Vietnam has rapidly transformed into a global manufacturing powerhouse, combining competitive pricing with high-quality output in sectors ranging from consumer electronics to apparel, footwear and travel goods. Industry giants such as Samsung and LG have based major production hubs there for more than a decade, and leading footwear and apparel brands including Nike and Adidas have shifted substantial portions of their output to Vietnam as Chinese labor costs climbed.

The country consistently delivers products to tight schedules under rigorous quality-control systems, and recent environmental legislation has driven many factories to attain top-tier sustainability certifications. Infrastructure upgrades and proximity to the U.S. West Coast further enhance Vietnam’s appeal as a premier alternative to China.

Vietnam was long prized by smaller and fast-growing brands for its willingness to accommodate modest order sizes. Although those flexible facilities remain in operation, rising demand and (mostly) favorable U.S. tariff arrangements have strained capacity at the best factories, which now typically require larger production volumes.

For companies seeking manufacturing partners, the Vietnamese government’s trade portal (VietnamTrade.gov.vn) offers exporter listings by product category, and publications such as the Vietnam Manufacturing Yearbook profile vetted manufacturers. These resources can jump-start your search.

One important caveat is Vietnam’s reliance on imported inputs, particularly from China. This dependence can elevate material costs and partially offset Vietnam’s labor-cost advantages.