Navigating apparel exports to the U.S.

Vietnam’s textile and garment industry is an economic powerhouse that continues to defy global turbulence. With export turnover estimated at US$44 billion in 20241, marking an impressive 11% year-on-year increase2, this sector is a dominant force in global trade. Crucially, with US$16,151.8 billion worth of imports from Vietnam3, the United States (U.S.) remained the single largest and most valuable market in that process, representing a tremendous source of opportunity and growth for Vietnamese businesses.

However, while shipping to this thriving market remains an incredible opportunity, success requires navigating the unique complexities of the U.S.’s import regulations. From recently adjusted tariffs and heightened scrutiny over product origin to meeting ever-faster logistics requirements, meticulous preparation is essential.

This guide will provide you with the actionable insights and strategic advice needed to manage these regulatory and delivery hurdles confidently. It’ll also explore how working with reliable partners like DHL Express can simplify your compliance, reduce your risks, and enable your business to focus entirely on growth and capturing a larger share of the global market.

Why the U.S. remains a key market despite tariffs

The U.S. has long been one of Vietnam's most vital trading relationships, cementing its position as the second-largest trading partner to Vietnam after China4. Despite recently adjusted tariffs, the U.S. remains highly attractive due to its sheer scale and the consistent demand for high-quality, specialized products. Some of the top exports include finished clothes and garments, high-value denim, knitwear, and increasingly, innovative technical textiles and sustainable fabrics.

To continue seizing these opportunities and minimize risk, Vietnamese exporters must also adopt forward-thinking strategies, including:

• Accessing new digital channels (e-commerce): By leveraging platforms like Amazon, Shopify, and specialty B2B retailers, exporters can bypass traditional middlemen to directly access U.S. consumers. This shift allows manufacturers to diversify revenue streams and gain valuable real-time market data.
• Developing premium and sustainable goods: Demand for premium, ethically produced, and innovative textile products is surging, with a survey by Blue Yonder finding that 69% of U.S. consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products5. This opens a profitable niche for green-certified Vietnamese firms.
• Leveraging FTAs for supply chain resilience: Trade agreements such as the Vietnam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) offer indirect benefits for U.S.-focused supply chains. These deals strengthen Vietnam's manufacturing base by enabling tax-free or reduced-tariff imports of high-quality materials from partner countries (like Japan or Canada), which helps meet strict U.S. origin requirements and enhance the local value chain.
• Tariffs as a lever for strategic repositioning: Instead of solely viewing tariffs as a burden, strategic planning offers a powerful counter-measure: businesses can choose to focus on higher-margin, specialized goods, or they can renegotiate Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms with U.S. buyers to effectively share the duty burden.
• Data-driven exporting: The path forward requires data-driven planning and logistics support. Exporters must leverage real-time market data for accurate demand forecasting and partner with experts to ensure end-to-end transparency and compliance, which protects profit margins and builds buyer confidence.

Understanding and navigating the U.S. tariffs

While the U.S. remains a top market, Vietnamese exporters must proactively address new tariffs on products like certain cotton, denim, and synthetic fibers. Avoiding significant penalties and maximizing returns requires a combination of strict compliance and strategic planning through:

• Using accurate HS codes: The correct Harmonized System (HS) code determines the base tariff rate and is essential for avoiding misclassification penalties and delays during customs clearance.

• Leveraging trade agreements: While Vietnam and the U.S. do not have a full FTA, exporters can use trade agreements like VJEPA and CPTPP to source materials from partner countries at reduced tariffs, indirectly lowering their cost base.

• Financial planning: Exporters should strategically recalibrate their pricing model and utilize Incoterms, such as Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF), to negotiate terms with U.S. buyers to effectively share the duty burden or mitigate the impact of the tariff increase. This is crucial for maintaining competitive prices.

Packaging, logistics, and risk mitigation

Protecting your textile and apparel exports during their long journey to the U.S. is the last line of defense for your brand's quality and reputation. This can be achieved through:

• Protective packaging: Maintaining garment quality is critical. This requires using specialized materials like tissue paper and controlled poly bags, along with desiccant packets to actively manage the high humidity present during shipping from Vietnam.

• Cost-speed balance (bulk vs. express): While bulk ocean freight is highly cost-efficient for large, non-urgent orders, logistics partners such as DHL Express offer the speed needed for samples, prototypes, and high-value, time-sensitive e-commerce orders, minimizing inventory risk.

• High-value cargo insurance: Protecting your high-value inventory against unforeseen loss, damage, or theft during international shipping is a non-negotiable step to safeguard your financial investment.

• Real-time shipment tracking: Robust, end-to-end shipment tracking provides immediate visibility, allowing you and your U.S. buyers to proactively manage delivery times and swiftly address any potential customs delays.

• Contingency planning protocols: Having established protocols for dealing with customs holds or unexpected delays is essential, and this planning process is significantly simplified by partnering with expert logistics carriers.

• Expert compliance partnership: The right international shipping service provider can help verify your documentation and ensure compliance with complex U.S. import rules, substantially reducing your financial and legal exposure to tariff-related challenges.

How DHL Express supports your export growth

Moving high-value apparel efficiently to the U.S. requires a partner with specialized infrastructure and expert systems. DHL Express is designed to provide this confidence, acting as your all-in-one strategic solution through the following key services:

• Streamlined customs support: Their in-house experts simplify the complex process by offering guidance on document review, tariff classification, and compliance checks. This minimizes the risk of costly holds, enabling faster market entry and establishing a critical competitive advantage in the U.S. supply chain.

• Fast, reliable delivery (time-definite): DHL Express offers express shipping and, where appropriate, can guide you to multimodal options that meet tight business timelines and consumer expectations. Their expanded air network capacity also ensures your goods are on the next available flight, minimizing inventory risk.

• Tracking and transparency: They provide real-time tracking and proactive notifications across your shipment’s entire journey. This keeps your team and your customers informed, enhancing brand trust and enabling swift action if any delays occur.

• Sustainable GoGreen solutions: For businesses committed to reducing environmental impact, DHL Express offers GoGreen solutions that use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This service helps you meet global buyer demand for greener supply chains and supports your brand's ethical positioning.

Converting compliance into a competitive edge

Ensuring the smooth exports of garments and textiles to the U.S. involves mastering several key considerations, including accurate tariff classification and utilizing specialized textile-appropriate packaging. These practices ensure flawless operational execution — a critical differentiator that proves a brand's reliability and elevates its reputation with demanding international buyers.

In this regard, DHL Express is positioned as the ideal strategic business partner. They provide the necessary expert customs support, certified handling, and robust tracking needed to allow exporters to stop worrying about borders and focus entirely on scaling their operations and capturing more of the U.S. market.

So, ready to simplify your international shipping processes and expand your customer base? Create a DHL Express business account today, or visit DHL’s website to find out more.