Vietnam's manufacturing sector has quietly undergone one of the most remarkable transformations in global trade over the past decade. What started as a low-cost alternative to China has evolved into a sophisticated production ecosystem attracting the world's biggest brands like Nike, Samsung, Apple, and Adidas all manufacture significant volumes here.
Note: All cost figures and savings percentages in this guide are indicative examples and vary significantly depending on product category, order volumes, supplier negotiations, current freight rates, and market conditions.
Vietnam's manufacturing sector has quietly undergone one of the most remarkable transformations in global trade over the past decade.
What started as a low-cost alternative to China has evolved into a sophisticated production ecosystem attracting the world's biggest brands like Nike, Samsung, Apple, and Adidas all manufacture significant volumes here.
China manufacturing costs are rising. Trade tensions create uncertainty. And businesses worldwide are actively diversifying their supply chains.
Vietnam has positioned itself as the natural alternative and for good reason.
Over the past decade, Vietnam has transformed from a low-cost manufacturing option into a sophisticated production powerhouse. Major global brands have shifted production here. Trade agreements have opened doors. Infrastructure has modernized dramatically.
But importing from Vietnam isn't simply "China 2.0." The country has its own advantages, challenges, and best practices you need to understand.
After helping businesses establish supply chains in Vietnam, I can tell you: the opportunity is real, but success requires understanding what makes Vietnam unique.
This is your complete guide to importing from Vietnam, covering suppliers, costs, logistics, compliance, and how to avoid the mistakes that cost importers thousands.
Before diving into the mechanics, let's address whether Vietnam makes sense for your specific situation.
Vietnam isn't the best choice for every product or business model.
If you need 50 units of a generic product with established Chinese suppliers, stick with what works. The time investment in establishing Vietnamese supply chains won't justify the marginal savings.
But if you're strategically looking to diversify supply chains, reduce costs, or access products where Vietnam excels, the country offers compelling advantages.
✓ Spending $75,000+ annually on products from current suppliers
✓ Product categories: Textiles, footwear, furniture, electronics assembly, agricultural products
✓ Can order 500-1,000+ units per product line
✓ Cash flow handles 30% deposits
✓ Looking to diversify beyond single-country sourcing
✓ Willing to invest 2-3 months establishing supplier relationships
✓ Can weather potential first-order learning curve
If you checked 6+ boxes, Vietnam deserves serious consideration.
Note: Figures are indicative and vary based on product, volume, and market conditions.
Typical cost comparison for textile products:
On an order of 2,000 units, that's $4,000 in cost savings per shipment.
Vietnam also offers duty advantages through trade agreements (CPTPP, EU-Vietnam FTA) that significantly reduce total landed costs.
Learn more about the advantages of sourcing from Vietnam.
Vietnam's supplier discovery process differs from China's well-established B2B platforms.
Total Timeline: 9-14 weeks for first order
Subject: RFQ: [Product Name] - [Quantity] Units - [Your Company/Country]
Hello,
My name is [Name] from [Company] based in [Country]. We are a [retailer/distributor] specialising in [category].
We are seeking a manufacturing partner for [specific product]:
Product Details:
- [Dimensions, materials, colours]
- Quality standard: [reference standard]
- Packaging: [requirements]
- Target market: [country]
Order Information:
- Initial quantity: [realistic number]
- Reorder frequency: [monthly/quarterly]
- Required certifications: [relevant to market]
Please provide:
1. FOB pricing for [quantity 1] and [quantity 2]
2. Production lead time
3. Payment terms
4. Minimum order quantity
5. Sample availability and cost
6. Certifications and export experience
We are planning a supplier visit to Vietnam in [timeframe].
Best regards,
[Contact details]
The factory visit mention signals seriousness, even if you haven't booked travel yet.
Check out our guide on how to find the right products and suppliers.
Order samples from 3-5 suppliers
Read our best practices for managing product quality
Video Tour (Free, minimum viable)
Third-Party Inspection ($250-600 USD)
In-Person Visit (Most effective, $2,500-4,500)
Learn more about comprehensive factory audits.
Production capacity:
Quality control:
Export experience:
Financial stability:
Vietnam supplier negotiations differ culturally from Chinese business practices.
Key differences from China:
Explore the art of negotiating with Asian suppliers.
Read about how to pay suppliers safely.
Learn about navigating MOQs effectively.
During production:
Book when production reaches 80-100%:
Cost: $200-400 USD
This $300 inspection prevents $15,000-40,000 disasters.
Discover how to improve quality control.
Main Ports:
Incoterms:
FOB (Recommended): Factory to Vietnam port, you control freight
CIF: Factory arranges ocean freight (less control)
Read our guide on choosing sea or air freight.
From supplier:
Customs process:
Vietnam's trade agreements provide significant advantages.
CPTPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership)
To benefit from these agreements:
Duty savings often 5-15% of product value.
Vietnam wins: Textiles, footwear, furniture, agricultural products
China wins: Complex electronics, specialized equipment, very high volumes
Approach strategically product-by-product.
Plan for:
Learn about effective quality control strategies.
Read our guide on effective communication with Asian suppliers.
Smart approach:
This isn't abandoning China—it's strategic diversification.
Explore why sourcing strategy matters.
Total timeline: 5-6 months research to scaled orders
This foundation prevents costly mistakes later.
Check out our complete guide to sourcing from Asia.
Top-tier Vietnamese manufacturers serving global brands match Chinese standards. Mid-tier factories are improving rapidly. Success requires careful supplier selection and proper quality control.
Generally: textiles/apparel (500-1,000), furniture (100-500), electronics (1,000-2,000). Vietnamese factories often show more MOQ flexibility than Chinese counterparts. Expect 20-40% premium for below-standard MOQ.
Vietnam labor costs run 40-60% of Chinese coastal rates. However, consider total landed cost including productivity, supply chain efficiency, and duty advantages from trade agreements. For labor-intensive products, Vietnam often delivers 15-30% total savings.
Standard: 30% deposit, 70% before shipment via wire transfer. Letters of Credit accepted by established exporters. For first orders, consider trade assurance platforms. Never pay 100% upfront.
Ocean freight: Southeast Asia (5-12 days), Australia/NZ (12-18 days), US West (18-22 days), US East (22-35 days), Europe (22-28 days). Add 3-5 days customs clearance. Air freight: 5-7 days globally but 5-8x cost.
Highly recommended for significant suppliers or spend over $100,000 annually. Third-party inspections ($250-600) work for those unable to visit. Video tours minimum, but combine with inspection for orders over $20,000.
Tet (Lunar New Year, late January/February) closes factories 1-2 weeks minimum. Production stops 2-3 weeks. Orders shipping February-March face potential delays. Place orders early or schedule around Tet.
I'm not going to tell you that importing from Vietnam is simple.
It's not.
There's a learning curve. Supplier capabilities vary widely. Infrastructure challenges exist. Communication requires patience.
But here's what I know after helping businesses establish Vietnam supply chains:
For products where Vietnam excels—textiles, footwear, furniture, light manufacturing—the combination of cost savings, trade agreement advantages, and supply chain diversification makes Vietnam compelling.
The businesses succeeding in Vietnam aren't expecting "China 2.0."
They're approaching Vietnam strategically:
You don't need to abandon existing suppliers. You don't need to move everything to Vietnam.
But adding Vietnam to your sourcing strategy, thoughtfully, for the right products, provides cost advantages, risk mitigation, and competitive positioning that pure single-country sourcing cannot match.
The opportunity is real. The execution requires diligence.
The choice is yours.
Book Your Free Consultation Today!
Epic Sourcing is a global sourcing and procurement agency with offices in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. We specialise in China and Vietnam imports. Since 2018, we've helped 60+ NZ businesses establish direct manufacturing relationships. Our teams in China and Vietnam conduct factory audits, quality inspections, and manage the entire sourcing process for importers worldwide.
Last updated: January 2026. Vietnam manufacturing capabilities, trade agreements, and logistics continue evolving. Verify specific details for your situation before making sourcing decisions.
