Vietnam’s textile industry adapts to US tariffs with strategic shifts

Speaking on the sidelines of the Vietnam Saigon Textile & Garment Industry – Fabric & Garment Accessories Expo (Saigontex - Saigonfabric 2025), Vu Duc Giang, chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), said that the U.S. market accounts for some 40 percent of Vietnam’s textile export turnover.

The announcement to impose the steep tariff on Vietnamese goods came as a shock to many local businesses, he said.

To mitigate the impact, Giang encouraged companies to focus on long-term strategic goals, such as diversifying export markets, customer bases, and product lines to reduce dependence on the U.S. market.

Additionally, he pointed out that the pressure from both green transformation and digitalization was increasing across the industry.

In order to meet the stringent standards set by free trade agreements and the growing demands of global brands, firms must invest heavily in eco-friendly production technologies, modern equipment, and the development of a highly skilled workforce.

The Saigontex - Saigonfabric 2025 kicked off in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday and runs until Saturday, bringing together 1,100 exhibitors from 25 countries and territories.

The event is not only an exhibition for showcasing products, but also a strategic forum for businesses to explore new solutions and shape the future of the industry amid global trade tensions.

One of the highlights of this year’s expo is the focus on automation, digitization, and energy-saving technologies, according to the organizers.

Leading companies in the industry are introducing the latest textile and garment machinery, dyeing and chemical technologies, as well as the most modern fabrics and garment accessories.

In addition to the exhibition, the event features networking programs and specialized seminars that provide up-to-date information and emerging trends for guests.

The expo plays a critical role as a strategic anchor for businesses, serving as a platform to update on new technologies, reinforce supply chains, and establish development directions in line with the ever-changing global landscape.

Cao Huu Hieu, CEO of Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group, recognized that the dual transition to green practices and digitalization is an irreversible trend.

To maintain orders and meet export standards, firms should invest in energy-efficient production systems, use recycled materials, harness renewable energy, and apply technology to improve productivity and product quality, he said.