Global Sourcing in Vietnam: Strategic Sourcing Solutions
Discover why Vietnam is a top choice for global sourcing, defending margins and supporting the growth of business competitive advantage.
As tariff policies evolve and geopolitical tensions reshape global trade, companies sourcing from China are increasingly looking to diversify their supply chains. For U.S. businesses, Vietnam emerges as a compelling alternative—offering a strategic blend of cost efficiency, skilled labor, and a stable business environment.
The Changing Global Sourcing and Trade Landscape
The recent shifts in U.S. tariff policies have made sourcing from China more complex and costly. Vietnam, with its growing manufacturing capabilities and favorable trade agreements, provides a natural solution for companies seeking to defend margins and build competitive advantage. Its participation in major trade pacts like the CPTPP and EVFTA reduces tariff burdens, making Vietnamese products more cost-effective for export markets.
Vietnam Economic Growth
Vietnam has reaffirmed its ambition is to grow its economy by over 8% this year despite the effect of US tariff policy. The Prime minister views this challenging period as an opportunity to restructure the economy towards sustainable growth, reducing dependence on vulnerable sectors affected by tariffs, such as textiles, and wooden furniture. Vietnams economy has outperformed its rivals ADEAN-6 in 2024. Manufacturing fundamentals remain strong, and the growth of assembly and testing for semi-conductor chips is expected to continue into the new year.
Creating a strong base for companies to integrate Vietnam into their sourcing strategies.
ET2C International Global Sourcing Experts
ET2C International are a British owned global sourcing company. For over 23 years we have been one of Europe’s leading companies, working with our clients to make their sourcing simpler.
Our 200 colleagues are based in 7 offices in developed and emerging sourcing markets to give you rapid and insightful access to manufacturing partners.
- Support the creation and delivery of your strategic sourcing plans
- Identify and validate supply partners
- Deliver full Quality & Compliance checks
- Manage supplier relationships to ensure full communication transparency
ET2C established our offices in Vietnam in 2008 to support the growing interest in Vietnam as a sourcing market for our clients. Our team in Ho Chi Minh City led by Mark Bradley can support to learn more about the sourcing opportunities available within the country. Mark.b@et2c.com
Key Benefits of Sourcing from Vietnam
Vietnam has built a strong export network with the US as its largest trading partner, followed by China and South Korea. As a sourcing market it has a range of attractive benefits
- Skilled Workforce: With government initiatives aiming to train over a million tech and manufacturing workers by 2030, Vietnam’s talent pool is expanding rapidly, supporting high-quality production in sectors like electronics, textiles, and furniture.
- Strategic location: Vietnam’s proximity to major markets like China, Japan, and the ASEAN region, combined with ongoing investments in ports, highways, and industrial zones, ensures efficient access to global supply chains and export routes
- Supportive Business Environment: Investor-friendly policies, tax incentives, and improving infrastructure—including ports and 5G networks—make Vietnam a stable and efficient sourcing hub. The Vietnamese government actively supports industrial growth with progressive tax policies and a stable regulatory environment
- Compliance & Quality: Suppliers frequently meet stringent certifications (ISO, CE, GOTS, OEKO-TEX), ensuring products comply with demanding international standards.
Global Sourcing Challenges to Consider
Like any new market there are challenges to dealing with a new supply partner in a new country with different time zones and languages. Onboarding new suppliers can be more challenging with logistics, visa and language all creating potentially issues. Ongoing supply partner management, quality control and compliance measurement are also crucial to the effect integration of new supply partner.
How can a global sourcing company in Vietnam help deliver effective sourcing
Navigating Vietnam’s dynamic sourcing landscape requires deep local knowledge and relationships. A sourcing team based in Vietnam can:
- Identify and Validate Suppliers: Conduct factory audits, quality inspections, and compliance checks to ensure supplier reliability.
- Manage Supplier Relationships: Facilitate communication, negotiate terms, and oversee production timelines to mitigate risks.
- Support Supply Chain Agility: Quickly respond to market changes, scale orders, and manage logistics efficiently.
- Ensure Compliance and Quality: Monitor adherence to international standards and certifications, safeguarding product integrity.
- Provide Market Insights: Offer real-time intelligence on regulatory changes, cost trends, and emerging opportunities.
Vietnam Global Sourcing Opportunity
Vietnam is more than just an alternative to China—it’s a strategic sourcing destination that can help companies navigate tariff complexities, reduce costs, and build resilient supply chains. With the right local team on the ground, businesses can unlock Vietnam’s full potential and secure a competitive edge in today’s challenging global trade environment.
At ET2C International we have had a presence in Vietnam since 2008. As one of Europe’s leading global sourcing companies we have supported our clients growth by identifying and validating supply partners across Vietnam.
If you would like to learn more about the wider sourcing opportunities or quality and compliance checks or supporting your supply partners management and relationships, please drop us a line contact@et2cint.com
David Young
Position: Group Marketing Director
David Young is an experienced strategic sourcing commentator and thought leader with over 20 years of marketing and innovation experience. Connect with David on LinkedIn or david.y@et2c.com.
