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ToggleVietnam’s glassware industry has been steadily growing, driven by increasing domestic demand, export opportunities, and advancements in manufacturing technology. The sector encompasses a wide range of products, including household glassware, decorative items, glass packaging, and industrial glass. As a developing economy, Vietnam benefits from its abundant raw materials, competitive labour costs, and strategic geographic location, enabling local producers to supply both regional and global markets.
The industry is supported by rising urbanisation and the growing middle class, which fuels demand for high-quality household and decorative glassware. At the same time, industrial glass, including construction and automotive applications, has seen consistent growth due to infrastructure development and expanding manufacturing industries. Vietnam’s glassware manufacturers are increasingly adopting modern production technologies to meet international standards, ensuring quality and cost competitiveness in export markets.
Despite its growth, the industry faces challenges such as energy-intensive production processes, rising input costs, and the need for skilled labour. However, with government support, investment in modern technology, and a focus on sustainable production practices, Vietnam’s glassware industry is well-positioned to strengthen its presence in both domestic and international markets.
Vietnam’s glassware industry in numbers
Vietnam’s glass export market is projected to grow from US$1.2 billion in 2021 to US$1.5 billion by 2026, representing an average annual growth rate of 3.4 percent. Since 2005, Vietnam’s glass exports have grown at 7.8 percent year-on-year, according to a report from Report Linker.
On the import side, Vietnam’s glass imports are expected to increase from US$1.3 billion in 2021 to US$1.6 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6 percent, according to the same report.
Vietnam glassware imports-exports
Vietnam’s glassware trade has shown notable activity in recent years, reflecting both import and export dynamics within the industry.
Vietnam’s glassware imports
November | October | MoM | YTD | |
Total | 104,982,235 | 99,012,340 | 6.03% | 1,378,500,580 |
Other | 2,962,083 | 2,056,594 | 44.03% | 32,607,667 |
China | 66,242,630 | 63,637,202 | 4.09% | 905,526,654 |
Malaysia | 9,791,644 | 5,535,151 | 76.90% | 105,636,773 |
Japan | 9,553,942 | 9,066,328 | 5.38% | 130,865,222 |
South Korea | 6,647,683 | 7,451,881 | -10.79% | 88,767,808 |
Thailand | 4,373,848 | 5,738,687 | -23.78% | 46,412,264 |
Austria | 2,152,101 | 2,132,333 | 0.93% | 22,813,830 |
Indonesia | 1,934,834 | 1,711,908 | 13.02% | 26,366,136 |
Taiwan | 846,479 | 1,029,936 | -17.81% | 9,194,102 |
USA | 445,264 | 547,527 | -18.68% | 9,817,411 |
Netherlands | 31,727 | 104,793 | -69.72% | 492,713 |
Source: Vietnam Imports Tracker
Vietnam’s glassware exports
November | October | MoM | YTD | |
Total | 104,272,005 | 104,311,222 | -0.04% | 1,076,278,417 |
Other | 16,142,202 | 16,121,397 | 0.13% | 171,228,109 |
Singapore | 50,606,668 | 54,817,187 | -7.68% | 515,642,963 |
USA | 18,979,128 | 19,879,075 | -4.53% | 189,867,098 |
Japan | 5,911,963 | 1,527,910 | 286.93% | 38,679,899 |
Malaysia | 4,836,169 | 5,734,295 | -15.66% | 57,237,972 |
China | 2,842,403 | 1,310,850 | 116.84% | 17,902,649 |
South Korea | 1,119,330 | 1,053,693 | 6.23% | 12,704,230 |
Canada | 1,064,089 | 633,328 | 68.02% | 5,020,438 |
Thailand | 925,840 | 648,308 | 42.81% | 44,399,592 |
Philippines | 715,114 | 1,387,553 | -48.46% | 9,453,834 |
Cambodia | 697,246 | 753,619 | -7.48% | 9,643,849 |
Taiwan | 431,853 | 444,007 | -2.74% | 4,497,784 |
Source: Vietnam Exports Tracker
Domestic glassware firms
Vietnam’s glassware industry features several prominent domestic manufacturers contributing significantly to both local and international markets. Notable companies include:
Viglacera Float Glass Company (VIFG)
As a member of Viglacera Corporation, VIFG is a leading manufacturer of construction glass in Vietnam. Established in 2001, the company produces a diverse range of glass products with thicknesses from 2mm to 12mm, widely used in construction and interior decoration. VIFG’s products are exported to various foreign markets, including Japan, India, and the Philippines.
Truong Vinh Import Export Service Trading Production Co., Ltd
Specialising in manufacturing and supplying glass packaging, Truong Vinh offers products such as glass cups, bottles, jars, bowls, and dishes. With an annual production capacity of 50 million products, the company caters to both domestic and international markets, producing glass packaging according to customer specifications.
GNP Production Trading Co., Ltd
GNP specialises in producing various glassware items, including glass cups, bottles, and jars. The company serves markets in Vietnam and neighbouring countries like Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar, emphasising quality and customer satisfaction.
Hieu Trung Kien Glass Co., Ltd
Hieu Trung Kien Glass focuses on manufacturing glass products such as glass cups, bottles, and jars. The company serves both domestic and international markets, including Japan and Korea, maintaining a commitment to quality and innovation.
These domestic firms play a crucial role in Vietnam’s glassware industry, contributing to its growth and integration into global markets.
Foreign glassware firms in Vietnam
Vietnam’s glassware industry has attracted several foreign firms that have established a significant presence in the market. Notable companies include:
AGC Asia Pacific
AGC Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of the Japan-based Asahi Glass Company, supplies high-quality glass materials to Vietnam. Their products are utilised in various sectors, including construction and automotive industries.
Bohemia Crystal Glassware
HAS Co., Ltd has become a leading enterprise in distributing and producing Bohemia crystal products in Vietnam. Their glassware products are exported to markets such as the US, Europe, and Japan.
These foreign firms contribute to the diversity and quality of glassware available in Vietnam, enhancing the industry’s competitiveness and integration into global markets.
Vietnam’s main glassware products
Vietnam’s glassware industry produces a diverse range of products catering to both domestic and international markets. Key glassware products include:
Household Glassware
Vietnam manufactures a wide variety of household glass products, such as drinking glasses, bowls, plates, jars, and decorative items. These products are designed for everyday use and are widely exported to markets in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Glass Packaging
Glass bottles and jars are major products used for food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Vietnam’s glass packaging industry supports domestic sectors such as the food and beverage industry, including beer, soft drinks, sauces, and preserved goods.
Construction Glass
Construction glass, including float glass, tempered glass, and laminated glass, is extensively produced for use in buildings, windows, and interior design. These products meet both domestic infrastructure demands and international export standards.
Decorative and Luxury Glassware
Vietnam produces high-quality decorative glass items, such as vases, ornaments, and crystal glassware. These products often feature intricate designs and craftsmanship, catering to both local markets and export customers seeking premium products.
Industrial and Automotive Glass
Vietnam supplies industrial glass used in automotive manufacturing, electronics, and solar panels. Products include safety glass, windshields, and specialty glass for industrial applications.
These glassware products reflect Vietnam’s ability to meet a wide range of market demands while maintaining competitiveness in global trade through innovation and cost efficiency.
Glassware manufacturing regulations in Vietnam
Environmental regulations
Glassware manufacturing in Vietnam must comply with strict environmental regulations to address pollution and resource use. Companies are required to manage emissions, energy consumption, and waste, particularly from energy-intensive processes like glass melting. Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are mandatory for large-scale facilities to ensure compliance with sustainability standards.
Labour and safety standards
Manufacturers must adhere to Vietnam’s Labour Code, which mandates worker safety, health standards, and fair wages. Occupational safety measures, such as protective equipment and ventilation systems, are essential for handling high temperatures, chemicals, and heavy machinery in glass production facilities.
Quality control and technical standards
Vietnam requires glassware manufacturers to meet national technical standards (QCVN) for product quality and safety. These standards cover glass durability, transparency, and thermal properties, ensuring compliance with domestic and export market requirements. Certification processes, such as ISO 9001, are commonly adopted to enhance quality control.
Licensing and investment regulations
Foreign and domestic firms must obtain licenses to operate in Vietnam’s manufacturing sector, including glassware production. Investment incentives, such as tax breaks and land-use incentives, are available for projects that incorporate modern, energy-efficient technologies or export a significant portion of production.
Import and export regulations
Glassware products must meet Vietnam’s customs and trade requirements for both imports and exports. Exporters are required to comply with destination market standards, including certifications for safety, labelling, and packaging.
These regulations aim to ensure safe, sustainable, and high-quality glassware manufacturing while supporting Vietnam’s goals for environmental protection, worker safety, and global trade competitiveness.
What’s next?
Vietnam’s glassware manufacturing industry operates under a regulatory framework focused on environmental protection, product quality, and worker safety. Environmental regulations mandate the management of emissions, waste, and energy use, particularly in energy-intensive processes. Labour laws ensure occupational safety, health standards, and fair working conditions for employees handling high-temperature and chemical-intensive production.
Manufacturers must comply with national technical standards to ensure product quality, with certifications like ISO 9001 commonly adopted for export competitiveness. Licensing processes regulate both domestic and foreign investments, offering incentives for modern, energy-efficient projects. Additionally, import and export regulations require adherence to labelling, packaging, and destination market standards. These measures aim to promote sustainable manufacturing, protect workers, and enhance Vietnam’s competitiveness in the global glassware market.
Overall, Vietnam’s glassware industry is growing quickly and is dynamic. With this in mind, firms interested in the industry’s development in Vietnam should make sure to keep up to date with the latest developments by subscribing to the-shiv.