Vietnam T-shirts HS6109 Export Data 2025 May Overview

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

Vietnam’s T-Shirts exports under HS Code 6109 in May 2025 were dominated by the US, which accounted for 33% of total export value, reflecting standard-grade mass production. The market shows heavy reliance on a few key buyers, with the US, Japan, and South Korea forming the top import clusters, signaling concentration risk. Exporters must prepare for upcoming US tariff hikes by diversifying into markets like Japan and the EU while optimizing supply chains for cost efficiency. This analysis is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database for May 2025.

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

Vietnam's T-Shirts (HS Code 6109: T-shirts, singlets and other vests, knitted or crocheted) are a staple in global apparel, fueling fast fashion and retail sectors with stable demand. As of May 2025, Vietnam faces a new 20% U.S. tariff on these exports, down from a proposed 46%, sparking a pre-deal shipment surge [VIZION]. The country remains a top exporter, leveraging its textile hubs and trade agreements to navigate shifting tariffs while meeting global needs.

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

Key Observations

In May 2025, Vietnam T-Shirts HS Code 6109 Export value declined to $302.06 million, marking a significant drop from April's $330.68 million, as market activity cooled after a period of heightened shipments.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The month-over-month decrease of approximately 8.7% reflects typical apparel export volatility, where rushed orders ahead of tariff deadlines often lead to short-term spikes followed by corrections. The overall 2025 data shows peaks in January and March, consistent with industry stock replenishment cycles for summer demand, but May's lower value indicates a return to baseline levels as initial surge effects waned.

External Context and Outlook

This pullback aligns with the anticipation of new US tariffs, with a 20% rate effective July 2025 driving earlier export surges to avoid higher costs [VIZION]. Looking ahead, exports under HS Code 6109 may stabilize but face pressure from sustained tariff impacts and tighter customs compliance requirements (Vietnam Briefing).

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

Product Specialization and Concentration

In May 2025, Vietnam's export of T-Shirts under HS Code 6109 is highly concentrated, with sub-code 61091010 for cotton knitted T-shirts dominating the market, accounting for 36.95% of the value and 36.49% of the quantity among the top sub-codes. Note that weight data is reported as zero for all entries, indicating a data limitation that prevents unit price analysis based on weight.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining sub-codes fall into two clear categories: lower-priced cotton T-shirts (sub-code 61091020) with an approximate unit value of 2.98 USD per piece, and higher-value T-shirts made from other materials (sub-codes 61099020, 61099030, and 61099010) with unit values ranging from 4.29 to 4.72 USD per piece. This structure shows a trade in differentiated manufactured goods with varying quality grades, rather than fungible bulk commodities.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

The price differentiation suggests that exporters of Vietnam T-Shirts HS Code 6109 have stronger pricing power for other material products, but face pressure on lower-end cotton items. With new US tariffs of 20% effective July 2025 [Vietnam Briefing], strategic focus should shift towards cost efficiency and premium product lines to maintain export competitiveness in the 2025 market.

Check Detailed HS 6109 Breakdown

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

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In May 2025, Vietnam's T-Shirts exports under HS Code 6109 were heavily concentrated, with the United States as the dominant importer, accounting for 33.08% of the total export value. The close match between the value ratio (33.08%) and quantity ratio (34.80%) for the US suggests a standard product grade, typical for mass-produced manufactured goods like T-Shirts, where pricing is consistent across large volumes.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The importers form three clear clusters based on value ratios. The first cluster includes the US and Japan, with high value shares (33.08% and 19.43%), driven by strong consumer demand and established trade relationships for apparel. The second cluster consists of South Korea and the Netherlands, with moderate shares (6.86% and 4.92%), likely acting as regional hubs or gateways for distribution in Asia and Europe. The third cluster covers countries like China, the UK, Canada, Germany, and Italy, with lower value shares (under 3%), possibly due to smaller market sizes or competitive local production.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Exporters of Vietnam T-Shirts should prepare for upcoming US tariff changes, including a planned 20% rate effective July 2025 [Express Trade Capital], by diversifying into markets like Japan or the EU to mitigate risk. Optimizing supply chains for cost efficiency and ensuring accurate HS Code 6109 compliance will be crucial to maintain competitiveness amid these shifts.

Get Complete Partner Countries Profile

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

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Vietnam T-Shirts Export 2025 May under HS Code 6109 operates as a classic assembly hub for manufactured goods. Price is driven by product specification—cotton vs. other materials—and by high-volume OEM contracts from dominant buyers. The supply chain implication is heavy reliance on a few key partners and markets, creating vulnerability to demand shifts and new tariffs, like the 20% US duty effective July 2025. Traditional analysis fails because it misses granular buyer behavior and material-grade detail, obscuring true profit levers.

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

• Shift production mix toward higher-value materials like those in sub-code 610990. This leverages the existing price premium (4.29-4.72 USD/piece) to improve margin and absorb new tariff costs.
• Use buyer frequency data to proactively negotiate contracts with high-value, low-frequency clients. This diversifies revenue away from the dominant segment, reducing vulnerability to order cancellations.
• Analyze port and logistics data for exports to the EU and Japan. Optimize shipping routes to these alternative markets to capitalize on their stable demand and offset potential US market contraction.
• Audit all shipment documentation for strict HS Code 6109 compliance. Ensure correct sub-code classification to avoid customs delays and penalties, protecting cash flow and customer relationships.

Execute these steps using detailed export records, not estimates. This data-driven approach is the only way to navigate the concentrated, tariff-impacted landscape of Vietnam T-Shirts Export 2025 May under HS Code 6109.

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 May?

The decline in export value to $302.06 million (down 8.7% from April) reflects typical post-tariff-deadline volatility, as buyers rushed orders ahead of the 20% US tariff effective July 2025.

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

The US dominates with 33.08% of export value, followed by Japan (19.43%) and South Korea (6.86%), forming the top three markets.

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

Prices vary by material: cotton T-shirts (sub-code 61091020) average $2.98/piece, while premium non-cotton variants (e.g., 61099020) command $4.29–$4.72/piece.

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

Prioritize high-value buyers (77.12% of revenue) and diversify into markets like Japan/EU to offset US tariff risks, while optimizing costs for cotton products.

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

US and Japanese buyers benefit from stable bulk supply, but should anticipate price adjustments post-July 2025 tariffs; niche buyers can explore lower-volume segments.

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

Exported T-Shirts are primarily mass-produced apparel for consumer retail, with differentiated grades (cotton vs. premium materials) targeting varied market segments.