Many global buyers now face rising production costs and inconsistent quality across popular sourcing regions. Vietnam has emerged as a preferred destination for handbag manufacturing, offering skilled craftsmanship, stable pricing, and strong compliance with international standards.
This article explores why Vietnam is attracting global buyers looking to import handbags. how to identify reliable suppliers, the key import documents required, and important considerations for newcomers entering the market.
Why is Vietnam worth the investment for global buyers?
Consumers use handbags to carry personal items such as wallets, phones, and cosmetics, and other daily essentials. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, serving not only a practical purpose but also functioning as a key fashion accessory.
Besides China, Italy, and France, which are well-known for mass production and high-end handbag designs, Vietnam is also gaining attention. Bags made in Vietnam offer good quality and competitive prices. This has made the country an important global production base for handbags.
In 2024, Vietnam exported approximately USD 27 billion worth of leather, footwear, and handbags, making it a significant player in the global market. According to the Vietnam Leather, Footwear, and Handbag Association (LEFASO), the industry is expected to increase by 10% in 2025, reaching around USD 29 billion. By 2030, the sector aims to achieve USD 38-40 billion in exports.
Vietnam’s achievements in this field have been remarkable and are expected to continue its strong competitiveness in the global market.
The following factors highlight why Vietnam has become a leading choice for global buyers sourcing handbags for export:
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Competitive manufacturing base
Cost is a major factor for businesses when deciding where to manufacture. Vietnam stands out as a highly competitive option. Labor costs in Vietnam are significantly lower than in China, where the average hourly wage is roughly three times higher. This makes Vietnam an affordable choice for labor-intensive industries, attracting global buyers who want efficiency without sacrificing quality.
In addition, Vietnam has a large, young, and skilled workforce. In 2024, the labor force aged 15 and over reached approximately 52.5 million people, with a participation rate close to 69%. This demographic strength ensures that companies can access the manpower needed to scale production efficiently.
The combination of cost competitiveness and a capable workforce positions Vietnam as a compelling choice for global buyers looking to optimize their supply chains.
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Free trade agreements
Vietnam has actively engaged in multiple free trade agreements (FTAs), strengthening its trade relationships with key global partners and creating significant opportunities for businesses. Some of the most important agreements include the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the Vietnam-Korea Free Trade Agreement (VKFTA), and the Vietnam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA).
These agreements help reduce tariffs on “Made in Vietnam” products, making it easier and more cost-effective for importers to export them to other countries.
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Government support
The Vietnamese government supports this growth. It offers tax incentives, simplifies administrative procedures, and promotes investment programs that attract foreign businesses
In addition, the government has invested in infrastructure development. It builds industrial zones, upgrades ports, and improves transportation networks, which further enhances the competitiveness of Vietnamese manufacturers.
These combined efforts have strengthened Vietnam’s position in the global market, allowing products like handbags and other leather goods to compete effectively on price, quality, and reliability.
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Infrastructure investment
Vietnam’s improvements in expressways, railways, and seaports make exporting goods faster and more cost-effective.
- Seaports: Major ports like Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, and Cai Mep – Thi Vai are being upgraded to handle bigger ships and more cargo.
- Highways: Projects like the North-South Expressway and the expanded Long Thanh-Ho Chi Minh City expressway help trucks move goods quickly between factories and ports.
- Railways: New lines, such as the Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hai Phong railway, connect northern provinces to China and may even support transit to Europe, making trade more efficient.
- Airports: Besides Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat airports, Vietnam is building Long Thanh International Airport and upgrading others, such as Gia Binh, to enhance air cargo services and enable faster exports.
In particular, Vietnam’s thriving textile and garment sector is centered in several key provinces, including:
- Hung Yen (Pho Noi B Textile & Garment Industrial Park), covering 121.82 hectares, is a specialized industrial zone dedicated to textile, garment, and related industries, making it a standout facility in northern Vietnam.
- Nghe An currently hosts over 50 active textile and garment companies and factories, generating more than 40,000 jobs, with products exported to around 20 countries and territories.
Together, these developments establish Vietnam as a strong and competitive manufacturing hub in the global handbag industry.
Key types of handbags manufactured in Vietnam
Vietnamese factories manufacture high-quality handbags that cater to a wide range of styles and purposes, from trendy fashion pieces to practical everyday designs. Here, we explore the key types of handbags commonly produced in Vietnam.
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Tote bag
Tote bags have become one of the most popular choices among modern consumers because they offer both versatility and generous space. Their simple, open design fits the needs of busy urban lifestyles where people want a single bag that can carry daily essentials with ease.
Tote bags are usually made from a wide range of materials such as canvas, cotton, polyester, and leather. They can work well for office use, shopping trips, school, travel, and casual outings.
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Shoulder bags
Shoulder bags are designed with a long strap that sits comfortably on the shoulder, offering both style and convenience. They are perfect for both casual and professional settings and remain an all-time favorite accessory for women on the go.
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Bucket Bag
Known for their distinctive shape and versatility, bucket bags are a favorite among fashion enthusiasts who want to stand out. Their unique design, featuring a roomy interior, makes them practical for carrying daily essentials while maintaining a stylish and contemporary look.
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Clutch bags
Clutch bags are ideal for formal occasions and glamorous nights out, such as evening events, weddings, and galas. Popular styles include embroidered designs, sleek metallic finishes, and minimalist patterns that add elegance without overwhelming an outfit. With their compact and slim size, clutch bags are designed to carry only essentials, such as a phone, credit cards, and lipstick.
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Crossbody bag
Crossbody bags are designed with an adjustable strap that allows for hands-free carrying and balanced weight distribution, making them highly practical for daily use. They can be crafted from a wide range of materials, such as leather, faux leather, and canvas, offering both style and durability.
Crossbody bags are ideal for a variety of occasions, including everyday errands, travel, and social events.
Typical MOQ, Lead Times For Handbags
Vietnam’s garment clusters support low to high MOQ orders, which is ideal for brands offering leather shoes, bags, artisan accessories, and customized apparel. Typically, MOQs for handbags range from dozens to hundreds of units, depending on the material, style, and complexity of the design. If you are new to importing, it is recommended to negotiate a smaller MOQ first to test market demand and quality.
Lead time covers the entire process from manufacturing and quality inspection to international shipping. For handbags ready for export, production typically takes 2 to 8 weeks, depending on whether you choose standard designs or fully custom models. Lead times can also be affected by material availability, factory holidays, or seasonal closures.
The following table provides benchmark MOQs and lead times for typical handbag types:
| # | Handbag Type | Typical MOQ (pcs) | Lead Time (Days) |
| 1 | Leather Handbags | 200 | 10-20 |
| 2 | Tote Bags | 200 | 30-45 |
| 3 | Crossbody & Shoulder Bags | 100 | 15-20 |
| 4 | Clutch bags | 300 | 35-50 |
Production process for handbags in Vietnam
Here are the main steps in producing handbags in Vietnam, designed to meet the needs of global buyers. From careful material selection to final inspection, each stage ensures that the bags are high-quality, durable, and stylish, ready to meet international standards and satisfy customers worldwide.
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Material selection
Each handbag material offers unique properties, aesthetics, and functionality. You can select specific materials based on your design preferences, budget, and target market. The main types include:
- Leather: Leather is prized for its durability, elegance, and classic appeal. It is commonly used for premium and luxury handbags, offering a sophisticated finish that can age beautifully over time. Leather types include genuine leather, top-grain leather, full-grain leather, and sometimes eco-friendly or vegan alternatives.
- Cotton: Cotton is lightweight, breathable, and easy to dye, making it a popular choice for casual, eco-friendly, and sustainable handbags. It is ideal for tote bags, casual shoulder bags, and fashion-forward designs that emphasize sustainability. Cotton blends and organic cotton are also widely used to meet environmental standards.
- Nylon: Nylon is strong, water-resistant, and highly durable, making it perfect for everyday use, travel, and active lifestyles. Its lightweight and easy-to-clean properties make it suitable for crossbody bags.
- Canvas: Canvas is a heavy-duty fabric known for its strength and longevity. It is ideal for casual and rugged handbag designs, such as tote bags, shopper bags, and outdoor-inspired styles.
Selecting the right material is the first and most critical step in handbag production, as it determines not only the bag’s appearance and functionality but also its market positioning and cost efficiency.
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Sample prototyping phase
Design and prototyping are crucial steps in handbag manufacturing. Vietnamese artisans and designers carefully consider current fashion trends, market demands, and buyer requirements when developing new concepts. The process typically includes the following stages:
- Concept development: Define the bag’s purpose, features for the bag. This involves deciding on style, size, functionality, and any unique selling points that will make the bag stand out in the market.
- Sketching: Designers create detailed sketches, refining the bag’s shape, dimensions, and design elements.
- Physical sample creation: Based on sketches, initial prototypes are constructed. This stage involves selecting the most suitable materials, testing stitching techniques, hardware, linings, and structural elements to ensure durability and functionality.
Once the final prototype is approved, it serves as the reference for mass production.
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Manufacturing
This step involves turning the bag’s design and materials into a finished product. The process starts with cutting the materials. Workers cut leather, PU, canvas, or fabric into the exact shapes needed. After that, they stitch the panels together. They focus on straight lines, tight seams, and clean edges, so the bag looks neat and feels strong.
Next, the team adds important parts such as straps, handles, zippers, linings, and metal hardware. Each item is attached with accuracy, so the bag works smoothly and lasts a long time. Once the handbag is fully assembled, craftsmen check the edges, fix small imperfections, and add the final touches that make the bag look polished. The goal of this stage is to ensure the bag is both functional and visually appealing.
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Quality control
After handbags are manufactured, quality control is critical to ensure products meet international standards and are ready for export. Each bag is thoroughly inspected for defects, ensuring seams are strong, zippers function smoothly, and there are no material flaws.
- Durability Testing: You should test the bags for abrasion resistance, impact resistance, and environmental factors such as humidity and sunlight. These tests help ensure the bags stay durable during shipping and daily use.
- Compliance with Export Standards: Manufacturers must follow strict international standards to ensure product quality. Common certifications include ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, which confirms that materials are free from harmful chemicals.
- Packaging and Labeling Checks: Manufacturers must follow export requirements, including proper labeling, packing, and documentation to comply with customs regulations in target markets.
How to import handbags from Vietnam?
Importing handbags from Vietnam offers great opportunities, but it requires careful planning, from finding reliable suppliers to managing shipping and customs. This section outlines the essential steps for a smooth import process.
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Finding reliable handbag manufacturers in Vietnam
Finding trustworthy manufacturers is the first and most important step when importing handbags from Vietnam. There are several effective ways to connect with reliable suppliers:
- Attending Trade Shows and Industry Events: Visiting trade fairs allows you to meet manufacturers in person, inspect product quality firsthand, and compare different suppliers quickly. Notable events include the Global Sourcing Fair and VIETNAM EXPO, which showcase a wide range of handbag manufacturers and related products.
- Sourcing Through Online Platforms: Platforms like Alibaba, VinaSources, and other B2B marketplaces provide access to a large number of suppliers and handbag categories. They offer detailed product descriptions, clear specifications, and high-quality photos, making it easier to assess design, materials, and quality remotely.
- Working with Local Sourcing Agencies: Hiring a professional sourcing company or local representative can streamline the purchasing process, particularly for bulk or customized orders. These agencies assist with supplier selection, quality control, price negotiation, and shipping coordination, reducing risks and saving time. Examples of sourcing agencies in Vietnam include Cosmo Sourcing and Seditex.
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Request sample
To ensure that manufacturers meet your exact requirements, it is essential to request 1-3 samples for each product. This allows you to properly evaluate the quality, materials, workmanship, and overall design before placing a bulk order.
Some suppliers may charge a fee for producing samples. Be clear about the cost, payment method, and estimated delivery time before confirming your request. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures transparency in the process.
Once you receive the samples, examine them thoroughly. Check the stitching, seams, zippers, straps, lining, material quality, and overall finish. Test the bag’s functionality, durability, and design details to ensure it matches your expectations.
If there are any changes, you should provide detailed feedback to the manufacturer. This may include adjustments to size, materials, colors, hardware, or packaging to ensure the final product meets your expectations.
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Supplier negotiation
Supplier negotiation is the process in which a buyer and a supplier discuss and agree on the terms of their business relationship. Successful negotiation goes far beyond simply agreeing on prices. It establishes clear expectations, builds trust, and minimizes risks.
Key areas typically covered during negotiation include:
- Pricing structures: Discuss unit costs, volume discounts, payment terms, and any additional fees.
- Delivery terms: Agree on lead times, shipping methods, and contingency plans for delays. This helps ensure timely delivery and smooth logistics.
- Quality standards: Define the expected level of product quality, including materials, workmanship, and tolerances, as well as how quality will be measured and verified.
- Service levels: Clarify response times, support availability, and procedures for handling problems or complaints.
Effective negotiation helps optimize costs and manage risks by establishing backup delivery options, quality guarantees, and clear procedures for handling potential disruptions.
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Handle custom procedures
Customs procedures are an essential part of exporting handbags from Vietnam. Proper handling ensures that shipments comply with both Vietnamese regulations and the requirements of the destination country, helping to avoid delays, fines, or complications at the border.
To complete customs clearance for exporting handbags, you should prepare the following documents:
- Bill of lading: Serves as proof that the handbags have been shipped and confirms the terms of the transportation contract.
- Contract: The purchase agreement between the buyer and the supplier, outlining the terms of sale.
- Certificate of origin (C/O): Verifies that the handbags were produced in Vietnam, which may allow preferential tariffs under trade agreements.
- Commercial invoice: Provides detailed information about each handbag, including description, quantity, unit price, and total value.
- Packing list: Specifies the contents, packaging, and dimensions of the shipment, making it easier for customs inspection and inventory verification.
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Import tax and duties
When shipping handbags to any country, it is important to understand how import taxes and duties work. These charges are applied by customs authorities and vary depending on factors such as country of origin and the declared shipping value. Knowing the taxes and duties helps you plan your costs, avoid surprise fees, and ensure smooth delivery.
You can work with experienced customs brokers or logistics partners. They will help you simplify the process, ensure compliance with local regulations, and make the import process more efficient.
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Arrange logistics
With oceans covering three-quarters of the Earth’s surface, sea freight has become the primary method for transporting goods internationally. Vietnam, with its extensive 3,260 km coastline and major ports such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, and Cai Mep-Thi Vai, offers fast and reliable access to international shipping routes.
Partner with VinaSources for reliable handbag sourcing
If you’re looking for a reliable online sourcing platform, VinaSources is a trusted partner for connecting with verified handbag manufacturers in Vietnam. With over 12 years of experience in cross-border eCommerce, supply chain management, and technology-driven sourcing, VinaSources helps international importers connect directly with verified Vietnamese manufacturers specializing in high-quality handbags. Every supplier on our platform is carefully vetted to ensure export readiness, product quality, and compliance with international standards.
On VinaSources, you can explore a wide range of handbags, from fashion handbags and totes to backpacks and crossbody bags. Supplier profiles provide detailed information, including product catalogs, factory certifications, production images, and contact details, enabling buyers to make fast and confident sourcing decisions.
With VinaSources’ expertise and extensive network of trusted suppliers, sourcing high-quality handbags from Vietnam has never been easier.
Call 1900 4356 or fill out the quotation form to receive full support from our experienced team in finding the right manufacturers for your business.