According to Vietnamese statistics, Vietnam's textile and apparel exports to the US reached US$12.7 billion in the first eight months of 2026, ranking third among Vietnam's export sectors to the US, after computers and electronic products (US$38.7 billion) and machinery, equipment and spare parts (US$19.6 billion). During the same period, bilateral trade between Vietnam and the US hit a record US$137.4 billion, with Vietnam's exports to the US reaching US$122 billion, up 23.2% year-on-year; imports from the US exceeded US$15.4 billion, up 26.8% year-on-year. At the current growth rate, total bilateral trade is expected to surpass US$200 billion for the full year.

Key Points

  • Vietnam's total textile and apparel exports are projected to exceed US$46.1 billion in 2025, with the US market contributing US$18.5 billion, up 11% year-on-year, accounting for 39.3%.
  • Bilateral trade between Vietnam and the US was only about US$450 million in 1995, reaching US$172.5 billion by 2025, a more than 384-fold increase over 30 years.
  • Vietnam's textile and apparel exports to the US reached US$12.7 billion in the first eight months of 2026, ranking third among export sectors to the US.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Jennifer Wicks McNamara and Consul General Melissa A. Brown led a US delegation on a recent visit to Hoa Tho Textile and Garment Company in Da Nang. The company is part of Vietnam Textile Corporation (Vinatex), with export revenue of US$149 million in 2025, and the US is its largest market, a position expected to hold through the first eight months of 2026. Hoa Tho General Director Nguyen Ngoc Binh told the delegation that the US is one of the company's most important markets, and it will continue to increase investment and win more American customers.

The turning point in Vietnam-US trade relations came after the signing of the Vietnam-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) in 2000, which took effect at the end of 2001. Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization in 2007 and elevated its relationship with the US to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2023. The two sides are currently working toward a fair, balanced and reciprocal trade agreement. Vietnam's trade office in the US noted that since the BTA was signed, Vietnam's export structure has changed significantly — from primarily textiles and footwear in the early days to agricultural products, seafood and especially electronics now being important export categories. Vietnam also imports large quantities of raw materials and inputs from the US, such as wood chips, cotton, logs and liquefied natural gas, to support domestic production, with the two economies becoming increasingly complementary.

On the manufacturing side, Vietnam's position as a supplier to American brands has been further consolidated. According to Nike's fiscal year 2026 report, Vietnam accounted for 52% of the company's total global footwear production, maintaining a share above 50% for the third consecutive year (50% in 2024, 51% in 2025); Indonesia followed with 27%, and China ranked third with 16%. In apparel, Vietnam accounted for about 34% of Nike's total apparel production in fiscal year 2026, far ahead of Cambodia (15%) and China (12%). Vietnam is expected to export about US$46.1 billion in textiles and apparel, nearly US$30 billion in footwear and handbags, US$17.2 billion in wood and wood products, and about US$11 billion in seafood globally in 2025.

Matt Priest, President and CEO of the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA), said that the manufacturing capabilities, product quality and reliability of Vietnamese companies have built efficient supply chains for many American brands and retailers. Pham Quynh Mai, Deputy Director General of the Department of Foreign Market Development and Multilateral Trade under Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade, also emphasized that Vietnam-US economic and trade investment relations continue to improve, bringing benefits to businesses and people in both countries.

On the policy front, Vietnam and the US have issued a Joint Statement on the Framework for a Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade Agreement. Do Ngoc Hung, Vietnam's trade commissioner in the US, noted that Vietnam's export structure aligns with the fundamental, irreplaceable needs of the US economy, such as electronics, furniture, textiles and essential consumer goods, but suppliers need to pay close attention to US import regulations; Vietnam's goal is not only to increase trade volume but also to move the two countries' economic and trade structures toward complementarity. The US is currently Vietnam's largest export market, accounting for 32% of its total exports; Vietnam is the US's seventh-largest trading partner.

Source: Vietnam-US trade aims for balance and sustainable development. · Originally published on 2026-09-28