Vietnam’s leather and footwear industry recorded over $14 billion in exports in the first half of 2025, reflecting a 10% year-on-year (YoY) growth, according to data released by the country’s National Statistics Office (NSO). Of the total, footwear alone contributed approximately $12 billion, registering a 10.1% increase, while exports of handbags, suitcases, and umbrellas brought in nearly $2.2 billion, marking an 11.6% YoY rise.
This performance further consolidates Vietnam’s global standing in the sector. The country is now the third-largest footwear producer worldwide, manufacturing 1.4 billion pairs of shoes annually, behind only China and India. It also ranks second in global footwear exports, shipping out 1.3 billion pairs each year, again trailing only China.
Industry insiders report that the sector has set a year-end export target of $29 billion, aiming to sustain a full-year 10% growth trajectory. Achieving this ambitious milestone will depend heavily on how effectively manufacturers adapt to emerging global trends—most notably, the demand for green and circular production models.
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To maintain competitiveness and meet tightening environmental standards in key markets such as the European Union and the United States, Vietnamese footwear and leather companies are increasing the use of local raw materials, investing in cleaner technologies, and improving supply chain traceability. These shifts are not only helping with compliance but also strengthening Vietnam’s image as a reliable and sustainable sourcing destination.
This export growth also reflects a broader rebound in global demand and Vietnam’s strategic positioning in diversified supply chains, particularly in the wake of post-pandemic restructuring and trade shifts.
