 Producing shoes for export to the EU market at Ha Tay Textile Chemistry Co., Ltd. Photo: Tran Viet/VNA |
In the first half of the year, Vietnam's leather and footwear exports earned 6.5 billion USD, up 5.7% from the same period last year. The US made up the largest share at 35%, followed by the EU at 26%. Experts say Vietnam has significant competitive advantages for footwear and handbag production thanks to its many free trade agreements, which cover more than 60% of global trade volume.
Vietnam has more than 1,000 shoe factories employing 1.5 million workers and contributing 8% of the national GDP. The country’s industrial development strategy to 2025, with a vision to 2035, makes textiles, garments and footwear a priority industry.
