Vietnam Cotton T-shirts HS610910 Export Data 2025 May Overview

Vietnam Cotton T-shirts (HS 610910) 2025 May Export: Key Takeaways

Vietnam Cotton T-shirts (HS Code 610910) exports in May 2025 reveal a high-risk concentration, with the U.S. dominating over a third of shipments by quantity but at lower unit prices, signaling heavy reliance on volume-driven demand. Japan emerges as a secondary high-volume buyer, while regional hubs like China and South Korea show smaller but strategic re-export activity. This analysis, covering May 2025, is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Vietnam Cotton T-shirts (HS 610910) 2025 May Export Background

Vietnam's Cotton T-shirts (HS Code 610910) — T-shirts, singlets, and other vests, of cotton, knitted or crocheted — are a staple in global apparel trade, driven by steady demand from retail and fashion industries. As of May 2025, Vietnam faces a shifting trade landscape, with a new 20% U.S. tariff on direct exports [Vizion API] and updated VAT rules for on-spot exports [Vietnam Briefing]. Despite these changes, Vietnam remains a key exporter, leveraging its textile industry and trade agreements to maintain competitiveness in 2025.

Vietnam Cotton T-shirts (HS 610910) 2025 May Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

Vietnam Cotton T-shirts HS Code 610910 Export in 2025 May totaled $171.29 million, continuing a sequential monthly decline that began in January. This reflects a broader softening in export momentum through the first half of the year.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The monthly decline from January's $208.28M to May's $171.29M indicates a clear destocking phase. The trend is consistent with importers front-loading orders ahead of anticipated policy shifts, a common industry response to impending tariff changes. The May figure represents the lowest monthly value in the dataset, suggesting that buyers had largely secured inventory before new costs took effect.

External Context and Outlook

The decline aligns directly with the U.S. imposition of a 20% tariff on direct Vietnamese exports [Vizion API], effective July 2, 2025. This triggered a rush of early shipments to avoid higher costs (Vizion API). Looking ahead, Vietnam’s textile sector is adapting through diversification and leveraging other trade agreements [TLD apparel], though near-term export volumes may remain subdued as the market adjusts to the new tariff reality.

Vietnam Cotton T-shirts (HS 610910) 2025 May Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In May 2025, Vietnam's export of Cotton T-shirts under HS Code 610910 is dominated by the sub-code 61091010 for T-shirts, singlets and other vests of cotton, knitted or crocheted. This sub-code holds a 65% value share and a 58% quantity share, with a unit price of $3.97 per piece, significantly higher than the $2.99 per piece for the other sub-code, indicating a focus on higher-value products within this category.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The sub-codes can be grouped into two categories based on unit price: higher-grade T-shirts under 61091010 and lower-grade ones under 61091020. This structure shows a market for differentiated manufactured goods, not bulk commodities, as the price variation reflects differences in quality or value-add, such as better materials or finishing.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Exporters of Vietnam Cotton T-shirts HS Code 610910 have pricing power in the higher-value segment, but must prepare for increased costs due to a 20% U.S. tariff effective July 2025 [vietnam-briefing.com]. Focusing on premium products can help offset tariff impacts and maintain competitiveness in the 2025 May export market.

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Vietnam Cotton T-shirts (HS 610910) 2025 May Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

The United States was the dominant buyer of Vietnam Cotton T-shirts HS Code 610910 Export 2025 May, taking over a third of all shipments by quantity. The U.S. value ratio (34.06) is notably lower than its quantity ratio (37.62), indicating a lower average unit price per shirt. This pattern suggests the U.S. market primarily sources high-volume, lower-margin basic apparel.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

Two main buyer groups emerge. The first includes the U.S. and Japan, which together account for nearly two-thirds of the total quantity. This reflects their role as large-volume importers of basic apparel. The second cluster consists of regional manufacturing hubs like China, Vietnam, and South Korea. Their smaller, yet significant, import volumes likely represent intra-industry trade for further processing or finishing before re-export.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Exporters should diversify beyond the dominant U.S. market to mitigate risks from its heavy purchasing concentration and new trade policies. Ensuring accurate HS Code 610910 classification is critical for customs compliance and to benefit from any applicable trade agreements [freightamigo]. Strengthening relationships with other high-volume partners like Japan can provide more stable demand.

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Vietnam Cotton T-shirts (HS 610910) 2025 May Export: Action Plan for Cotton T-shirts Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Vietnam Cotton T-shirts Export 2025 May under HS Code 610910 operates as a differentiated manufactured goods market. Price is driven by product specification and quality, with the higher-value sub-code 61091010 achieving a $3.97 unit price. The U.S. is the dominant volume buyer but at lower margins, creating heavy reliance on a few high-value, frequent buyers. This concentration, combined with a new 20% U.S. tariff effective July 2025, defines the core risk. The supply chain implication is Vietnam’s role as an assembly hub for basic apparel, with high exposure to U.S. trade policy shifts and buyer demand volatility.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Cotton T-shirts Market Execution

• Prioritize exports of sub-code 61091010 to key buyers. Use unit price data to focus production on higher-margin items. This offsets tariff costs and protects profitability.
• Diversify export destinations using trade data. Identify and target buyers in Japan and regional hubs like South Korea. This reduces over-reliance on the U.S. market and stabilizes demand.
• Analyze high-frequency, low-value buyer segments for growth. Develop smaller, recurring order packages for niche retailers. This builds a more resilient and diversified customer base.
• Verify HS Code 610910 classification for all shipments. Implement a pre-shipment data check process. This ensures customs compliance and avoids delays or penalties.
• Monitor U.S. buyer order patterns for early warning signs. Track order frequency and volume changes monthly. This allows quick response to demand shifts caused by tariff impacts.

Take Action Now —— Explore Vietnam Cotton T-shirts Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Vietnam Cotton T-shirts Export 2025 May?

The decline in export value to $171.29M reflects a destocking phase, driven by importers front-loading orders ahead of a 20% U.S. tariff effective July 2025. This aligns with a broader softening trend since January.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Vietnam Cotton T-shirts Export 2025 May?

The U.S. dominates with 37.62% of quantity, followed by Japan, which together account for nearly two-thirds of shipments. Regional hubs like China and South Korea also import smaller volumes for further processing.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Vietnam Cotton T-shirts Export 2025 May partner countries?

The U.S. pays lower average prices ($3.97 per piece for sub-code 61091010) due to bulk orders of basic apparel, while other markets likely source higher-grade products.

Q4. What should exporters in Vietnam focus on in the current Cotton T-shirts export market?

Exporters must prioritize relationships with high-value, frequent buyers (85.26% of trade) while diversifying to smaller segments and non-U.S. markets like Japan to mitigate tariff risks.

Q5. What does this Vietnam Cotton T-shirts export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

U.S. buyers benefit from stable bulk supply but face cost pressures from tariffs. Smaller buyers (e.g., boutiques) can leverage steady shipments, while regional hubs access intermediate goods for re-export.

Q6. How is Cotton T-shirts typically used in this trade flow?

Most exports are finished apparel for retail (U.S./Japan) or semi-processed goods for further manufacturing in regional hubs like China and South Korea.