Achievements from "3 strategic pillars"
The figure of 32 billion USD achieved by Vietnam's textile and garment industry in 8 months is a tremendous effort by the entire industry in the context of a highly volatile global market. To achieve this result, the textile and garment industry has closely followed and effectively implemented 3 core strategic pillars:
First, comprehensive diversification, including diversification of markets, diversification of customer partners, and diversification of products. To date, Vietnam's textile and garment products have reached 137 countries and territories around the world. Among them, the US remains a key market accounting for about 40% of market share, followed by traditional markets such as the EU, South Korea, Japan, China, the ASEAN bloc, and high-potential new markets in Africa and the Middle East.
Second, stepping up the application of technology, automation, robotization, and artificial intelligence (AI) into management systems and production lines to enhance productivity and optimize processes.
Third, building a sustainable chain linkage strategy throughout the industry, creating synergistic strength, sharing, and mutual support among enterprises.
In addition, the flexibility and extremely quick adaptability of Vietnamese enterprises is an important key. Instead of waiting passively, business owners have been proactive in seeking partners and negotiating strategic contracts. Vietnamese textile and garment enterprises are now ready to accept orders with short delivery times, small quantities, demanding strict quality, and flexibility in payment methods (accepting delayed payments of 30 - 60 days instead of only using L/C as before).
Confidently heading towards the target of 47.5 billion USD
With the current growth momentum, Vietnam's textile and garment industry confidently aims for an export target of 47 - 47.5 billion USD for the entire year of 2026. The feasibility of this goal is very high because most enterprises have currently signed enough orders for production until the end of the year and are actively negotiating for the first quarters of 2027. However, experts also acknowledge that the industry is facing significant pressure from policy changes of major importing countries and strict new double standards being issued.
Production line of May 10 Corporation
"Green and Digital" Transformation: Survival criteria
In the period 2026 - 2030 and vision to 2035, digital transformation and green transformation are no longer an option, but a " Survival criterion" for textile and garment enterprises.
Regarding digital transformation, enterprises are focusing vast resources (accounting for 65 - 68% of the investment proportion) to upgrade infrastructure, bringing AI and robots into business production operations.
Regarding green transformation, Vietnam's textile and garment industry is committed to accompanying the Government's Net Zero goal by 2050. Enterprises are forced to invest in renewable energy (rooftop solar power), standard wastewater treatment systems, and eco-friendly materials.
At the same time, the industry also recommends that localities need to plan specialized industrial parks with centralized wastewater treatment systems meeting international standards. This will help attract secondary investors into the weaving and dyeing stages, solving the problem of domestic raw material supply shortages.
Viet Tien develops its distribution network and diversifies fashion brands
Affirming position, aiming to build a global brand
Facing competitive pressure from major rivals like Bangladesh or India, VITAS Chairman - Vu Duc Giang affirmed that Vietnam's textile and garment industry has "exclusive" competitive advantages. Different from the low-cost processing orientation, Vietnam's textile and garment industry chooses the mid-to-high-end product segment, requiring high technical skills, fast delivery times, and strict quality.
Vietnam currently has the advantage of a stable political-economic-social foundation and a transparent business investment environment. The Vietnamese textile and garment workforce is highly rated for its skills and ability to master modern technology. Besides, participating in 17 new-generation Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) helps Vietnamese goods have a large degree of openness globally. With a solid foundation and the aspiration to reach new heights, Vietnam's textile and garment industry is gradually affirming its position and brand in the domestic and international markets.
Hong Nguyen
