain, Vietnam's policy direction and changes in procurement standards are worth watching: as emissions reduction, recycled content and traceability become conditions for access to major markets, the raw material structure and order flows of exporting countries may adjust accordingly.

Source: Vietnam's Textile and Apparel Industry: Opportunities for Breakthroughs in the Green Value Chain. · Originally published on 2026-10-05