Vietnam Footwear Export Data 2024-25: Top Markets, Footwear Exporters, & Global Reach

Vietnam has cemented itself as one of the world’s leading footwear exporters, ranking second globally after China. The country’s export performance in 2024 was particularly strong. According to the Vietnam export data and Vietnam customs export data of footwear, the total value of Vietnam footwear exports reached $22.87 billion in 2024-25, a 3% increase from the previous year. Vietnam is the 2nd largest footwear exporter in the world, as per the global trade data. This represents a solid recovery from the post-pandemic period and positions Vietnam as a key player in global footwear supply chains. As we look ahead, the landscape is being shaped not only by raw export figures, but also by shifting global trade dynamics, tariff negotiations, and changing consumer demand across key markets. This blog takes a deep dive into Vietnam’s footwear export data and performance in 2024–25, focusing on monthly fluctuations, top destination markets, the major exporters driving growth, and the broader strategic picture of Vietnam’s global reach.

Vietnam Footwear Exports by Country: Where Does Vietnam Export Footwear?

Vietnam is a significant player in the global footwear market, and its export of footwear reaches numerous countries worldwide. The top destinations for Vietnam's footwear exports include the United States, Japan, China, the European Union countries, and South Korea. These countries are primary importers of Vietnamese footwear due to the high quality, competitive prices, and diverse designs that Vietnamese manufacturers offer. The top 10 footwear export destinations for Vietnam footwear exports by country, as per Vietnam footwear export data and Vietnam shipment data for 2024-25, include:

1. USA: $7.20 billion (34.7%)

The United States is the largest market for Vietnamese footwear exports, accounting for a significant portion of the total export value, as per the customs data on Vietnam footwear exports to the US by HS code. With a strong demand for high-quality shoes and sneakers, Vietnamese footwear manufacturers have been able to capture a sizable share of the US market. The trend is expected to continue in the coming years, with Vietnam maintaining its position as a key supplier of footwear to American consumers.

2. China: $1.94 billion (9.4%)

China is another important destination for Vietnam's footwear exports, with a growing market for trendy and affordable shoes, as per the data on Vietnam footwear exports to China. Vietnamese manufacturers have been able to leverage their competitive advantage in terms of pricing and quality to establish a strong presence in the Chinese market. As consumer preferences evolve, Vietnam is well-positioned to meet the demand for various types of footwear in China.

3. Belgium: $1.20 billion (5.8%)

Belgium is a key entry point for Vietnamese footwear into the European market, serving as a distribution hub for shoes destined for various countries in the region. With a reputation for producing fashionable and durable footwear, Vietnam has been able to capture the attention of Belgian consumers and retailers. The strategic location of Belgium makes it an attractive market for Vietnamese exporters looking to expand their footprint in Europe.

4. Japan: $1.07 billion (5.2%)

Japan is known for its discerning consumer base that values quality and craftsmanship, making it an ideal market for Vietnamese footwear. The Japanese market presents opportunities for Vietnamese manufacturers to showcase their innovative designs and production capabilities. With a focus on comfort and style, Vietnamese footwear has carved a niche for itself in Japan, attracting a loyal customer base.

5. Germany: $1.01 billion (4.9%)

Germany is a prominent market for Vietnamese footwear, offering a diverse range of products to cater to different consumer preferences. Vietnamese manufacturers have been able to tap into the German market by delivering on-trend styles at competitive prices. The demand for Vietnamese footwear in Germany is expected to remain robust, driven by changing fashion trends and a growing awareness of sustainable and ethically produced shoes.

6. Netherlands: $1 billion (4.8%)

The Netherlands serves as a gateway for Vietnamese footwear exports to reach customers across Europe, leveraging its strategic location and efficient trade network. Vietnamese shoes are valued in the Dutch market for their quality and affordability, appealing to a wide range of consumers. As the Netherlands continues to position itself as a key player in the fashion industry, Vietnamese footwear stands to benefit from the growing demand in this market.

7. United Kingdom: $795.71 million (3.8%)

The United Kingdom represents a sizeable market for Vietnamese footwear, with a diverse consumer base that seeks both classic and contemporary styles. Vietnamese manufacturers have been able to capture the attention of UK consumers by offering a mix of traditional craftsmanship and modern design. As the fashion landscape in the UK evolves, Vietnam's footwear exports are expected to remain competitive in this market.

8. South Korea: $678.02 million (3.3%)

South Korea is an emerging market for Vietnamese footwear, with a growing demand for trendy and innovative shoes. Vietnamese manufacturers have been quick to adapt to the preferences of Korean consumers, offering a mix of casual and athletic footwear. As South Korea becomes a hub for fashion trends in Asia, Vietnam is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities presented by this market.

9. France: $519.75 million (2.5%)

France is known for its emphasis on style and sophistication, making it an attractive market for Vietnamese footwear exports. Vietnamese manufacturers have been able to appeal to French consumers with their chic and versatile shoe designs. The demand for Vietnamese footwear in France is expected to remain steady, driven by a strong appreciation for quality and craftsmanship.

10. Canada: $471.24 million (2.3%)

Canada represents a growing market for Vietnamese footwear, with consumers seeking comfortable and durable shoes for various occasions. Vietnamese manufacturers have been able to establish a presence in Canada by offering a range of footwear options that cater to different preferences. As the Canadian market continues to expand, Vietnam's footwear exports are poised to benefit from the increasing demand for stylish and affordable shoes.

Vietnam’s Footwear Export Performance in 2024

The year 2024 was marked by consistent growth despite a few seasonal dips.

• Total Export Value: 22.87 billion USD for the full year.

• Year-to-Date Growth (Jan–Oct 2024): Exports reached 18.57 billion USD, up 12.9% compared to the same period in 2023.

• Footwear Production: Output in November 2024 alone increased 18.5% year-on-year, reflecting strong factory activity.

The numbers highlight a trend of steady annual growth. Vietnam’s export performance is not linear month-to-month, but the overall trajectory remains positive.

Monthly Footwear Export Trends

Vietnam’s footwear exports reveal a story of resilience, punctuated by short-term declines:

• August 2024: Vietnam footwear Exports fell slightly by 2.1% month-on-month (from 2.12 to 2.08 billion USD). Despite this, cumulative exports were still up 10.5% year-to-date.

• November 2024: Production surged by 18.5%, while export volumes to major partners (the U.S., China, Japan, South Korea) all climbed sharply.

• December 2024: Exports dipped by 2.1% compared to November, a seasonal slowdown.

• January 2025: A steeper decline of 10.2% month-on-month, with total exports falling to 1.9 billion USD.

• February 2025: Exports dropped again to 1.57 billion USD, down 17.3% compared to January.

These fluctuations are partly explained by seasonal factors such as Lunar New Year holidays, global demand cycles, and shifting trade policies.

Top Export Markets

1. United States – The Anchor Market

The U.S. is by far the largest destination for Vietnamese footwear:

• In early 2024 (Jan–Feb), footwear exports to the U.S. totaled around 1.1 billion USD, up 25% year-on-year.

• This accounted for about 35% of Vietnam’s total footwear exports.

• By late 2024, monthly exports to the U.S. were averaging 700 million USD, with steady growth in demand for both athletic and casual shoes.

The U.S. dependence makes Vietnam highly exposed to American trade policies, including recent tariff discussions.

2. China – A Rising Buyer

China is Vietnam’s second-largest market for footwear:

• Exports in early 2024 were valued at 318 million USD, an increase of 11% year-on-year.

• In November 2024 alone, shipments surged 47% month-on-month to 188 million USD.

China serves as both a consumer market and a re-export hub, with Vietnamese-made shoes sometimes re-routed through Chinese distributors.

3. Japan – A Stable Growth Market

Japan remains a consistent market:

• November 2024 exports reached 98 million USD, up 18% from the prior month.

• Japan values Vietnam’s reputation for quality manufacturing and has long-standing trade agreements that ensure favorable access.

4. South Korea – A Rapidly Growing Buyer

South Korea has seen some of the sharpest increases:

• In November 2024, footwear exports to Korea jumped 80% month-on-month, reaching 65 million USD.

• Korean demand is heavily skewed toward athletic and branded shoes.

5. European Union – Belgium and the Netherlands

Europe is another key destination, with Belgium and the Netherlands serving as important distribution gateways:

• Belgium was Vietnam’s third-largest footwear export market in early 2024, with shipments worth around 191 million USD, up 10% year-on-year.

• The Netherlands recorded imports of 158 million USD in November 2024, though slightly down compared to the prior month.

The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) gives Vietnam duty-free or preferential access, making Europe a growth opportunity despite market competition and for Vietnamese footwear products. 

6. Emerging Regional Markets

While smaller in volume, markets like Indonesia, Thailand, and other ASEAN neighbors are steadily growing. For instance, Indonesia imported 32 million USD worth of footwear-related products from Vietnam in November 2024.

List of Top Footwear Exporters in Vietnam: Vietnam Footwear Exporters & Suppliers Database

Vietnam's footwear export industry is shaped by a small number of high-performing manufacturers—many backed by foreign direct investment—that together account for the majority of export value. Based on late-2024 and early-2025 data, several firms repeatedly top the list: Pouyuen Vietnam, Tae Kwang Vina, Chang Shin Vietnam, Gold Star, Dona Standard, Hwaseung Vina, Ching Luh Vietnam, Annora Vietnam, Amara Vietnam, and Athena Vietnam. Below is a snapshot of their approximate 2024 export revenues and the markets they primarily serve, as per the Vietnam footwear exporters data for 2025: 

Vietnam Footwear Export Data in the Last 10 Years

Vietnam Footwear Exporters Driving Growth

Vietnam’s footwear industry is highly concentrated among a small number of large multinational firms and joint ventures:

• Concentration of Value:

• Nearly 46% of firms export to only one market, but together they account for less than 1% of total export value.

• By contrast, just 1% of firms export to more than ten markets, yet they generate nearly 95% of Vietnam’s footwear export value.

• Key Players:

• Contract manufacturers for brands like Nike, Adidas, Puma, and New Balance dominate production.

• Many of these operate under foreign direct investment (FDI), taking advantage of Vietnam’s competitive labor costs and trade agreements.

• Domestic Firms: Smaller Vietnamese-owned companies contribute to niche exports but remain dwarfed by large-scale FDI-led producers.

Trade Policy & Tariff Environment

U.S. Tariff Pressures

The U.S. is Vietnam’s largest market, but also its most politically sensitive.

• In 2025, discussions around new tariffs on Vietnamese footwear raised concerns. Initial proposals of 46% tariffs were scaled down to around 20%, with additional surcharges on transshipped goods containing Chinese components.

• The uncertainty created by tariff negotiations forced companies like Nike and Adidas to reassess their sourcing strategies, though Vietnam remains a cornerstone due to its scale and reliability.

Free Trade Agreements

Vietnam’s access to global markets is strengthened by multiple trade agreements:

• EVFTA (EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement) – Preferential access to EU markets.

• CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) – Links Vietnam with Canada, Japan, Australia, and others.

• ASEAN FTAs – Tariff-free trade within the region.

These agreements continue to underpin Vietnam’s competitiveness even in the face of U.S. tariff risks.

Vietnam’s Global Position in Footwear Trade

Vietnam exports footwear to over 150 countries and commands approximately 10% of the global market share, second only to China.

Key advantages include:

• A young and cost-competitive labor force.

• Strategic location close to raw material suppliers in Asia.

• Robust infrastructure, including major seaports like Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City.

• A diversified export base covering sports shoes, leather shoes, and synthetic footwear.

Global brands view Vietnam not just as a manufacturing hub but also as a central pillar in diversifying supply chains away from China.

Challenges Ahead

While the numbers are strong, Vietnam faces several headwinds in 2025:

1. Tariff Uncertainty: U.S. trade policy remains the single largest risk factor.

2. Supply Chain Complexity: Heavy reliance on imported raw materials from China exposes the industry to bottlenecks.

3. Environmental and Labor Standards: Growing international pressure on sustainability and labor rights requires continuous investment in compliance.

4. Competition: Rising competitors like Indonesia, Bangladesh, and India are attempting to capture some of Vietnam’s market share with similar cost advantages.

Outlook for 2025 and Beyond

Despite early-year dips in January and February 2025, the medium-term outlook for Vietnam’s footwear exports remains optimistic:

• Export Value: Expected to stabilize in Q2 2025, with total annual exports projected to surpass 23 billion USD if global demand remains steady.

• Diversification: Stronger growth anticipated in Asia (China, Japan, South Korea) and Europe, reducing reliance on the U.S.

• Upgrading Industry: Vietnam is moving up the value chain by investing in higher-quality production, automation, and sustainability certifications.

• Global Hub Status: With its established role as the second-largest exporter worldwide, Vietnam is likely to remain an essential node in footwear supply chains for years to come.

Conclusion and Final Words

In conclusion, Vietnam’s footwear export data in 2024–25 demonstrates both resilience and vulnerability. On one hand, the sector achieved nearly 23 billion USD in exports in 2024, with strong growth across major markets like the U.S., China, Japan, and South Korea. On the other, the beginning of 2025 showed declines due to seasonal cycles and tariff concerns.

The dominance of a few major exporters, coupled with strategic advantages in trade agreements and labor costs, ensures Vietnam will remain a global footwear leader. However, navigating trade policy shifts, supply chain risks, and rising sustainability demands will be critical to sustaining growth. In short, Vietnam is not just exporting shoes; it is exporting reliability to the world’s biggest markets.

For more insights into the latest Vietnam import-export data, customized trade reports on the top Vietnam footwear exporters, or to search live data on Vietnam footwear exports by country, you can contact VietnamExportdata at info@tradeimex.in today!