Vietnam Leather Shoes HS6403 Export Data 2025 August Overview

Vietnam Leather Shoes (HS 6403) 2025 August Export: Key Takeaways

Vietnam Leather Shoes Export 2025 August (HS Code 6403) shows heavy reliance on the US, which accounted for 47.25% of export value, signaling high market concentration risk. Shipments to the US maintained stable unit pricing, indicating mid-range, finished leather shoes without major grade variations. The Netherlands and China emerged as secondary hubs, with the former acting as a European logistics gateway. This analysis covers the 2025 August period and is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database. Exporters must navigate the US’s 20% tariff and adjust supply chains to mitigate reliance on a single dominant market.

Vietnam Leather Shoes (HS 6403) 2025 August Export Background

Vietnam's Leather Shoes (HS Code 6403), defined as footwear with rubber/plastic soles and leather uppers, are a staple in global fashion and retail, driven by durable demand from brands and consumers. The US-Vietnam Trade Deal's July 2025 20% tariff [TTWTO VCCI] reshaped August 2025 exports, yet Vietnam remains key due to its cost-competitive leather industry and established supply chains for HS Code 6403 shipments.

Vietnam Leather Shoes (HS 6403) 2025 August Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

Vietnam Leather Shoes HS Code 6403 Export value for 2025 August fell sharply to $634.42 million, marking a significant 11.6% decline from July's $717.37 million and breaking the strong upward trend observed since February.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The August drop contrasts sharply with the robust growth seen over the first half of 2025, where exports climbed steadily from $438.8 million in February to a peak of $721.84 million in June. This reversal likely reflects accelerated shipments ahead of the July policy implementation, as buyers front-loaded orders before new tariffs took effect. The leather footwear industry typically sees stable demand, making such a sharp monthly contraction unusual outside of major policy shifts or seasonal re-stocking cycles.

External Context and Outlook

The decline aligns directly with the US-Vietnam Trade Deal that took effect July 9, 2025, which imposed a 20% tariff on Vietnamese footwear imports [FreightAmigo] and a 40% levy on transshipped goods (WTOCenter VCCI). This policy change disrupted trade flows, as exporters and importers adjusted to new costs and compliance requirements. Looking ahead, Vietnam Leather Shoes exports will likely face continued pressure under these tariff conditions, though demand for quality leather products may support a gradual market recalibration.

Vietnam Leather Shoes (HS 6403) 2025 August Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In August 2025, the export of Vietnam Leather Shoes under HS Code 6403 was heavily concentrated in the sub-code for footwear not covering the ankle with outer soles of rubber, plastics, or composition leather and uppers of leather. This sub-code held a 73.84 percent value share and 79.56 percent quantity share, indicating it is the dominant mass-produced category. Unit price data is not available, but the high volume suggests it is a standardized, high-output product. No extreme price anomalies were present in the data.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining sub-codes can be grouped into three categories: ankle-covering footwear, which includes variants like boots with a 16.95 percent quantity share; specialized types such as sports footwear and safety footwear with metal toe-caps, together accounting for about 2.3 percent quantity share; and other leather-upper variations. This structure shows a range from basic to slightly differentiated products, indicating that Vietnam's exports under HS Code 6403 consist of manufactured goods with some variety, rather than fungible commodities.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

The high concentration in one sub-code gives Vietnamese exporters economies of scale but may limit pricing power in competitive markets. However, the new US-Vietnam trade deal imposed a 20 percent tariff on footwear imports [Ballast Markets], which could squeeze margins and reduce export competitiveness. To maintain growth, focus should shift to diversifying into higher-value categories within the Vietnam Leather Shoes HS Code 6403 Export for 2025 August.

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Vietnam Leather Shoes (HS 6403) 2025 August Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

Vietnam Leather Shoes HS Code 6403 Export 2025 August was strongly concentrated in the United States, which held 47.25% of the export value and 46.65% of the quantity. The nearly equal value and quantity shares point to stable unit pricing, showing that Vietnam sends mid-range, finished leather shoes to the US market without major grade variations.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The top importers form three groups. First, the United States stands alone as the dominant buyer due to its large consumer demand. Second, China and the Netherlands form a secondary cluster; China's share (8.17% value, 7.56% quantity) likely stems from its role as a processing or domestic market, while the Netherlands (7.16% value, 8.26% quantity) acts as a European logistics hub with high shipment frequency. Third, countries like Japan and the UK have smaller but steady shares, reflecting diversified regional demand.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Exporters face higher costs from the US 20% tariff started in July 2025 [Ballast Markets], so shifting focus to markets like Europe or Asia can reduce reliance. The end of the US de minimis threshold in August 2025 (FreightAmigo) means better shipment classification is needed to avoid delays.

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Vietnam Leather Shoes (HS 6403) 2025 August Export: Action Plan for Leather Shoes Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Vietnam Leather Shoes Export 2025 August under HS Code 6403 operates as a high-volume manufactured goods sector. Price is driven by product specifications within sub-codes and volume commitments from key OEM buyers, not commodity indexes. The new US 20% tariff directly pressures margins on the dominant product category. Supply chains face assembly hub reliance, with limited value addition beyond basic manufacturing. Over-dependence on the US market and a few high-frequency buyers creates vulnerability to policy shifts and demand shocks.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Leather Shoes Market Execution

• Analyze HS Code 6403 sub-component data to identify higher-margin product categories. This allows factories to shift production toward specialized or ankle-covering footwear, protecting profitability against tariff pressure.
• Use buyer transaction frequency data to negotiate longer-term volume contracts with key clients. Locking in stable orders secures production planning and reduces vulnerability to order cancellations.
• Diversify export destinations using real-time trade flow data to target EU and Asian markets. Reducing US market concentration mitigates tariff risks and balances geographic exposure.
• Monitor shipment classification rules monthly to avoid customs delays under new US de minimis policies. Ensuring accurate documentation prevents supply chain disruptions and maintains delivery reliability.

Take Action Now —— Explore Vietnam Leather Shoes Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Vietnam Leather Shoes Export 2025 August?

The sharp 11.6% decline in August 2025 exports to $634.42 million reflects the impact of the new US 20% tariff, which disrupted trade flows after months of steady growth. Buyers likely front-loaded orders ahead of the July policy change, causing a contraction in August.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Vietnam Leather Shoes Export 2025 August?

The United States dominated with 47.25% of export value, followed by China (8.17%) and the Netherlands (7.16%). These markets represent key demand hubs for Vietnam’s leather footwear.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Vietnam Leather Shoes Export 2025 August partner countries?

Pricing stability is observed in the US market due to standardized mid-range products, while niche categories like ankle-covering boots or safety footwear (2.3% share) may drive variations in other destinations.

Q4. What should exporters in Vietnam focus on in the current Leather Shoes export market?

Exporters must diversify into higher-value sub-codes (e.g., specialized footwear) and reduce reliance on the US by expanding in Europe/Asia, given the tariff-driven margin pressures.

Q5. What does this Vietnam Leather Shoes export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

US buyers face higher costs due to tariffs, while EU/Asian buyers (e.g., Netherlands as a logistics hub) benefit from stable supply chains and competitive pricing for standardized leather shoes.

Q6. How is Leather Shoes typically used in this trade flow?

Vietnam primarily exports mass-produced leather footwear (73.84% value share) with rubber/plastic soles, catering to global consumer demand for affordable, durable shoes.