Hanoi (VNA) - In 2025, Vietnam’s footwear and leather exports to Canada are estimated at 900 million USD out of total industry turnover of 29 billion USD.
This marks a big step for Canada toward becoming a major market with plenty of growth potential, especially since both countries are part of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Vietnam’s footwear and leather products have complied with many global standards, yet the industry still faces challenges from limited production capacity and a shortage of internationally recognised domestic brands.
In cooperation with the Vietnam Trade Office in Canada, the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (LEFASO) recently supported dozens of Vietnamese companies in joining a major leather and footwear accessories exhibition in North America, creating opportunities for direct market access and partnership building.
According to the Vietnamese Trade Counsellor in Canada, Tran Thu Quynh, the Vietnam pavilion provided Canadian leather and footwear firms and associations with insights into cooperation opportunities, from supply chains and export expansion to brand development, production links, and technology-driven green and circular industry initiatives.
The Vietnamese leather and footwear sector, known for skilled craftsmanship and reliable quality, faces challenges in expanding exports to developed markets like Canada.
This requires Vietnamese firms to invest in branding and meet strict standards related to environmental protection, labour, and sustainable development. Than Thi Thanh Thuy, Deputy Director of Product Development at TBS Group, shared that the company is looking to grow its customer base in Canada. In the past, TBS mostly exported indirectly through US partners, but now it plans to shift toward direct exports for proactive market access and stronger connections with Canadian partners.
Sharing this view, Phan Thi Thanh Xuan, Secretary General of LEFASO, said direct participation in the fair helped Vietnamese firms understand Canadian consumer trends and identify market opportunities, thus refining strategies for expanding their presence in Canada.
Canadian partners welcomed the participation of Vietnamese companies at the event. Michelle Kofman, Secretary General of the Apparel and Footwear Association of Canada, noted it was the first time the fair had hosted Vietnamese businesses. She said it offered Canada’s industry, from producers to retailers, a chance to understand Vietnam’s footwear sector and prepare plans to strengthen cooperation in the future.
With a strong production base and support from industry associations and trade promotion agencies, Vietnamese leather and footwear firms are expected to gradually expand their presence in the Canadian market in the time to come./.
