Vietnam footwear manufacturers count themselves as part of one of the biggest footwear manufacturing industries in the world.
Trailing only India and China, this relatively small country exported footwear to the tune of US$24.2 billion in 2025, made for some of the most well-known footwear brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma.
In this light, there is a huge opportunity in making footwear in Vietnam and exporting it around the world.
This can be very profitable, but there are a few nuances to the process that foreign firms looking to export footwear from Vietnam should be mindful of.
This article outlines the key regulations, processes, and means of exporting footwear from Vietnam to other parts of the world.
Getting started
There are a few market entry options available to foreign producers.
Using a local trading company
Firms that want a quick and easy solution to import goods into Vietnam, rather than establishing a trading company, may find engaging a local trading company the most effective way forward.
This is a simple transaction whereby goods are shipped to the local trading company, which takes care of the logistics from the port of arrival onwards.
This does, however, give firms little control over their goods after they arrive in Vietnam.
Finding a trading company
Professional business matchmaking services in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are a dime a dozen.
Most consultancies offer these services and can advise on the right trading company for your product as well as negotiate terms.
For firms that would like a little more control over their goods in Vietnam, establishing a local presence is always an option.
Setting up a trading company
Setting up a trading company allows foreign firms to import, export, and distribute goods in Vietnam.
The process is similar to establishing any other foreign-invested enterprise — the “trading” designation simply identifies the business scope.
There are two main options:
Wholly foreign-owned trading company
- Full ownership and control
- Requires an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)
- IRC typically takes 30–45 days to obtain
- More costly and time-consuming than a joint venture
Joint venture with local partner
- Faster and lower-cost option
- No IRC required — the local partner establishes the company, and the foreign investor buys a stake
- Reduced setup time and fewer approvals
- Potential risks: differences in management style, workplace culture, and communication norms
For more details, see: How to Start a Business in Vietnam That Thrives
Airports
There are airports all over Vietnam, and this has made air freight popular for high-value and perishable goods.
High-value footwear materials may be most efficiently delivered via air freight. Most international logistics companies service Vietnam – DHL and FedEx, for example.
These companies usually fly to the big cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; however, they may also sometimes fly to regional airports if demand warrants it and facilities can accommodate international air freight.
Seaports
For non-perishable items or bulky low-value items, sea freight is likely the most effective option for shipping goods to Vietnam, with seaports up and down Vietnam’s coastline.
Vietnam has approximately 36 ports scattered along its coastline. However, Hai Phong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau are by far the largest and can accommodate the largest volume of goods.
These service key manufacturing hubs in northern Vietnam and southern Vietnam, respectively.
Land crossings
There are a number of land ports in Vietnam scattered along its borders.
Firms that are shipping footwear materials to Vietnam from within Asia could also use these land borders.
This is common for firms where Vietnam is a part of a longer supply chain.
For example, rubber harvested in Thailand might be processed in Cambodia and then shipped to Vietnam to form the sole of a new pair of sneakers.
There are a number of land border crossings connecting Vietnam to its neighbours scattered along its northern and western borders.
Dealing with customs
Once goods have been shipped to one of Vietnam’s airports, seaports, or land border crossings, they will be subject to a customs inspection before they can leave the country.
Procedure
Firms exporting footwear from Vietnam must go through a relatively simple process.
- They must first complete an electronic customs declaration (form HQ/2015/XK).
- Submit the above form to the customs office online.
- This is then either given a green light and the export can proceed. If it receives a yellow light, further documentation will be required. If it receives a red light, additional documentation will be required as well as a physical inspection.
For the purposes of exporting footwear, it should be fairly simple. It would be unusual to receive a yellow or red light. If this were the case, a thorough review of the customs declaration would be a good first place to start.
Priority customs treatment
Priority customs treatment is a way to fast-track customs procedures for importing and exporting goods, out of and into Vietnam.
Essentially, this reduces the time goods spend in Vietnam’s ports and, depending on the volume of trade a business is doing through said ports, can be a significant time-saving measure.
This incentive program is outlined in the Law on Customs 2014 but is implemented through a series of decrees and circulars.
See also: Priority Customs Treatment in Vietnam
Export taxes
Whereas there are a number of taxes in Vietnam that foreign firms should be aware of, Vietnam does not apply export taxes or tariffs to footwear.
However, firms should keep in mind that the receiving country may apply import tariffs.
In this context, firms should also be mindful that Vietnam has a range of free trade agreements that may limit their exposure to international tariffs.
See also: List of Vietnam’s Free Trade Agreements
Post-customs
After clearing customs, goods for export can travel freely to their intended destination.
FAQ: Exporting footwear from Vietnam
These are some of the most commonly asked questions about exporting footwear from Vietnam.
What are the top countries in footwear manufacturing?
The top countries in footwear manufacturing are China and India, with Vietnam ranking third globally.
How can foreign firms export footwear from Vietnam?
Foreign firms can export footwear from Vietnam by engaging a local trading company or by establishing their own trading company in Vietnam (either as a wholly foreign-owned enterprise or a joint venture).
Where are the key seaports in Vietnam for exporting goods?
The key seaports in Vietnam for exporting goods, capable of handling large volumes, are Hai Phong (serving the north) and Ba Ria-Vung Tau (serving the south).
What is the basic customs procedure for exporting footwear from Vietnam?
The basic customs procedure involves completing an electronic customs declaration (form HQ/2015/XK) and submitting it online. Depending on the assessment (green, yellow, or red light), the export may proceed directly or require further documentation and/or physical inspection.
Does Vietnam impose export taxes on footwear?
No, Vietnam does not apply export taxes or tariffs to footwear. However, the importing country may impose tariffs. Vietnam’s free trade agreements may help limit exposure to these international tariffs.
What’s next?
There are a broad range of tax agents, lawyers, market research firms, human resource professionals, and all-in-one consultancies in Vietnam that can assist entrepreneurs in exporting goods from Vietnam.
For up-to-date information on what is happening in Vietnam’s import and export sector at any given time, exporters should make sure to subscribe to the-shiv.