Vietnam’s leather and footwear exports rise 1.5% in first five months of 2026

Vietnam's leather and footwear exports recorded modest growth during the first five months of 2026, with total export turnover reaching US$11.73 billion, up 1.5% compared with the same period last year, according to calculations based on data from the Customs Department.

Footwear remained the sector's largest export category, generating nearly US$9.8 billion, while exports of handbags and suitcases contributed US$1.95 billion.

The United States and the European Union continued to be Vietnam's leading export destinations, posting steady growth during the period. Exports to the US reached US$4.68 billion, an increase of 7.9%, while shipments to the EU climbed 2.6% to nearly US$3 billion.

However, exports to several Asian markets weakened. Shipments to countries within the CPTPP and RCEP trade blocs, including Japan and South Korea, declined during the January-May period. Exports to China registered the sharpest fall, dropping by more than 20% year-on-year.

India emerged as the standout growth market for Vietnam's leather and footwear industry. Exports to the country surged by nearly 417.7%, reaching almost US$80 million, highlighting expanding opportunities for Vietnamese manufacturers in one of the world's fastest-growing consumer markets.

The latest trade figures indicate that while Vietnam continues to benefit from resilient demand in its traditional Western markets, exporters are increasingly looking to diversify into emerging destinations to offset slower growth across parts of Asia.