Vietnam T-shirts HS6109 Export Data 2025 March Overview

Vietnam T-shirts (HS 6109) 2025 March Export: Key Takeaways

Vietnam T-Shirts Export 2025 March (HS Code 6109) reveals a high-risk reliance on the US, which dominates 29.99% of export value, signaling vulnerability to new tariffs. Bulk, low-value shipments dominate the product structure, aligning with mass-market demand. The US, Japan, and South Korea form a concentrated buyer cluster, while Europe offers diversification potential under FTAs. This analysis, covering March 2025, is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Vietnam T-shirts (HS 6109) 2025 March Export Background

Vietnam's T-Shirts (HS Code 6109: knitted or crocheted t-shirts, singlets, and vests) are a staple in global apparel, fueling retail and fashion industries due to their consistent demand. As of March 2025, Vietnam faces a 20% U.S. tariff on these exports, down from an earlier proposed 46%, while new customs reforms aim to streamline declarations and boost incentives [Vietnam Briefing]. Vietnam remains a key exporter, leveraging its textile hubs and trade agreements to navigate shifting tariffs and maintain competitiveness in 2025.

Vietnam T-shirts (HS 6109) 2025 March Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

Vietnam T-Shirts HS Code 6109 Export 2025 March rebounded sharply, with export value surging 21.2% month-over-month to $365.57 million, effectively erasing February's -15.3% contraction and signaling robust pre-tariff shipment front-loading.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Q1 performance for Vietnam T-Shirts HS Code 6109 Export 2025 March reveals a classic industry pattern of post-Lunar New Year production recovery, where factories typically ramp up output to meet spring and summer apparel orders. February's dip aligns with the holiday shutdown period, while March's strong rebound reflects both seasonal restocking cycles and accelerated shipping schedules. This sequential volatility underscores the sector's sensitivity to timing and external policy pressures, rather than underlying demand weakness.

External Context and Outlook

The export surge was directly driven by the imminent U.S. tariff increase, as buyers rushed orders ahead of the July 2025 deadline when a new 20% duty took effect [VIZION]. This front-loading dynamic, noted across Vietnamese apparel exports (VIZION), provided a short-term boost but may foreshadow a moderation in subsequent months as the new tariff structure alters sourcing economics and supply chain strategies.

Vietnam T-shirts (HS 6109) 2025 March Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In March 2025, Vietnam's export of T-shirts under HS Code 6109 is heavily concentrated in cotton-based products, with sub-code 61091010 for T-shirts of cotton leading at a 31 percent value share and 30 percent quantity share. This sub-code dominates the market, indicating a specialization in cotton apparel. The sub-code 61099010 is an anomaly with less than 1 percent share across all metrics, so it is excluded from further analysis.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The non-anomalous sub-codes fall into two groups: cotton T-shirts (61091010 and 61091020) and T-shirts of other materials (61099020 and 61099030). Cotton products hold value shares of 31 percent and 24 percent, while other materials have 25 percent and 19 percent. The slight value disparities suggest that other materials may command higher prices, pointing to a trade in differentiated manufactured goods rather than fungible commodities, with variations based on material type.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Exporters of Vietnam T-Shirts under HS Code 6109 can exercise pricing power through product differentiation, but must navigate new US tariffs of 20 percent on Vietnamese exports [Vietnam Briefing]. Strategic focus should include ensuring compliance with rules of origin and leveraging free trade agreements to offset tariff costs, while monitoring Vietnam's customs updates for efficient export procedures (Vietnam Briefing).

Check Detailed HS 6109 Breakdown

Vietnam T-shirts (HS 6109) 2025 March Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

The United States is the dominant importer of Vietnam T-Shirts HS Code 6109 Export in March 2025, accounting for 29.99% of the total export value and 32.12% of the quantity. The slightly lower value ratio compared to quantity ratio suggests that these T-Shirts are likely mass-produced, lower-value items, typical of standard apparel sourcing where bulk orders drive down unit costs. This pattern points to the US market favoring large-volume, cost-effective purchases from Vietnam.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The top importers form three clear clusters. First, the US, Japan, and South Korea together represent over 65% of the value, driven by their large consumer markets and established trade networks for apparel. Second, European countries like the Netherlands, UK, Germany, and Belgium show moderate import levels, likely due to the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement facilitating easier access. Third, China and Vietnam itself appear as smaller importers, possibly for re-export or domestic processing, reflecting regional supply chain links.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Vietnam T-Shirts exporters, the heavy reliance on the US market poses risks due to the new 20% tariff imposed in July 2025 [Vietnam Briefing]. Diversifying into European markets under existing FTAs can mitigate this, while optimizing customs procedures under recent reforms (Vietnam Briefing) may reduce costs. Supply chains should focus on compliance with rules of origin to avoid higher tariffs and maintain competitiveness in key markets like Japan and South Korea.

Get Complete Partner Countries Profile

Vietnam T-shirts (HS 6109) 2025 March Export: Buyer Cluster

Buyer Market Concentration and Dominance

The Vietnam T-Shirts Export 2025 March market is heavily concentrated, with the four segments of buyers defined by order value and frequency. The dominant group, accounting for 75.79% of total export value, consists of buyers who place large, frequent orders. These buyers drive the market, with a median profile of high volume and regular purchasing activity under HS Code 6109.

Strategic Buyer Clusters and Trade Role

The second most significant cluster, contributing 15.37% of value, includes buyers who place large orders but less often, likely representing bulk or seasonal procurement. Another group, with 4.43% value share, consists of buyers who order frequently but in smaller amounts, typical of smaller retailers or distributors. The smallest cluster, at 4.41% value share, involves buyers with infrequent, low-value orders, which may include trial purchases or niche market players.

Sales Strategy and Vulnerability

For Vietnamese exporters, strategic focus should remain on securing and retaining high-volume, regular buyers to maintain revenue stability. However, the market faces vulnerability from external policy shifts, such as the new 20% US tariff on Vietnamese apparel exports [Vietnam Briefing](Vietnam Briefing), which could impact cost competitiveness and buyer behavior. Exporters must adapt by emphasizing supply chain reliability and exploring tariff mitigation strategies through trade agreements.

Check Full T-Shirts Buyer lists

Vietnam T-shirts (HS 6109) 2025 March Export: Action Plan for T-shirts Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Vietnam T-Shirts Export 2025 March under HS Code 6109 is a market driven by two key price factors. First, product differentiation by material type, especially cotton, allows for modest pricing power. Second, bulk order contracts from high-volume, frequent buyers in dominant markets like the US set baseline costs. The supply chain acts as an assembly hub for standardized apparel, relying on economies of scale.

Major risks include high exposure to US tariffs (20% from July 2025) and concentration in a few buyer clusters and geographies. Supply chains must prioritize compliance with rules of origin and customs efficiency to avoid cost penalties.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for T-Shirts Market Execution

• Diversify export destinations using trade data on partner countries. Focus on expanding into EU markets under the EVFTA to reduce reliance on the US and mitigate tariff impacts.
• Leverage HS Code sub-analysis to promote higher-value material categories. Shift some production to non-cotton items which show slightly better value returns, improving margin resilience.
• Use buyer frequency and value data to secure long-term contracts with high-volume clusters. Lock in stable demand from regular bulk buyers to ensure production planning and revenue stability.
• Monitor Vietnamese customs updates and FTAs for compliance optimization. Streamline documentation and origin procedures to avoid delays and additional costs, especially for US-bound shipments.

Take Action Now —— Explore Vietnam T-Shirts Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Vietnam T-Shirts Export 2025 March?

Vietnam's T-shirt exports surged 21.2% month-over-month in March 2025, driven by buyers rushing orders ahead of a new 20% U.S. tariff taking effect in July. This front-loading offset February's seasonal dip from Lunar New Year shutdowns.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Vietnam T-Shirts Export 2025 March?

The U.S. dominates with 29.99% of export value, followed by Japan and South Korea, which collectively account for over 65% of total shipments. European markets like the Netherlands and Germany show moderate shares under EU trade agreements.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Vietnam T-Shirts Export 2025 March partner countries?

Cotton T-shirts (sub-codes 61091010/61091020) command 55% of total value, while other materials (61099020/61099030) make up 44%, suggesting price variations stem from material differentiation rather than bulk discounts.

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

Exporters must prioritize retaining high-volume buyers (75.79% of value) and diversify into European markets to mitigate U.S. tariff risks, while ensuring compliance with origin rules under trade agreements.

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

U.S. buyers face higher costs post-July 2025 due to tariffs, while EU buyers benefit from stable access under FTAs. Bulk purchasers dominate, indicating a market optimized for large, frequent orders.

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

Vietnam primarily exports mass-produced cotton T-shirts to major apparel markets like the U.S., suggesting their use as affordable, everyday consumer garments in retail chains.

Q7. What is yTrade?

yTrade is a global trade data platform that provides SaaS and API access to provide accurate, structured, and searchable import-export trade data for international business decisions. It enables users to access verified shipment records, analyse buyer and supplier activity, review company trade overviews, assess compliance risks, and monitor real market demand — all from a single, scalable system.

Q8. How can yTrade benefit my business?

yTrade helps businesses:

• Identify active and verified buyers through global import data
• Discover reliable suppliers with real shipment history
• Monitor competitor previous trade activity
• Reduce sourcing and compliance risk with worldwide export data
• Support data-driven sales, procurement, and market expansion decisions
• Save time by replacing manual research with structured trade data analysis

Q9. What features does yTrade offer?

yTrade provides practical, trade-focused tools including:

• Global shipment search by HS code, product, company name, port, or country
• Detailed company trade profiles with ownership and relationship mapping
• Buyer and supplier discovery with real transaction trade records
• Basic compliance with background checks and sanctions risk screening
• Competitor's shipment tracking and selling/buying behaviour analysis
• Trade Trends to identify market demand and trade flow monitoring
• Big-Data Search engine with percised filters to generate accurate data reports
• Global Trade Data API access for Internal Softwares like CRM, ERP, and SaaS integration All data is structured, verified, and cleaned to ensure consistency and reliability.