Vietnam’s footwear manufacturing industry increased by 86.9 percent in January compared to the 2019 baseline, according to Vietnam’s Industrial Production Index. However, this was lower than December 2024, when output stood at 117.6 percent above 2019 levels.
Month-on-month, production fell by 12.1 percent in January compared to December. Despite this, the sector recorded a 10.3 percent year-on-year increase from January 2024, reflecting solid annual growth.
Footwear manufacturing in Vietnam is one of the country’s key export industries, contributing significantly to its economy. Vietnam is one of the world’s largest footwear producers, supplying major international brands while also meeting strong domestic demand.
The industry produces a wide range of footwear, including sports shoes, leather shoes, sandals, and fashion footwear. Many global brands, such as Nike, Adidas, Puma, and Converse, have manufacturing facilities in Vietnam, benefiting from the country’s skilled workforce, competitive labour costs, and well-established supply chains. These factories produce millions of pairs of shoes annually, much of which is exported to markets in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Domestic footwear production is also strong, with local companies manufacturing shoes for both domestic consumers and export markets. Vietnam has developed a robust supply chain that includes raw materials, production, and assembly, helping to maintain its competitiveness in the global footwear industry.
Despite its success, the industry faces challenges such as increasing labour costs, environmental concerns related to leather and synthetic materials, and competition from other low-cost manufacturing countries. The push for sustainability has also led to greater interest in eco-friendly materials and production processes.
See also: Footwear Manufacturing in Vietnam