More than three-quarters of the way through 2023 has been the most difficult period in the history of Vietnam’s textile, garment and raw material exports. Although at this time, textile exports have recovered, the pace is still very slow, even stagnant, especially in the garment group. Garment and textile firms are urged to flexibly implement measures to bring into full play market opportunities and promote growth, to fulfil the set goal of over 40 billion USD in export revenue this year.

In the first ten months of this year, the total value of garment and textile exports reached more than 33 billion USD, down 12.45% year-on-year. In October, the sector saw signs of recovery as it earned 3.2 billion USD from exports, up 5.28% month-on-month, and 2.96% year-on-year.

The US is currently Vietnam’s biggest apparel importer, accounting for over 40% of the market share, followed by Japan, the EU, the Republic of Korea and China.

According to insiders, in the gloomy picture of the market over the past ten months, the only silver lining is high growth from countries participating in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), such as Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

In addition, the country has gained access to several new markets in Africa and the Middle East, which is expected to help keep the industry’s export turnover from decreasing further in the context of sharp reductions in global market demand.

General Director of Vietnam Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) Cao Huu Hieu said that in the fourth quarter, market signs will become more positive as the frequency of customers learning about the source of goods and production capacity are the driving force for garment firms to introduce their products and offer suitable prices, to win orders for the coming period.

Regarding tasks for the last month of 2023, experts advised businesses to re-organise production to increase labour productivity, meet small orders, and arrange appropriate human resources to optimise labour costs.

Chairman of Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (Vitas) Vu Duc Giang emphasised that businesses must quickly change themselves and adapt to market fluctuations.

He stressed the need to organise vocational skills classes and human resources training for green and digital transformation to improve labour productivity and competitiveness.

In addition, it is necessary to retain customers by accepting small orders while promoting the exploitation of new markets and reducing costs to step up production and business activities and boost growth, added Giang.

VNA