Vietnam's garment exports reach $33.7bn by mid-September as industry eyes up to $47.5bn

Vietnam's textile and garment industry had exported $33.66 billion worth of goods by 15 September 2026, according to preliminary data reported by the state news agency VNA's English service VietnamPlus on 2 October. Industry leaders consider the full-year export target of $47–47.5 billion achievable.

Vietnamese textile and garment products now reach 137 countries and territories, with the United States taking around 40% of overseas shipments, the report said. The sector is pursuing three priorities: diversifying markets, speeding up the adoption of technology and automation, and strengthening links along the value chain.

Vu Duc Giang, chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), told the industry that investment in technology has become unavoidable. According to the report, investment in digital infrastructure and AI accounts for 65–68% of total investment at many companies.

"Digital and green transformation are no longer options but essential requirements," Giang said.

Order books at major producers look healthy. Than Duc Viet, general director of Garment 10 Corporation, said the company has secured orders through the end of 2026 and is negotiating contracts for the first quarter of 2027, while accelerating automation on its production lines. Cao Huu Hieu, general director of the state-owned Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex), said major subsidiaries had secured orders to the end of the year, but noted that customers continue to seek longer delivery periods and to push harder on prices.

What it means for Egyptian exporters

Vietnam is one of the largest apparel suppliers to the United States and a benchmark that American and European buyers use when they compare offers from Egypt. With leading Vietnamese factories reporting order books full into 2027, buyers looking for additional capacity or a second source have reason to consider other countries, and Egyptian exporters can position themselves for that business. At the same time, Vietnam's push on automation, green production and price competitiveness raises the bar that Egyptian factories will be measured against by the same customers.