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Vietnam Products for Wholesale: What Global Buyers Look For

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ALO VietnamALO Vietnam
04 July 2025
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Over the past decade, Vietnam has established itself as a rising force in global manufacturing. Once known primarily for textiles, Vietnam now exports a broad range of products at competitive prices and with increasing attention to quality, sustainability, and design. For global buyers, Vietnam products for wholesale represent a unique opportunity to diversify sourcing, lower costs, and build reliable supply chains outside of China.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the most in-demand Vietnam products, what wholesale buyers are seeking today, and how businesses can successfully navigate Vietnam’s booming export industry.

For global buyers, Vietnam products for wholesale represent a unique opportunity to diversify sourcing, lower costs, and build reliable supply chains

Why Vietnam Products Are Gaining Global Attention

Vietnam’s rise as a manufacturing hub hasn’t happened by chance. A combination of trade agreements, political stability, growing infrastructure, and a young, skilled workforce has made Vietnam an attractive destination for global sourcing. The country offers:

Cost-effective Production Compared to Other Asian Economies 

Vietnam offers lower manufacturing and labour costs than neighbouring countries such as China, Thailand, or Malaysia. This cost advantage allows international buyers to maintain competitive pricing without compromising on product quality. Especially in sectors like textiles, furniture, and agriculture, Vietnam delivers impressive value for money, making it attractive for businesses looking to protect margins in an increasingly price-sensitive market.

A Reputation for Craftsmanship, Especially in Furniture, Garments, and Homewares

Vietnamese artisans and manufacturers have a strong tradition of craftsmanship, particularly in handmade goods and wooden furniture. In the garment industry, attention to detail, consistency in stitching, and high-quality finishing are common strengths. Many Vietnam’s wholesale suppliers blend traditional techniques with modern manufacturing to create export-ready products that meet the expectations of global markets.

Diversified Manufacturing Clusters Across the North, Central, and Southern Regions

Each region in Vietnam specialises in different types of manufacturing. The north (e.g. Hanoi, Bac Ninh) is strong in electronics and heavy industry, while central Vietnam (e.g. Da Nang, Quang Nam) is emerging in furniture, textiles, and light manufacturing. The south (e.g. Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Dong Nai) is well-developed and handles a large volume of consumer goods, garments, and accessories. This regional diversity offers buyers flexibility in choosing suppliers based on product type, logistics preferences, and factory scale.

A Favourable Business Environment with Support from Government Initiatives and FTAs

Vietnam is a member of multiple free trade agreements, including the CPTPP and EVFTA, which reduce tariffs and facilitate smoother cross-border transactions. The Vietnamese government has also been proactive in improving infrastructure, digitising customs procedures, and encouraging foreign investment. These factors help international buyers reduce costs, avoid regulatory bottlenecks, and benefit from long-term trade incentives.

For wholesale buyers, these factors translate into more sourcing options, better margins, and greater flexibility, especially in light of shifting supply chains in the post-pandemic era.

What Types of Vietnam Products Are Sought After for Wholesale?

Buyers across Europe, the US, Australia, and emerging markets are increasingly turning to Vietnam for specific categories of wholesale goods. Here are the top-performing product sectors that continue to attract global demand:

Textiles and Garments

Vietnam is the third-largest textile exporter in the world, after China and Bangladesh. From basic T-shirts and uniforms to premium fashion and activewear, Vietnamese textile manufacturers offer:

  • High production volumes with reliable lead times
  • OEM and ODM capabilities
  • Ethical and sustainable practices (especially in high-end factories)

What global buyers look for:

Quality stitching, consistency in sizing, eco-friendly fabrics, and flexible MOQs. Many prefer factories that are WRAP, ISO, or BSCI certified.

Furniture and Homewares

Vietnam’s wooden furniture exports exceed $10 billion annually. The country is a preferred supplier of:

  • Indoor and outdoor furniture (teak, acacia, oak)
  • Rattan, bamboo, and seagrass products
  • Home décor, ceramics, and lacquerware

What global buyers look for:

Durability, contemporary design, natural materials, and strong finishing. Many buyers also request FSC-certified wood and expect strong packaging for international shipping.

Handicrafts and Lifestyle Goods

Vietnam’s artisanal products combine cultural heritage with modern design, making them highly attractive in wholesale markets.

  • Woven baskets, trays, and storage
  • Handmade pottery and tableware
  • Paper goods, candles, and decor

What global buyers look for:

Authenticity, design uniqueness, ethical sourcing, and storytelling. Boutique retailers and lifestyle brands often order in smaller quantities, preferring handmade goods with a sustainable angle.

Footwear and Leather Goods

Vietnam is a global leader in footwear production, second only to China. It exports:

  • Sneakers and sports shoes (OEM for Nike, Adidas, Puma)
  • Leather sandals, boots, and fashion shoes
  • Bags, wallets, and accessories

What global buyers look for:

Premium quality leather, modern design, consistent fit, and production transparency. Major retailers typically want scalable production, while smaller brands value flexibility and exclusivity.

Agricultural and Food Products

Vietnam is also known for its exports in food and beverage. Popular wholesale categories include:

  • Coffee (robusta and arabica beans)
  • Pepper, cashew nuts, and spices
  • Instant noodles, rice paper, and sauces

What global buyers look for:

Certifications such as HACCP, ISO22000, or organic labels. Packaging design and shelf stability are also top considerations for food wholesalers.

Electronics and Components

Vietnam’s electronics industry is growing rapidly with Samsung, Apple, and Intel investing heavily in the region.

  • Consumer electronics accessories (chargers, earbuds, cables)
  • PCBs, connectors, and wiring for OEM applications
  • Smart home gadgets and appliances

What global buyers look for:

Consistency, compliance with CE/FCC/RoHS standards, and the ability to scale production. Lead time reliability is critical in this sector.

Vietnam products include textiles and garments

Key Qualities Global Buyers Expect in Vietnam Products

Whether a buyer is sourcing artisanal baskets or bulk electronics, certain expectations remain consistent. These include:

Quality Assurance

In today’s global supply chain, product quality is non-negotiable. Buyers expect Vietnamese manufacturers to follow international standards such as ISO, ASTM, or EN compliance, depending on the product. This means quality inspections at every stage of production, proper testing of raw materials, and consistency across batches. Brands looking to resell Vietnam products in the EU, US, or Australia often request third-party quality checks to ensure there are no surprises after shipping.

Transparency

More than ever, global buyers want to know where their products come from and how they’re made. Transparency in the supply chain, from sourcing of raw materials to working conditions, is essential. Suppliers who can provide documentation, certifications, and even video walkthroughs of their facilities tend to stand out. Transparency builds trust, and in wholesale relationships, trust is as valuable as pricing.

Communication

Language and responsiveness can make or break a sourcing relationship. Effective communication ensures that product specifications are correctly understood, timelines are met, and problems are resolved quickly. Suppliers who are prompt, fluent in English (or work with experienced sales reps), and willing to share updates regularly are preferred by buyers who operate in fast-paced retail or eCommerce environments.

Scalability and Flexibility

Buyers want manufacturers who can adapt to changing demands. This could mean accepting small-batch trial orders or rapidly scaling up production when demand surges. Flexibility also extends to payment terms, packaging customisations, and seasonal adjustments. Suppliers who are rigid with MOQs or unwilling to accommodate specific needs often lose out to more adaptable competitors.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is no longer just a trend, it’s an expectation. Buyers, especially in Western markets, now actively seek Vietnam products that align with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. This includes everything from biodegradable packaging and low-impact dyes to ethical labour practices and carbon-reduced shipping. Factories that can showcase their environmental credentials, such as solar power usage, water recycling systems, or FSC-certified materials, gain a clear competitive advantage.

Where Wholesale Buyers Source Vietnam Products

There are several channels available for sourcing Vietnam products, depending on your goals and level of experience.

Trade Shows

Attending trade shows is a high-impact way for buyers to evaluate suppliers, compare product quality, and negotiate directly. Exhibitions like Vietnam Expo or VIFA offer face-to-face engagement with hundreds of manufacturers across sectors. Buyers can examine samples, assess material quality firsthand, and often secure better deals. It’s also a good way to understand industry trends and find emerging product lines.

  • Vietnam Expo (Hanoi and HCMC): General trade across categories
  • VIFA Expo: Leading furniture and homeware exhibition
  • Vietnam Textile and Garment Industry Expo: Ideal for apparel sourcing
    Attending trade shows is still one of the most effective ways to meet suppliers, inspect products in-person, and build trust.

Online B2B Platforms

Digital sourcing platforms like VALO Vietnam, Alibaba, and GlobalSources offer convenience and scale. Many Vietnamese manufacturers list products online with specifications, photos, and MOQ details. However, not all listings are verified, so due diligence is essential. Savvy buyers use these platforms for initial discovery and then move conversations offline to validate trust before making large orders.

  • VALO Vietnam: A B2B platform that connects buyers (both international and local) with verified, experienced suppliers in Vietnam across various industries.
  • Alibaba: Many Vietnamese suppliers are present here
  • GlobalSources and Tradekey: Less saturated but useful platforms
    Always request product samples and verify company credentials before committing to larger orders.

Local Sourcing Agents

Working with a Vietnam-based sourcing agency can simplify negotiations, provide local insight, and help mitigate risks. Agents often assist with supplier vetting, contract negotiation, and quality control.

Challenges to Be Aware of When Sourcing from Vietnam

While Vietnam presents many sourcing opportunities, it’s important to manage expectations. Some challenges include:

Longer Lead Times Compared to China, Especially During Peak Seasons

Vietnam’s manufacturing sector is growing rapidly, but not all factories have the same capacity or automation levels as in China. Lead times can stretch during major holidays (Tet, especially) or when factories are overbooked. It’s important to plan orders months in advance and clearly define delivery schedules in your contracts.

Limited Automation in Smaller Factories, Impacting Scalability

Many of Vietnam’s producers, particularly in textiles, furniture, and handicrafts, are small to medium enterprises that rely heavily on manual labour. While this supports artisan quality, it can limit scalability for large-volume orders. Buyers seeking mass production with high consistency should vet whether the factory has modern machinery or can grow with demand.

Language Barriers and Cultural Communication Gaps in Rural Areas

While many factories in urban areas have English-speaking sales staff, communication can still be a hurdle in rural regions or smaller workshops. Misunderstandings over product specifications, timelines, or pricing can occur. Written contracts, visual references, and sample approvals help reduce risks.

Shipping and Logistics Delays During Public Holidays or Port Congestion

Vietnam has improved its ports and logistics considerably, but delays still happen, especially during Lunar New Year or when multiple industries ship at the same time. To mitigate risk, buyers should diversify shipping windows, use experienced freight forwarders, and request shipping updates throughout the export process.

Proactive planning, clear contracts, and choosing the right partners can help businesses navigate these challenges effectively.

Tips for Building Long-Term Supplier Relationships

Establishing trust and reliability in Vietnam’s wholesale market requires effort and consistency. Here’s how buyers can build long-term partnerships:

  • Start with smaller orders to test reliability and quality
  • Visit the factory if possible or hire a third-party inspection service
  • Provide clear product specifications, tech packs, and packaging requirements
  • Offer consistent business to gain priority in production schedules
  • Respect payment terms and build mutual understanding over time

In Vietnam, business relationships are often built on mutual respect and long-term thinking. Investing in the partnership can pay off in better pricing, faster service, and product innovation.

Is Vietnam the Right Sourcing Destination for Your Brand?

Vietnam products for wholesale offer a compelling combination of price, quality, and production capacity, especially for businesses looking to diversify beyond China or find more sustainable sourcing partners. From fashion and furniture to electronics and agriculture, Vietnam’s export industries are maturing fast, supported by modern infrastructure and growing international demand.

If you’re a global buyer looking for reliable wholesale goods, Vietnam is no longer a backup plan, it’s a strategic choice.

Start Sourcing Smarter with Local Experts

VALO Vietnam is the perfect platform for reputable buyers and suppliers to connect directly, ensuring a smooth transaction and long-term partnership.

Contact us today and see how we can help you!

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