Vietnam's leather and footwear exports experienced rapid growth in 2024. This article will provide an overview of the specific increase in Vietnam's leather and footwear exports in 2024, as well as common defects V-Trust inspectors found in footwear export inspections and their inspection solutions.
Vietnam Leather and Footwear Industry Export Growth in 2024
According to the Vietnam Leather, Footwear, and Handbag Association (LEFASO), Vietnam’s footwear and handbag exports achieved remarkable growth in 2024, leveraging the advantages of Vietnam's free trade agreements to boost exports significantly. The total export value of the leather and footwear industry reached an estimated $27.04 billion in 2024, marking an impressive increase of 11.45%, or $3 billion, compared to 2023.
Vietnam has solidified its position as a global leader in footwear production, ranking as the third-largest footwear producer after China and India and the second-largest footwear exporter globally.
Vietnam’s leather industry remains focused on major export markets, which account for 97.3% of total export revenue. The largest share belongs to North America (41.4% for footwear and 47% for handbags), followed by the European Union (29.5% for footwear and 25.4% for handbags). Asian markets currently make up 22.2% of footwear exports and 24.5% of handbag exports.
Vietnam Leather Industry Challenge
Despite the growth, Vietnam's leather and footwear industry faces challenges in meeting new international standards emphasizing sustainability, eco-design, and social responsibility. To address this, experts recommend developing supporting industries and domestic raw material production. LEFASO has also proposed establishing dedicated industrial parks to centralize production, improve efficiency, and enhance environmental protection.
In addition, Vietnamese footwear is sold in over 150 markets worldwide, making it crucial for the industry to prioritize product quality control to maintain its strong reputation.
Common Shoe Defects in Vietnam Footwear Manufacturing
V-Trust provides quality control services including product inspections in 10 Asian countries. At V-Trust, we have observed a significant increase in footwear inspections in Vietnam over the past year. Some common defects we frequently encounter in shoes manufactured in the region include:
Common Defects Identified
1. Assembly Defects
- Misaligned Components: Improper alignment of the sole, upper, or decorative elements.
- Gluing Defects: Excessive glue, visible glue marks, or insufficient adhesion causing parts to detach.
2. Structural Problems
- Deformed Shape: Warping or improper shaping of the shoe, often due to poor molding or storage.
- Loose or Detached Soles: Weak bonding between the sole and upper, leading to potential separation.
3. Functional Issues
- Size Discrepancies: Inconsistent sizing within a pair or deviation from size standards.
- Uncomfortable Fit: Design or assembly flaws causing discomfort, such as tight spots or rough interior seams.
Recommended Tests for Footwear Quality
To help address these challenges, we recommend incorporating the following functional and construction tests:
1. Flexing Check:
Evaluates the shoe's ability to bend repeatedly without cracking or showing signs of structural failure. This test helps ensure durability during use.
2. Bonding Check:
Tests the adhesion strength between the sole and upper. This ensures that the components remain securely attached even under stress or prolonged use.
3. Fitting Check:
Verifies that the shoe fits comfortably and accurately according to size specifications, ensuring customer satisfaction.
4. Midsole Check:
Assesses the resilience and cushioning properties of the midsole, which is critical for comfort and shock absorption.
By addressing these potential issues through comprehensive inspections and testing, you can minimize risks and deliver consistent quality to your customers.
For more information on footwear defects and quality control services, please feel free to contact us today.
Обсуждение