Vietnam Leather Shoes HS6403 Export Data 2025 September Overview

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

Vietnam Leather Shoes Export 2025 September (HS Code 6403) is heavily concentrated in the U.S., which accounts for 41.98% of export value, signaling strong demand for finished products. The Netherlands serves as a key EU distribution hub, while Asian markets like China show lower shares, likely for re-export. Exporters must prioritize tariff management, especially with the U.S. imposing a 20% duty, requiring supply chain adjustments. This analysis covers September 2025 and is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Vietnam Leather Shoes (HS 6403) 2025 September Export Background

Vietnam’s Leather Shoes (HS Code 6403), defined as footwear with rubber/plastic soles and leather uppers, are a staple for global fashion and retail industries due to their durability and style. As of September 2025, the U.S. imposed a 20% tariff on Vietnamese-origin footwear under HS 6403, with stricter documentation rules to avoid higher duties [Ballast Markets]. Vietnam remains a top exporter, leveraging its manufacturing strength to meet steady demand despite these trade shifts.

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

Key Observations

Vietnam Leather Shoes HS Code 6403 Export value plummeted to $487.47 million in September 2025, marking a sharp 23% month-over-month decline from August and the lowest monthly figure since February, highlighting significant volatility in trade flows.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The export value for leather shoes typically shows resilience through mid-year due to seasonal retail stock replenishment for fall and holiday seasons, but the consecutive drops from June's peak of $721.84 million to September's low suggest disrupted ordering cycles. This deviation from usual patterns indicates that industry-specific factors, rather than typical demand fluctuations, are at play, with the value trend pointing to reduced transaction volumes or pricing pressures amid external shocks.

External Context and Outlook

The steep decline aligns directly with the US-Vietnam trade deal effective July 2025, which imposed a 20% tariff on footwear imports [WTO Center VCCI], prompting US buyers to cut orders and diversify sourcing to avoid higher costs. Moving forward, export recovery hinges on adaption to stricter origin documentation and potential shifts to alternative markets, though tariff headwinds may sustain pressure through year-end.

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

Product Specialization and Concentration

Vietnam's September 2025 export of leather shoes under HS Code 6403 is overwhelmingly dominated by low-cut, non-safety leather footwear (HS 64039990), which holds 78% of the value and 83% of the shipment volume. This product, described as footwear not covering the ankle with leather uppers and rubber/plastic soles, forms the core export category, with no extreme unit price anomalies observed across the sub-codes.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining exports break into three clear tiers: ankle-covering leather footwear (12.9% volume share), sports-focused leather shoes (2.4%), and protective footwear with metal toe-caps (1%). This structure, featuring distinct functional and design variations—from casual and athletic to safety-grade—confirms these are differentiated manufactured goods, not bulk commodities. Each sub-code serves a specific market segment without significant overlap.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Exporters of Vietnam Leather Shoes under HS Code 6403 should focus on preserving cost competitiveness in high-volume low-cut models, while leveraging specialization in protective or sports lines for better margins. However, the new 20% U.S. tariff on Vietnamese footwear [Ballast Markets] demands strict origin documentation to avoid higher duties. This September 2025 policy shift pressures pricing power, making accurate HS coding and proof of Vietnamese manufacturing critical for maintaining export flow to key markets.

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

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

Vietnam Leather Shoes HS Code 6403 Export 2025 September is heavily concentrated in the United States, which holds a 41.98% share of the total export value. The US also leads in quantity at 41.42%, showing its role as the top market for finished, higher-value products. This pattern points to strong demand for Vietnamese leather shoes in the US, driven by consumer market size.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

Two main clusters emerge among partner countries. First, the US and Netherlands form a high-value cluster, with the Netherlands acting as a key EU distribution hub due to its 9.47% value share. Second, European countries like Belgium, UK, Italy, and Germany show medium value shares between 5.08% and 2.86%, likely serving regional markets with consistent demand. Asia-Pacific partners such as China, Japan, and South Korea have lower value shares, with China's 4.13% value and 3.67% quantity suggesting possible re-export or assembly roles.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Exporters must prioritize origin documentation and tariff management, especially with the US imposing a 20% tariff on Vietnamese footwear [TGL Group]. This cost pressure may require supply chain adjustments, like diversifying to less affected markets or absorbing higher costs. Ensuring accurate HS code compliance is critical to avoid delays and additional duties (Ballast Markets).

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

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Vietnam Leather Shoes Export 2025 September under HS Code 6403 is driven by two core price factors. High-volume, low-cut models compete on cost efficiency. Specialized sports and safety footwear command better margins through product differentiation. The market depends heavily on high-frequency, high-value buyers in the U.S., which comprises 42% of exports. This creates pricing pressure from new U.S. tariffs of 20%. Supply chains must prioritize assembly hub efficiency and strict origin documentation to avoid duty penalties and maintain flow.

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

• Analyze buyer order frequency data monthly. Identify shifts in high-value buyer demand early to adjust production schedules. This prevents overstock and missed revenue.
• Use HS sub-code breakdowns for all shipments. Apply precise HS Code 6403 classifications for each product type. This ensures correct tariff application and avoids customs delays.
• Diversify export destinations using trade flow reports. Target EU hubs like the Netherlands and emerging Asian markets. This reduces over-reliance on the U.S. and spreads tariff risk.
• Monitor U.S. regulatory updates for footwear weekly. Subscribe to tariff change alerts from official sources. This allows rapid cost adjustment and contract renegotiation.
• Track competitor pricing in specialized segments quarterly. Compare sports and safety footwear margins against regional exporters. This identifies opportunities to increase profitability.

Forward-Looking Risks and Data Monitoring

Over-reliance on the U.S. market poses a major risk if demand falls or tariffs rise. Exporters must use real-time trade data to track order patterns from top buyers. Watch for decreases in order size or frequency. Also monitor EU and Asian markets for growth potential. Data-driven agility is key to navigating tariff changes and sustaining Vietnam's export strength.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The sharp 23% month-over-month decline to $487.47 million is primarily due to the US-Vietnam trade deal imposing a 20% tariff, which disrupted ordering cycles and reduced demand from key markets like the US.

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

The US dominates with 41.98% of export value, followed by the Netherlands (9.47%) as an EU distribution hub, and Belgium (5.08%) serving regional demand.

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

Price differences stem from product specialization—low-cut casual shoes (78% of exports) are cheaper, while protective/sports footwear (1-2.4% share) commands higher margins.

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

Exporters must prioritize compliance with origin documentation to avoid US tariffs, while diversifying buyers and markets like the EU to mitigate reliance on the US.

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 buyers benefit from stable supply via hubs like the Netherlands, though all must verify Vietnamese origin to avoid duties.

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

The exports are finished consumer goods, primarily low-cut casual footwear (83% volume share), with niche segments like safety and athletic shoes serving specialized markets.