Vietnam T-shirts HS6109 Export Data 2025 Q1 Overview

Vietnam T-shirts (HS 6109) 2025 Q1 Export: Key Takeaways

Vietnam T-Shirts Export 2025 Q1 (HS Code 6109) reveals heavy reliance on the U.S. (34.76% of volume), Japan, and South Korea, with a product mix of standard to mid-grade items. The U.S. market’s dominance now poses a tariff risk, as new 20% duties took effect in Q2 2025, urging diversification into the EU and Japan. This analysis covers 2025 Q1 and is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Vietnam T-shirts (HS 6109) 2025 Q1 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 retail and fashion industries due to consistent demand. In Q1 2025, U.S. tariffs on Vietnamese exports jumped to 20% under a new trade deal, targeting transshipment risks while tightening customs checks for HS 6109 shipments [Vizion API]. Vietnam remains a key exporter, balancing cost competitiveness with compliance as tariffs reshape 2025 trade flows.

Vietnam T-shirts (HS 6109) 2025 Q1 Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

Vietnam T-Shirts HS Code 6109 Export 2025 Q1 exhibited notable volatility, with export values dropping sharply in February before rebounding in March, reflecting a rush to ship ahead of new U.S. tariff impositions.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Q1 trend shows a sequential dip in February to $301.56 million, down from January's $355.84 million, followed by a recovery to $365.57 million in March. This pattern aligns with typical apparel industry cycles where Q1 often sees subdued post-holiday demand, but the rebound was stronger than seasonal norms, indicating stockpiling behavior by exporters anticipating cost increases. The absence of volume data limits unit price analysis, but value fluctuations suggest heightened activity driven by external policy shifts rather than pure market demand.

External Context and Outlook

The volatility is directly tied to the U.S.-Vietnam trade framework, where a 20% tariff on direct exports under HS Code 6109 was set to take effect mid-2025, prompting a surge in shipments to avoid higher costs [Vizion API]. This policy-driven rush overshadowed typical seasonal softness, and with ongoing enforcement scrutiny (Vizion API), exporters face continued pressure on compliance and costs, likely sustaining erratic trade flows through 2025.

Vietnam T-shirts (HS 6109) 2025 Q1 Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In Q1 2025, Vietnam's export of T-shirts under HS Code 6109 was dominated by cotton-based products, specifically sub-code 61091010 for "T-shirts, singlets and other vests; of cotton, knitted or crocheted", which held the highest value share. The concentration is evident with this sub-code leading in export value, though unit price data is unavailable for detailed disparity analysis. No extreme price anomalies were identified among the sub-codes provided.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The sub-codes can be grouped into two categories: cotton T-shirts (61091010 and 61091020) and non-cotton textile T-shirts (61099020, 61099030, and 61099010). Cotton variants collectively represent the bulk of exports, suggesting a focus on standardized, mass-produced apparel, while non-cotton options show variety but lower overall penetration. This structure indicates trade in differentiated manufactured goods rather than fungible bulk commodities, with quality likely tied to material choice and production standards.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For Vietnam T-Shirts HS Code 6109 Export 2025 Q1, the high reliance on cotton exports may reduce pricing power amid external pressures, such as the 20% U.S. tariff on direct Vietnamese apparel shipments [Vizion API]. Exporters should prioritize cost efficiency and explore diversification into non-cotton segments to mitigate tariff impacts and maintain competitiveness.

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Vietnam T-shirts (HS 6109) 2025 Q1 Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

The United States is the dominant buyer of Vietnam T-Shirts HS Code 6109 Export 2025 Q1, taking 34.76% of the quantity and 32.39% of the total value. The close match between its value and quantity shares points to a product mix of standard to mid-grade items. Japan is the second largest market, with a 23.63% quantity share and a slightly lower 21.72% value share, reinforcing a pattern of high-volume, competitively priced goods.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The top buyers form clear groups. The first is the large-volume cluster of the United States, Japan, and South Korea, which together account for nearly 70% of the quantity. This shows a heavy reliance on major Asian and North American apparel markets. A second cluster includes key EU destinations like the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom, which have moderate volume but strong value, indicating a focus on diversified, higher-value orders. A final group with smaller, similar volumes includes China, Canada, and Belgium, representing a strategic effort to spread market risk beyond the core partners.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Vietnam's T-shirt exporters, the heavy reliance on the US market is now a key risk. New US tariffs of 20% on direct exports from Vietnam, up from 10%, began affecting trade from Q2 2025 [Vizion API]. This policy shift means factories must prepare for higher costs and stricter customs checks on HS Code 6109 goods (Vizion API). The strategic response must be to accelerate diversification into the EU and other markets like Japan to offset potential US demand shrinkage, while also investing in compliance to avoid the even steeper 40% tariff on transshipped goods.

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Vietnam T-shirts (HS 6109) 2025 Q1 Export: Action Plan for T-shirts Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Vietnam T-Shirts Export 2025 Q1 under HS Code 6109 is driven by mass-produced cotton products and high-volume buyers, primarily in the US and Japan. Price depends on material costs and bulk order volumes from key clients. This creates major supply chain risks from new US tariffs and over-reliance on a few markets. Vietnam acts as an assembly hub for standardized apparel, with limited pricing power amid external cost pressures.

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

• Use HS code data to diversify into non-cotton product lines. This reduces exposure to cotton price swings and tariff impacts on key categories.
• Analyze buyer frequency to prioritize high-volume clients for stable revenue. It secures cash flow despite market volatility.
• Shift 20% of US-bound volume to EU and Japanese markets using trade flow analytics. It mitigates risk from new US tariffs.
• Implement automated HS code checks for all shipments. It avoids customs penalties and 40% transshipment tariffs.
• Negotiate bulk material contracts aligned with major order cycles. It locks in lower costs for high-volume production runs.

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 Q1?

The volatility is driven by a rush to ship ahead of new U.S. tariffs, with export values dropping in February before rebounding sharply in March. This reflects stockpiling behavior rather than typical seasonal demand shifts.

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

The U.S. dominates with 32.39% of export value, followed by Japan (21.72%) and South Korea. Together, these three markets account for nearly 70% of total quantity shipped.

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

Price differences stem from material specialization, with cotton T-shirts (sub-code 61091010) representing the bulk of exports. Non-cotton variants show lower penetration but offer diversification potential.

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

Exporters must prioritize high-volume buyers (73.54% of value) while diversifying into non-cotton segments and EU markets to mitigate U.S. tariff risks.

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

Buyers face stable supply from Vietnam’s dominant high-frequency exporters but should anticipate price adjustments due to tariff-driven cost increases.

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

T-shirts are traded as differentiated manufactured goods, primarily cotton-based mass-produced apparel, with quality tied to material and production standards.

Detailed Monthly Report

Vietnam HS6109 Export Snapshot 2025 JAN

Vietnam HS6109 Export Snapshot 2025 FEB

Vietnam HS6109 Export Snapshot 2025 MAR