Vietnam Cotton T-shirts HS610910 Export Data 2025 Q1 Overview

Vietnam Cotton T-shirts (HS 610910) 2025 Q1 Export: Key Takeaways

Vietnam’s Cotton T-shirts (HS Code 610910) exports in 2025 Q1 were dominated by the US and Japan, with the US absorbing 36.37% of volume at lower unit prices, signaling mass-market demand, while Japan showed balanced value-to-quantity ratios. South Korea emerged as a premium niche buyer, paying higher per-unit prices. The market remains concentrated, with the top two destinations holding over 50% share, posing moderate geographic risk. This analysis, covering 2025 Q1, is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Vietnam Cotton T-shirts (HS 610910) 2025 Q1 Export Background

Vietnam’s Cotton T-shirts (HS Code 610910) — covering T-shirts, singlets, and vests of knitted or crocheted cotton — are a staple for global apparel retailers and fast-fashion brands, with steady demand due to their versatility. As Vietnam prepares for mid-2025 regulatory updates, including clarified VAT rules for exports under the amended Customs Law [Vietnam Briefing], its role as a top exporter of HS 610910 goods remains critical, fueled by trade agreements and competitive production. The Q1 2025 export landscape shows no disruptions, reinforcing Vietnam’s position in key markets like the US and EU.

Vietnam Cotton T-shirts (HS 610910) 2025 Q1 Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

Vietnam Cotton T-shirts HS Code 610910 Export in 2025 Q1 reached a total value of approximately $580 million. This performance reflects a solid start to the year, though monthly figures showed notable variation.

Price and Volume Dynamics

Export value began strongly in January at $208.28 million, dipped in February to $172.23 million, and partially recovered to $199.70 million in March. This Q1 volatility is typical for the apparel sector, which often sees a post-holiday slowdown in orders and shipping. The sequential monthly decline and partial recovery align with standard industry purchasing cycles, where buyers recalibrate inventory after the peak season. The overall Q1 total remains robust against this expected seasonal pattern.

External Context and Outlook

The sector's resilience was likely supported by favorable trade conditions. A new trade deal implemented a 20% tariff on Vietnamese apparel, effective immediately and significantly lower than the previously proposed 46% rate [Pham Fashion]. This enhanced market access, combined with preparations for broader regulatory changes under Vietnam’s amended Customs Law effective July 1, 2025 [Vietnam Briefing], provided a stable foundation for exports. These factors helped counter typical Q1 softness, positioning Vietnam’s cotton t-shirt exports for sustained competitiveness.

Vietnam Cotton T-shirts (HS 610910) 2025 Q1 Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

For Vietnam Cotton T-shirts HS Code 610910 Export in 2025 Q1, the dominating sub-code is 61091010, which covers T-shirts, singlets and other vests; of cotton, knitted or crocheted. It accounts for 58.59% of the export value and 53.95% of the quantity, with a unit price of $3.84 per unit, significantly higher than the $3.18 per unit for the other sub-code, indicating a focus on higher-value products.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The sub-codes are categorized into two groups: higher-priced T-shirts (61091010 at $3.84 per unit) and lower-priced T-shirts (61091020 at $3.18 per unit). This variation suggests a trade in differentiated manufactured goods with distinct quality grades, rather than uniform bulk commodities.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Exporters of higher-priced T-shirts under 61091010 can leverage their product differentiation for better pricing power. Strategic efforts should prioritize maintaining quality to capitalize on this advantage in global markets.

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Vietnam Cotton T-shirts (HS 610910) 2025 Q1 Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In 2025 Q1, Vietnam's export of Cotton T-shirts HS Code 610910 was dominated by the UNITED STATES, which held 32.41% of the value share but 36.37% of the quantity share, indicating a lower unit price and mass production of standard, affordable items. JAPAN followed with 24.06% value and 24.41% quantity, showing a balanced approach. This disparity suggests that these markets prioritize bulk purchases for large-scale retail, typical for manufactured goods like apparel.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The top partners form two clusters: first, the US and Japan, with high volume and value shares, driven by strong consumer demand and established supply chains for affordable fashion. Second, South Korea and China Mainland, where South Korea's higher value per unit (9.52% value vs. 9.08% quantity) points to niche, higher-quality segments, while China's lower shares reflect competitive sourcing or re-export patterns. Europe-based countries like Netherlands and Belgium show moderate involvement, likely due to regional distribution hubs.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Exporters should maintain focus on high-volume markets like the US and Japan while exploring premium opportunities in South Korea. Upcoming tariff changes, such as a reduction to 20% on Vietnamese apparel effective July 2025 [PhamFashion], could boost competitiveness, so aligning production and logistics with these shifts is crucial for sustaining growth in Vietnam Cotton T-shirts HS Code 610910 Export 2025 Q1.

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Vietnam Cotton T-shirts (HS 610910) 2025 Q1 Export: Action Plan for Cotton T-shirts Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Vietnam Cotton T-shirts Export 2025 Q1 for HS Code 610910 is characterized by product differentiation and buyer concentration. Price is driven by product specification—higher-value items under sub-code 61091010 command a premium—and by large-volume contracts from dominant buyers. Supply chain implications center on Vietnam’s role as an assembly hub for manufactured apparel, with high dependence on key buyers in the US and Japan. This creates vulnerability to demand shifts but offers leverage through quality and reliability.

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

• Use export frequency data to forecast order cycles from high-volume buyers, ensuring production aligns with their demand and avoiding overstock or shortages.
• Target buyers in markets like South Korea with higher unit prices by promoting premium sub-code 61091010 products, increasing overall export value.
• Monitor US and Japanese import regulations and upcoming tariff changes, adjusting logistics and costing to maintain competitiveness under new trade terms.
• Develop flexible contract terms for smaller, infrequent buyers to diversify your client base and reduce reliance on a few large purchasers.

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 Q1?

The export value fluctuated monthly, peaking in January ($208.28M) and dipping in February ($172.23M), reflecting typical post-holiday demand adjustments. Favorable tariff reductions (to 20%) and stable trade conditions helped counter seasonal softness.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Vietnam Cotton T-shirts Export 2025 Q1?

The UNITED STATES dominated with 32.41% of value share, followed by JAPAN (24.06%). South Korea and China Mainland formed a secondary cluster, with South Korea showing higher unit prices.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Vietnam Cotton T-shirts Export 2025 Q1 partner countries?

The price gap stems from product differentiation: sub-code 61091010 (higher-value T-shirts at $3.84/unit) targets premium markets, while 61091020 ($3.18/unit) serves bulk buyers like the US.

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

Prioritize relationships with dominant high-volume, high-frequency buyers (83.73% of value) while exploring niche segments like South Korea’s premium market to reduce over-reliance risks.

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

US and Japanese buyers benefit from stable bulk supply, while South Korean buyers access higher-quality options. New entrants face limited opportunities due to market concentration.

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

Cotton T-shirts are primarily exported as finished apparel, with differentiated grades (premium vs. bulk) catering to distinct retail and niche fashion markets.

Detailed Monthly Report

Vietnam HS610910 Export Snapshot 2025 JAN

Vietnam HS610910 Export Snapshot 2025 FEB

Vietnam HS610910 Export Snapshot 2025 MAR