At the second meeting of the Executive Committee of the seventh term on July 3rd, the Vietnam Textile and Garment Association (VITAS) announced that export turnover in the first six months of 2026 is estimated to reach US$22.2 billion, an increase of 1.7% compared to the same period last year. The Association also approved the establishment of four specialized committees linked to the four strategic pillars of the industry, marking a repositioning of its operational model towards a more strategic direction.
The meeting was held in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online participation, at three locations: Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City. It was chaired by Mr. Vu Duc Giang, Chairman of VITAS. The agenda focused on reviewing the industry’s performance during the first six months of the year, approving foundational documents for the term, and outlining tasks for the second half of the year.
Exports maintain positive growth amid slow demand recovery.
According to the Association’s report, in the first half of the year’s export turnover of $22.2 billion, the fiber, fabric, accessories and non-woven fabric group maintained relatively strong growth, ranging from 5.6% to 10.6%. Conversely, garment exports decreased slightly by 0.4% due to the slow recovery of purchasing power in major markets.
Looking at the market data for the first five months, the United States continues to lead with $6.81 billion, up 1.3% and accounting for approximately 45% of total trade. The EU is a bright spot with $1.94 billion, up 8.8%. Meanwhile, Japan and South Korea saw decreases of 6.2% and 8.9% respectively. The sector continues to have a trade surplus, estimated at nearly $10 billion in the first six months.
The association recognizes that the industry still faces many challenges: slow recovery of purchasing power in major markets, fierce price competition, dependence on imported raw materials (60–70%), and increasing costs of ESG compliance and traceability. Of particular note are trade policy risks, especially the US Section 301 investigation related to forced labor.
“The Vietnamese textile and garment industry no longer has much room for growth in scale. The road ahead requires us to shift towards improving productivity, added value, proactively securing raw materials and components, diversifying markets, and accelerating digital transformation and green transformation,” emphasized Mr. Vu Duc Giang, Chairman of VITAS.
Four thematic committees and seven foundational documents
The Executive Committee has agreed on the principle of establishing four specialized committees under VITAS, each associated with a strategic pillar. The Fashion Committee is responsible for developing the domestic market, building brands, and the Vietnamese fashion industry. The International Business Committee focuses on connecting global supply chains and attracting investment in the weaving, dyeing, and finishing stages. The Sustainable Development Committee implements ESG, compliance, traceability, and the circular economy. The Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation Committee promotes automation, smart factories, and the application of artificial intelligence.
The committees operate on the principles of voluntarism, coordination, sharing, and non-profit, with a pilot program expected to begin in Q3/2026. Alongside this, the Executive Committee approved seven fundamental regulations and documents for the seventh term, including the working regulations of the Executive Committee, financial and asset management, membership management, seal management, emulation and reward and discipline, complaint resolution, and the Code of Professional Ethics for the Textile and Garment Industry.
The Target is $48 Billion
With a result of US$22.2 billion after half a year, the industry strives to maintain an average of over US$4 billion per month, aiming for a target of approximately US$48 billion for the whole year of 2026. Key solutions include adapting to new purchasing methods of global brands, prioritizing the development of domestic raw materials and components, diversifying markets and product lines, proactively responding to legal risks and Section 301 regulations, and simultaneously promoting investment in technology and digital transformation.
VITAS also announced that the Vietnam Textile and Garment Industry Review Conference 2026 will take place in the first half of December, with in-depth discussions on the industry’s development strategy for the next phase.