AsemconnectVietnam - Vietnam’s textile and garment industry got a trade surplus of approximately US$10 billion in the first half of 2026,. The United States and the EU remained the two largest markets, maintaining the industry's export growth rate.

According to the report of Vietnam Textile and Garment Association, Vietnam’s textile and garment export turnover in the first six months of 2026 was estimated at US$22.2 billion, an increase of 1.7% compared to the same period of 2025. Of this, fibers, fabrics, accessories, and non-woven fabrics maintained relatively strong growth (from 5.6% to 10.6%), while garments decreased slightly by 0.4% due to the slow recovery of purchasing power in major markets.
Regarding markets, according to the data of the first five months of this year, the United States continued to be the largest market, reaching US$6.81 billion (an increase of 1.3%, accounting for approximately 45%); the EU was a bright spot with US$1.94 billion (an increase of 8.8%). Japan and South Korea saw declines of 6.2% and 8.9% respectively. The industry continued to maintain a trade surplus, estimated at nearly $10 billion in the first six months of the year.
The Vietnam Textile and Garment Association noted that, alongside positive results, the industry is facing many challenges, including slow recovery of purchasing power in major markets; fierce price competition; and dependence on imported raw materials and components for 60-70% of the costs. ESG (social, environmental, governance) compliance costs, increased traceability, and trade policy risks, etc.
“Vietnamese textile and garment industry no longer has much room for growth in scale. The road ahead requires us to shift towards improving productivity, added value, proactively securing raw materials, diversifying markets, and promoting digital transformation and green transformation. This is also the reason why the Association is repositioning its operating model according to the strategic pillars of the industry,” Mr. Vu Duc Giang - Chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Garment Association emphasized at the second meeting of the Executive Board of the 7th term (2025-2030) of the Vietnam Textile and Garment Association held on July 3rd.
With a six-month export value of $22.2 billion, the textile and garment industry strives to maintain an average monthly turnover of over $4 billion, aiming for a target of approximately $48 billion for the whole year of 2026. The key solutions proposed by the Association include adapting to new purchasing methods of global brands; prioritizing the development of domestic raw materials and components; diversifying markets, customers, and products; proactively responding to legal risks; and promoting investment in technology, automation, and digital transformation.
CK
Source: VITIC /congthuong.vn