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.

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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.

Is Importing from Vietnam Right for Your Business?

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.

Quick Self-Assessment

✓ 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.

What Vietnam Does Best

Textiles & Apparel

• Second-largest garment exporter globally

• Strong in sportswear, casualwear, technical textiles

• Major brands: Nike, Adidas, H&M, Uniqlo produce here

Footwear

• World's second-largest footwear exporter

• Athletic shoes, casual footwear, leather goods

• Sophisticated production capabilities rivalling China

Furniture & Home Goods

• Rapidly growing wooden furniture industry

• Rattan, bamboo, and sustainable materials expertise

• Competitive pricing with improving quality

Electronics Assembly

• Samsung, LG, Apple suppliers established here

• Growing capabilities in consumer electronics

Agricultural Products

• Coffee (second-largest exporter globally)

• Rice, cashews, seafood, spices

The Numbers: What Businesses Save

Note: Figures are indicative and vary based on product, volume, and market conditions.

Typical cost comparison for textile products:

Manufacturing in China:

• Factory price (FOB): $12.50 per unit

• Freight and duty: $2.80 per unit

• Total landed cost: $15.30 per unit

Manufacturing in Vietnam:

• Factory price (FOB): $10.80 per unit

• Freight and duty: $2.50 per unit

• Total landed cost: $13.30 per unit

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.

Finding Reliable Vietnam Suppliers

Vietnam's supplier discovery process differs from China's well-established B2B platforms.

Online Platforms

Alibaba.com

• Vietnamese suppliers list here but far fewer than Chinese

• Quality variable—verify carefully

• Useful starting point

Vietnam-Specific Platforms

• vietnammanufacturers.com

• vietnamsupplier.com

• Less sophisticated than Alibaba but useful

Industry Associations

• Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS)

• Highly useful for verified manufacturer contacts

Supplier Discovery Strategy

Phase 1: Research (2-3 weeks)

• Identify product category and regional concentration
• Search online platforms and industry associations
• Build list of 15-20 potential suppliers
• Focus on specialisation and export experience

Phase 2: Contact (2-3 weeks)

• Send professional RFQs to entire list
• Evaluate response quality and speed
• Assess English communication capability
• Request company information and certifications

Phase 3: Qualification (3-4 weeks)

• Narrow to 5-7 responsive suppliers
• Request samples from each
• Conduct video factory tours
• Check references

Phase 4: Verification (2-4 weeks)

• Third-party factory inspection for top 2-3
• In-person visit if possible (highly recommended)
• Final sample approval
• Place trial order

Total Timeline: 9-14 weeks for first order

Professional RFQ Template

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]:

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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.

Sample Evaluation & Factory Verification

Sample Evaluation

Order samples from 3-5 suppliers

• Expect $30-150 per sample

• Shipping: $35-70 via DHL/FedEx

• Pay for samples, free samples often lower quality

Evaluate systematically:

• Materials match specifications

• Construction quality

• Functionality testing

• Packaging adequacy

• Compliance marks for your market

Vietnam-specific considerations:

• Finishing quality sometimes less refined than China (improving rapidly)

• Materials sourcing transparency

• English labelling quality

• Adherence to Western sizing standards

Read our best practices for managing product quality

Factory Verification Methods

Video Tour (Free, minimum viable)

• Live tour via WhatsApp or Zoom

• Look for active production, appropriate equipment, QC processes

• Red flags: Reluctance to show areas, staged tours

Third-Party Inspection ($250-600 USD)

• At Epic Sourcing, we provide quality control and factory audit services to make sure the product meets your expectations

• Physical verification with detailed report

• Worth it for orders over $20,000

In-Person Visit (Most effective, $2,500-4,500)

• Flights to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi: $800-1,500

• 3-4 days accommodation: $400-700

• Visit 4-6 pre-qualified factories

• Worth it for annual spend over $100,000

• Epic Sourcing also provides sourcing tours where we arrange everything for you from the minute you land in Vietnam. Our bilingual experts help you navigate the chaos and help you find the best suppliers for your product.

Learn more about comprehensive factory audits.

What to Verify

Production capacity:

• Number of lines and workers

• Equipment age and maintenance

• Raw material inventory

• Current production activity

Quality control:

• Dedicated QC staff

• Testing equipment

• Inspection records

• Corrective action procedures

Export experience:

• Export documentation examples

• Target markets served

• Container loading facilities

• Customs knowledge

Financial stability:

• Raw material supply

• Equipment maintenance

• Client diversity

• Regular operations

Negotiating with Vietnam Suppliers

Vietnam supplier negotiations differ culturally from Chinese business practices.

Cultural Considerations

Vietnamese Business Culture:

• Relationship-oriented but less hierarchical than China

• Direct communication appreciated

• Face-saving important but less rigid

• Younger managers often Western-educated

Key differences from China:

• Less aggressive price negotiation expected

• Quality commitments taken more seriously

• Delivery deadlines sometimes more flexible

• Personal relationships matter but don't require years to establish

Explore the art of negotiating with Asian suppliers.

Negotiation Framework

Price:

• Initial quotes typically 10-20% above bottom price

• Reasonable to negotiate 8-15% reduction

• Volume commitments unlock better pricing

• Ask about repeat order pricing (usually 5-10% improvement)

Payment Terms:

• Standard: 30% deposit, 70% before shipment

• Experienced exporters: 30/60/10 possible

• Never pay 100% upfront

Read about how to pay suppliers safely.

Lead Times:

• Production: 25-45 days typical

• Raw material procurement: 7-15 days

• Tet (Lunar New Year): 2-3 week shutdown

• Rainy season (June-September): Possible logistics delays

Quality Standards:

• Define acceptable defect rates in writing (2-3% typical)

• Specify inspection points

• Agree on remedies for failures

• Reference international standards

MOQs:

• Vietnam MOQs often more flexible than China

• Factories willing to start smaller

• Expect 20-40% premium for below-standard MOQ

Learn about navigating MOQs effectively.

Production, Quality Control & Shipping

Production Monitoring

During production:

• Request timeline with milestones

• Progress photos at 25%, 50%, 75%

• Regular WhatsApp/Zalo communication

Pre-Shipment Inspection (Essential):

Book when production reaches 80-100%:

• Inspector checks 2.5-4% sample

• Verify against specifications

• Functionality testing

• Packaging verification

• Photo documentation

Cost: $200-400 USD

This $300 inspection prevents $15,000-40,000 disasters.

Discover how to improve quality control.

Shipping from Vietnam

Main Ports:

• Ho Chi Minh City (largest)

• Hai Phong (northern)

• Da Nang (central)

Incoterms:

FOB (Recommended): Factory to Vietnam port, you control freight

CIF: Factory arranges ocean freight (less control)

Shipping Timeline (indicative):

• US West Coast: 18-22 days

• US East Coast: 28-35 days

• Europe: 22-28 days

• Australia/NZ: 12-18 days

• Southeast Asia: 5-12 days

Container Costs (highly variable):

• 20ft to US: $1,800-3,500

• 20ft to Europe: $2,200-4,200

• 20ft to Australia/NZ: $1,200-2,400

Read our guide on choosing sea or air freight.

Required Documentation

From supplier:

• Commercial invoice

• Packing list

• Bill of Lading

• Certificate of Origin

• Product certifications

Customs process:

• Broker submits documentation

• Calculates duties/taxes

• Coordinates inspections

• Releases goods

Understanding Vietnam Trade Agreements

Vietnam's trade agreements provide significant advantages.

Key Agreements

CPTPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership)

• Members: Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, NZ, Singapore, Vietnam, others

• Reduced/eliminated tariffs

• Certificate of Origin required

EU-Vietnam FTA

• Nearly all tariffs eliminated

• Phased to 2030

• Major advantage for European importers

ASEAN Free Trade Area

• Free/reduced trade within Southeast Asia

• Regional distribution benefits

To benefit from these agreements:

• Verify product qualifies
• Meet Vietnam content requirements (40-65%)
• Obtain Certificate of Origin
• Work with experienced exporter

Duty savings often 5-15% of product value.

Common Mistakes

Mistake #1: Assuming Vietnam = Cheaper China

Vietnam wins: Textiles, footwear, furniture, agricultural products

China wins: Complex electronics, specialized equipment, very high volumes

Approach strategically product-by-product.

Mistake #2: Insufficient Time

Plan for:

• Longer supplier search (3-4 months vs 2-3)

• Variable lead times (add 1-2 week buffer)

• Slower communication in some cases

Mistake #3: Inadequate Quality Control

• Always order samples from multiple suppliers

• Never skip pre-shipment inspection

• Specify quality standards explicitly

• Start with smaller orders

Learn about effective quality control strategies.

Mistake #4: Communication Assumptions

• Write clearly and simply

• Use visual references extensively

• Confirm understanding in writing

• Number questions for easy reference

• Video calls for complex discussions

Read our guide on effective communication with Asian suppliers.

Vietnam vs. China: Strategic Framework

When Vietnam Makes More Sense

• Textiles, apparel, footwear

• Furniture and wooden products

• Agricultural products

• Products benefiting from trade agreement advantages

• Supply chain diversification

• Southeast Asian manufacturing presence

When China Remains Better

• Complex electronics and machinery

• Products requiring extensive supply chain

• Very high volumes (millions of units)

• Rapid prototyping needs

• Highly technical processes

The Hybrid Strategy

Smart approach:

• Vietnam for textiles, furniture

• China for electronics, complex items

• Vietnam for China component assembly (tariff optimisation)

• Maintain relationships in both countries

• Build genuine supply chain resilience

This isn't abandoning China—it's strategic diversification.

Explore why sourcing strategy matters.

Getting Started: Action Plan

Phase 1: Research (Month 1)

• Identify products suitable for Vietnam

• Research manufacturing concentrations

• Calculate target landed costs

• Understand trade agreements and compliance

Phase 2: Engagement (Month 2-3)

• Send RFQs to 15-20 suppliers

• Evaluate responses

• Request samples from 5-7 qualified candidates

• Conduct video tours

• Arrange third-party verification

Phase 3: Trial Order (Month 4-5)

• Negotiate terms

• Place trial order (500-1,000 units)

• Monitor production

• Schedule pre-shipment inspection

• Coordinate logistics

Phase 4: Scale (Month 6+)

• Place regular orders

• Evaluate quality continuously

• Expand supplier base

• Optimise logistics and terms

Total timeline: 5-6 months research to scaled orders

This foundation prevents costly mistakes later.

Check out our complete guide to sourcing from Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vietnam quality as good as China?

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.

What are typical MOQs in Vietnam?

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.

How do labor costs compare to China?

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.

What payment methods work best?

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.

How long does shipping take?

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.

Should I visit factories personally?

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.

How does Tet affect production?

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.

The Bottom Line: Is Vietnam Sourcing Worth It?

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:

• Selecting products where Vietnam's strengths align

• Investing time in proper supplier qualification

• Building genuine partnerships with factories

• Leveraging trade agreements for duty advantages

• Using Vietnam as part of diversified supply chain strategy

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.

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Ready to Start?

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.