Vietnam has taken a major step toward strengthening its textile and footwear manufacturing sectors with the approval of the Program for the Development of Supporting Industries for the period 2026-2035. Signed by Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc, this ambitious new policy aims to increase the localization rate of the textile and footwear industry to 60-65% by 2030, creating significant opportunities for the custom apparel and printing industry.
What the New Program Means for Textile Manufacturing
The newly approved program sets clear quantitative targets designed to build a modern supporting industry ecosystem in Vietnam. By 2030, the textile and footwear sector is expected to achieve a localization rate of 60% to 65%, meaning a larger share of raw materials, components, and production processes will be sourced within Vietnam rather than imported.
By 2035, these targets become even more ambitious, with textiles aiming for a 70% localization rate and the footwear industry targeting 70-75%. The program also aims to have Vietnam’s industrial competitiveness index ranked among the top three ASEAN countries.
Why This Matters for the Apparel Industry
For custom apparel and printing businesses in Vietnam, this policy shift represents a significant opportunity. A stronger supporting industry means:
- More local fabric and material suppliers — reducing reliance on imported textiles and shortening supply chains
- Cost-effective production — locally sourced materials can lower costs for custom t-shirt and apparel printing businesses
- Faster turnaround times — domestic supply chains mean quicker access to blank garments for printing
- Higher quality standards — the program emphasizes mastering production technology and innovation
- Green and sustainable practices — the policy promotes eco-friendly manufacturing linked to the green economy
Supporting Industry Growth in Numbers
The broader industrial picture is equally encouraging. Vietnam’s industrial production index increased by 9.1% in the first five months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, with the manufacturing sector leading the way at 9.5% growth. For the textile and garment sector specifically, cumulative export value exceeded 5.13 billion during this period.
The program prioritizes development in key areas including smart electronics, automotive, mechanical engineering, automation, high technology, and of course, textiles and footwear. It focuses on supporting businesses in science and technology, innovation, developing high-quality human resources, digital transformation, and expanding market linkages within supply chains.
Opportunities for Custom Printing Businesses
For entrepreneurs and business owners in Vietnam’s custom apparel and printing sector, this is an ideal time to invest in local supply chain relationships. As the supporting industry strengthens, businesses that rely on high-quality blank garments for DTG (direct-to-garment), screen printing, and embroidery will benefit from more competitive pricing and faster fulfillment.
The push for 60-65% localization means garment blanks, fabric blends, and printing substrates that were previously imported may soon be available from domestic manufacturers. This could translate to better margins for custom printing shops and more competitive pricing for customers.
Looking Ahead
The program’s phased roadmap through 2035 signals a long-term commitment to building Vietnam’s industrial self-sufficiency. For anyone involved in the textile, apparel, or custom printing industry in Vietnam, staying informed about these policy developments is essential for strategic planning and business growth.