(VOVWORLD) - Amid global tariff turmoil, 20 Vietnamese footwear companies took part for the first time in the Canada Apparel & Footwear (AFA) Fair last week, seeking to further access the North American market.
 Footwear industry seeks further penetration in North American market |
Vietnam’s participation in Canada’s trade fair, held from August 12 to 14, was sponsored by the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (LEFASO), the Trade Promotion Agency of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Vietnam Trade Office in Canada.
According to LEFASO Secretary General Phan Thi Thanh Xuan, Vietnam’s footwear sector, which earned 14 billion USD from exports in the first half of 2025, is diversifying export markets, with a strong focus on North America, a region full of potential but also highly competitive. North America accounts for 40% of Vietnam’s footwear exports, with the United States being the largest part of that market. Canada and Mexico, however, are growing in market size under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Xuan said: “Diversifying markets is a key goal of the Government and the footwear industry. North America is an important market, with the US being the largest part. Canada and Mexico are part of the CPTPP bloc, which makes expanding into those markets crucial for Vietnam’s footwear exports.”
Ms. Tran Thu Quynh, Vietnam’s Trade Counselor in Canada, said: “Exports to Canada reached nearly 1 billion USD in 2024. Given the current growth momentum, Vietnam is confident this figure will be surpassed in 2025. Canada is a vital market for Vietnam’s footwear industry.”
AFA Canada is one of North America’s most prestigious and large-scale trade exhibitions for footwear, fashion, and accessories. It attracts hundreds of global brands, international buyers, retail chains, and manufacturers and designers from around the world.