Textile production in Viet Nam.

Viet Nam, with its ethnic diversity, reveals a unique wealth of clothing, mixing tradition and modernity. These enchanting styles celebrate craftsmanship with unrivaled elegance in textiles.

Textile industry in Viet Nam: realities and prospects

Currently, Viet Nam is positioned as the world's third largest exporter of textiles and clothing, with strong development potential.
Since economic opening with the Đổi Mới policy in 1986, Viet Nam has experienced solid economic growth. In 2016, industry represented 33% of GDP, being the second largest industrial sector. The textile sector remains particularly dynamic, providing around 2.5 million jobs across the country. Clothing and textiles are the most exported products after electronic goods.
In 2017, Viet Nam exported approximately 31.16 billion euros of clothing, with a steady annual increase. This growth has been supported by Viet Nam's position as a global manufacturing hub.
In 2022, the export turnover of textile and clothing products reached around 44 billion euros. In 2023, despite economic difficulties, turnover decreased by more than 9%, reaching 40.324 billion euros according to Lê Hoàng Tài. Nevertheless, the industry is aiming for a recovery with a target of USD 44 billion in 2024, an increase of 9% compared to 2023.
The difficulties encountered in 2023 are mainly due to a drop in consumption in client countries, and not to a rejection of “made in Viet Nam”. The sector remains a pillar of the country’s economic development, playing a crucial role in its long-term industrialization and growth strategy.

Textiles in Viet Nam: working conditions and social impact

The textile sector is vital to the Vietnamese economy, being the second largest exporting industry and employing around 2.5 million local workers. In Ho Chi Minh City, a factory participating in the ILO/SFI “Work Better Viet Nam” program ensures improved working conditions. Salaries, although modest with an average of around 120 euros per month, contribute to the well-being of workers and the education of their children, thus highlighting tangible progress in the field of work in Viet Nam. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding working conditions and environmental impacts. Efforts are being made to improve these aspects while maintaining the economic and social benefits of this key industry.
The impact of the textile industry on local communities and their culture is undeniable. The attraction of a young workforce to urban areas where factories are located is creating tangible changes in traditional lifestyles. This urbanization induced by the textile industry is changing consumption habits, generating pressure on local infrastructure and profoundly influencing social and cultural practices, particularly among young workers. Furthermore, the competitiveness of cheap textile products can sometimes compromise traditional craft and cultural practices, thereby threatening the preservation of these essential cultural elements.

The Vietnamese textile industry, by attracting a young workforce to urban areas, is transforming traditional lifestyles and can threaten local cultural and artisanal practices. And how ?