manufacturing
The Manufacturing category covers industrial production, factory expansions, and supply chain dynamics. It explores exports, imports, technological advancements, automation, and government policies, providing insights into investment trends, foreign participation, and production efficiencies.
The “Existential” Tariff Threat to US Footwear Brands & What That Means for Vietnam
The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America has warned that the “reciprocal” tariffs announced last month pose an existential threat to American footwear businesses. This article explores how that threat could play out in Vietnam.
Iron & steel products: Vietnam imports up 3.43 percent in April, China dominates
Vietnam’s imports of iron and steel products reached US$642.50 million in April 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a 3.43 percent increase compared to the import value in March, with a year-to-date import value of US$2.28 billion for this category.
Wires & cables: Vietnam exports up 4.72 percent in April, USA top destination
Vietnam’s exports of insulated wires and cables reached US$366.18 million in April 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents an increase of 4.72 percent compared to March, with a year-to-date (YTD) export value of US$1.31 billion.
10 Key Manufacturing Hubs in Vietnam 2025: Key Locations & Industries
Vietnam has emerged as a prominent manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia, attracting significant foreign direct investment (FDI) and driving economic growth. The country’s strategic location, competitive labour costs, and supportive government policies have contributed to its manufacturing prowess. Several key locations have emerged as focal points for industrial development and production.
Iron & steel: Vietnam imports up 5.71 percent in April, China remains top supplier
Vietnam’s imports of iron and steel reached US$962.88 million in April 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a 5.71 percent increase compared to the import value in March, with a year-to-date import value of US$3.61 billion for this category.
Footwear: Crocs warns Vietnam tariffs could pose major disruption to global sourcing strategy
Tariffs on Vietnam would be more disruptive than those on China for Crocs due to its deep reliance on Vietnam for manufacturing, Crocs CEO Andrew Rees has told an investor call.
Textiles & garments: Vietnam exports slightly up 0.24 percent in April, USA top destination
Vietnam’s exports of textiles and garments reached US$3.07 billion in April 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a marginal increase of 0.24 percent compared to March, with a year-to-date (YTD) export value of US$11.76 billion.
Machines & equipment: Vietnam exports up 0.88 percent in April, USA top destination
Vietnam’s exports of machine, equipment, tools and instruments reached US$4.71 billion in April 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a marginal increase of 0.88 percent compared to March, with a year-to-date (YTD) export value of US$17.09 billion.
Phones: Vietnam exports down 22.04 percent in April, China top destination
Vietnam’s exports of phones reached US$3.76 billion in April 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a significant decrease of 22.04 percent compared to March, with a year-to-date (YTD) export value of US$17.80 billion.
Machinery, equipment, tools & instruments: Vietnam imports up slightly in April, China dominates
Vietnam’s imports of machinery, equipment, tools, and instruments reached US$4.93 billion in April 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a marginal 1.76 percent increase compared to the import value in March, with a year-to-date import value of US$17.58 billion for this category.
Manufacturing: Vietnam March new manufacturing FDI tops US$2 billion
Vietnam’s processing and manufacturing industry recorded a total of US$2,077.01 million in foreign direct investment in March, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Planning and Investment. This included 123 new projects valued at US$1,174 million, accounting for more than half of total inflows.
Manufacturing: Vietnam April PMI sees sector contract sharply as US tariffs hit
Vietnam’s manufacturing sector shrank in April as newly announced US tariffs triggered a sharp drop in orders, production, and sentiment, according to a press release from S&P Global Vietnam Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index. Vietnam’s PMI fell to 45.6, down from 50.5 in March, signalling the steepest monthly contraction since May 2023, largely as a result of the US tariffs announced at the start of the month, the press release says.
Steel: Hoa Phat says U.S. tariffs unlikely to impact Vietnam exports directly
US Section 232 tariffs already apply to Vietnamese steel and will not be expanded, Hoa Phat CEO Nguyen Viet Thang has told Financial Street as reported by The Investor.
Semiconductors: Vietnam begins construction of first fully locally led chip factory
CT Semiconductor has broken ground on Vietnam’s first chip plant developed entirely with Vietnamese technology. The factory aims to produce 100 million chips annually by 2027, with operations starting in Q4 2025, VietnamNet has reported.
Vietnam’s rolled steel output down 1.8 percent year-on-year in Q1
Vietnam’s rolled steel production reached 1,136,300 tons in March, up from 1,065,100 tons in February, but 3 percent lower than the same month last year. Total output for the first quarter stood at 3,340,700 tons, reflecting a 1.8 percent year-on-year decline, according to data from the General Statistics Office.
Vietnam’s bamboo and rattan exports rise by 39.20 percent in March
Vietnam’s bamboo and rattan exports surged by 39.20 percent in March compared to February, reaching US$78.44 million, according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Vietnam’s crude steel output slips 0.1 percent year-on-year in Q1
Vietnam’s crude steel production reached 1,705,300 tons in March, up from 1,618,400 tons in February, marking a 1.0 percent increase compared to March 2024. However, total output for the first quarter stood at 4,928,200 tons, reflecting a slight 0.1 percent decline year-on-year, according to data from the General Statistics Office.
Vietnam’s rubber product imports rose nearly 17 percent in March
Vietnam imported US$103.89 million worth of rubber products in March, up 16.64 percent from February, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This brought the year-to-date total to US$274.52 million.
Vietnam’s leather footwear output up 9.1 percent year-on-year in Q1
Vietnam’s production of leather shoes and sandals reached 28.4 million pairs in March, up from 26.6 million pairs in February, marking an 8.9 percent increase compared to March 2024. Total output for the first quarter stood at 80.9 million pairs, up 9.1 percent year-on-year, according to data from the General Statistics Office.
Vietnam’s paper exports rise by 17.13 percent in March
Vietnam’s exports of paper and paper products rose 17.13 percent in March compared to February, reaching US$182.03 million, according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
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This is an interview with Chris Walker, a Vietnam Sourcing Expert with Vietnam Factory Tours how rising oil prices and the Middle East crisis are
This is an interview with John Gardner, CEO and Founding Partner, at Optimum Hospitality in Ho Chi Minh City. It covers fuel price impacts on:
This is an interview with Dr Nuno F. Ribeiro, Associate Professor, International Tourism & Hospitality Management at Copenhagen Business College, formerly of RMIT Vietnam. It