Boasting a rich history of artisanal skill, Vietnam has emerged as a premier hub for sourcing high-quality, handcrafted homeware for the global market. International wholesalers looking to import bamboo placemats from Vietnam gain the advantage of a deep artisanal heritage, competitive pricing, and high-quality natural materials.
This guide outlines practical steps for evaluating suppliers, managing quality control, and navigating logistics when importing bamboo placemats from Vietnam. You’ll learn proven methods for sourcing Vietnamese bamboo suppliers, assessing their capabilities, and ensuring their products meet international quality and safety standards for global distribution.
Overview of Vietnam’s Bamboo Product Exports
Global demand for bamboo products continues to rise due to the shift toward plastic-free and sustainable materials.
Vietnam consistently ranks second globally in the export of bamboo, rattan, and sedge products. Currently accounting for roughly 3.37% of the global market, this sector contributes over USD 200 million annually to the country’s total export turnover.
For the first nine months of 2024, Vietnam’s export of rattan, bamboo, and segde market revenue reached approximately USD 594.8 million, a year-on-year increase of 10.3%.
The United States remains the largest buyer, accounting for 41.6% of total export revenue. Japan represents around 11% of the market and continues to favor consistent quality and long-term supplier relationships. The European Union follows with approximately 5.3% of the export value.
Why Import Bamboo Placemats From Vietnam
Importing bamboo placemats from Vietnam is a strategic choice for businesses looking to combine sustainability with high-quality craftsmanship. As the world’s second-largest exporter of bamboo products, rattan, and sedge products, Vietnam offers a unique blend of traditional artistry and modern manufacturing scale.
Here are the key reasons why Vietnam is a top sourcing destination for bamboo placemats:
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Natural bamboo resources
Vietnam possesses extensive bamboo resources that support large-scale industrial production. The country has approximately 1.6 million hectares of bamboo forests with 6.5 billion trees. 37 provinces own a planting area of over 10,000 ha. Every year, Vietnam logs 500 – 600 million bamboos, resulting in a total output of approximately 2.5 – 3 million tons. This volume allows manufacturers to maintain steady pricing even during global supply chain fluctuations.
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Skilled craftsmanship
The quality of Vietnamese bamboo placemats relies on a deep-rooted tradition of handweaving. Currently, Vietnam has 723 handicraft villages in the country processing rattan and bamboo, and more than 1,000 enterprises engaged in producing and exporting this item, attracting 342,000 laborers. This ecosystem provides a massive pool of skilled artisans. These workers utilize traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations.
Handwoven quality is a primary differentiator for Vietnam. Artisans can execute complex patterns that automated machinery cannot replicate. This skill level ensures that placemats meet high aesthetic standards for hospitality and retail sectors. Every piece undergoes manual inspection during the weaving process. This human oversight minimizes defects in the final shipment.
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Strong export infrastructure
Vietnam is now a global logistics powerhouse, ranking in the top 10 emerging logistics markets and 4th for logistics opportunities index, and top 43 in the LPI. The nation offers a robust infrastructure that supports seamless international exports.
Major hubs like Cat Lai in Ho Chi Minh City and Lach Huyen in Hai Phong handle the bulk of handicraft shipments. These ports offer direct shipping routes to North America and Europe.
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Free trade agreements
Vietnam’s aggressive pursuit of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) provides significant cost advantages for B2B importers. The country is a member of the EVFTA, UKFTA, and CPTPP.
These agreements significantly reduce or eliminate import duties on bamboo products. For example, under the EVFTA, many handicraft categories enjoy a 0% tariff rate. This makes Vietnamese bamboo placemats more price-competitive than those from countries without similar trade deals.
6 Step-by-step Guide to Importing Bamboo Placemats from Vietnam
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Research & Identify Reliable Suppliers
You can find bamboo placemat suppliers in Vietnam through several channels.
- Online B2B sourcing platforms are listed verified with export-focused product catalogs.
- Trade fairs focused on handicrafts and home decor allow direct factory contact.
- Industry associations also publish member lists of bamboo and rattan producers.
When evaluating a supplier, you should focus on some key points, including business legality, export history, production capacity, reviews from past clients, quality standard certifications, and compliance with your importing countries, such as FSC (sustainable bamboo sourcing) or ISO 9001(quality management systems).
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Place a sample order
A sample order helps verify product quality before committing to bulk production.
When requesting samples, you should order two to three units to evaluate product consistency. Samples usually carry a fee, so you should confirm the sample price in advance. Discuss the sample lead time, shipping method, and any additional charges with the supplier before placing the request.
Upon receiving the test items, inspect them thoroughly:
- Check for color consistency across the batch
- Verify the moisture content to ensure it is below 12% to prevent mold during transit
- Test the weaving tension and edge finishing for durability
- Measure the dimensions to ensure they match your specifications exactly
If there are any defects, you should share them with the supplier for correction before the bulk order
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Negotiate terms and finalize the contract
Measure the dimensions to ensure they match your specifications exactly. This provides a legal basis for dispute resolution in the event of non-compliance. It also ensures both parties have a clear understanding of the project scope.
Every contract must include several mandatory clauses, including production specification, order quantity, pricing terms, MOQs, lead time, packaging & labeling requirements, and shipping method. A quality dispute and claim clause is also essential.
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Pre-shipment inspection
Pre-shipment inspection ensures that finished bamboo placemats meet agreed specifications before dispatch.
Proper packaging is essential because bamboo placemats must be moisture-resistant. Labeling must comply with the destination country’s law. For the US market, labels must include the “Country of Origin” and material content. Moreover, the cartons should also display the SKU number, net weight, and gross weight. Ensure all barcodes are scannable to prevent delays at your distribution center.
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Handle customs clearances
Navigating the customs gate requires a specific set of documents to ensure a smooth entry. Errors in documentation can lead to costly storage fees at the port.
Common documents include a commercial invoice, a packing list, a bill of lading, and a certificate of origin. Depending on the destination market rules, additional documents such as phytosanitary certificates may be required for bamboo products.
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Manage shipping & logistics
The choice of shipping method impacts your total landed cost and inventory turnover. Choose the method based on your volume, budget, and urgency.
The table below compares common shipping methods.
| Shipping method | Benefits | Limitations | Transit time | Best use case |
| Sea freight FCL | Lowest unit cost for large volumes | Higher minimum volume | 25 to 40 days | Full container orders |
| Sea freight LCL | Flexible volume | Higher cost per unit | 30 to 45 days | Small to mid orders |
| Air freight | Fast delivery | High cost | 5 to 10 days | Urgent or sample orders |
What Are the Typical MOQs for Bamboo Placemats?
Minimum order quantities in Vietnam depend on factory scale and product complexity.
For standard handwoven bamboo placemats using existing patterns, most factories require minimum orders of about 500 to 1,000 pieces per design.
Larger industrial producers or orders that involve custom designs, private labeling, or special weaving techniques usually set higher minimums. In these cases, MOQs often range from 1,500 to 3,000 pieces to cover setup time and labor costs.
Small and medium enterprises and traditional craft villages tend to be more flexible. Many of these suppliers accept trial orders of around 50 to 100 pieces, which allows buyers to test quality and market response before scaling up.
What Is the Lead Time for Bamboo Placemats?
For a standard order of 1,000 to 5,000 pieces, the typical lead time is 30 to 45 days. During the peak export season, this timeframe can extend to 60 days.
What Is the Typical Cost per Bamboo Placemat?
The cost of bamboo placemats from Vietnam is highly competitive due to local raw material availability.
The average wholesale price for a standard handwoven bamboo placemat ranges from USD 0.70 to USD 3 per unit (FOB).
Premium bamboo placemats carry a higher price point. These specialized items typically cost between USD 2.50 and USD 5.00 per unit.
How to Source Bamboo Placemats from Vietnam
Below are some common sourcing methods to find reliable Vietnamese bamboo placemats.
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Visit trade shows
Trade shows remain the most effective way to evaluate product quality and build personal rapport with suppliers.
Vietnam hosts several international exhibitions focused on furniture and home decor that allow buyers to see thousands of designs and negotiate directly with factory owners.
HawaExpo 2026
HawaExpo is the largest nationally endorsed export furniture fair in Vietnam, designed specifically to showcase the full capacity of the Vietnamese manufacturing sector to international buyers. The event targets professionals seeking indoor and outdoor furniture, home accessories, and specialized bamboo handicrafts, serving as a gateway to the country’s most prominent manufacturers.
2026 schedule:
- Scale: The event is expected to feature more than 2,500 booths and showcases, with over 700 exhibitors across 40,000 square meters.
- Date: March 4 – 7, 2026.
- Location: Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), 799 Nguyen Van Linh, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.
VIFA EXPO 2026
The 17th Vietnam International Furniture & Home Accessories Fair (VIFA EXPO) is widely recognized as one of the oldest and most prestigious export furniture trade shows in Southeast Asia. Its primary purpose is to provide a platform for manufacturers to present their latest collections of high-end home decor and handmade crafts to a global audience. In 2025, the fair featured over 650 exhibitors, 2500 booths across more than 40,000 sqm of exhibition space (including SECC & SKY EXPO).
2026 schedule:
- Date: March 8 – 11, 2026.
- Location: SKY EXPO Vietnam (District 12) and WTC EXPO (Binh Duong), Ho Chi Minh City area.
VIETNAM EXPO 2026
VIETNAM EXPO is the most significant multi-sector trade event in the country, organized by VINEXAD under the Ministry of Industry and Trade to promote international trade cooperation. While it covers various industries, it features a highly specialized “Handicrafts & Gifts” section that is a prime destination for sourcing bamboo and rattan products.
2026 schedule:
- Scale: The event is expected to cover 51,000 square meters, more than 2,800 booths and showcases, with over 650 exhibitors across 20 countries and territories.
- Date: April 8 – 11, 2026.
- Location: I.C.E Hanoi (International Exhibition Center), 91 Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
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Work with direct factories
Working directly with factories can offer better control over product quality, customization, and pricing.
Below are three Vietnamese companies known in the handicraft and bamboo products sector. They serve international markets and produce a range of woven and home decor goods.
Artex Nam An Joint Stock Company
Founded in 2013, Artex Nam An is a highly reputable manufacturer and exporter specializing in eco-friendly handicrafts made from bamboo, rattan, and water hyacinth. The company maintains a strong focus on sustainability, operating with a network of over 400 skilled artisans across 20+ communities and holding prestigious certifications such as BSCI, FSC, and ISO 9001:2015. Their primary product catalog features high-quality bamboo placemats and home decor items designed for the USA, European, and Australian markets.
- Address: No. 6 BT 1A, My Dinh 2 Urban Area, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi.
- Website: www.artexnaman.com
- Email: [email protected]
Viettime Craft (Indochina Creative Investment and Development JSC)
Viettime Craft is a leading manufacturer in the Vietnamese handicraft sector with over 10 years of experience in exporting handmade goods that showcase traditional craftsmanship. They specialize in high-quality, eco-friendly kitchenware and dining accessories, with bamboo placemats being a core product in their 5,000+ SKU inventory. The company employs over 200 workers and operates a factory system with BSCI certification, allowing it to generate an annual revenue exceeding USD 10 million USD. Their products are exported worldwide, with a heavy focus on the EU and North American markets, supported by a branch office in the USA.
- Address: No. 43 Nguyen Hy Quang Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi.
- Website: viettimecraft.com
- Email: [email protected]
Hong Duong Export Bamboo Rattan Company
Established in 2003, Hong Duong Export Bamboo Rattan Company has over 20 years of experience in the handicraft manufacturing industry, rooted in the famous craft villages of the Chuong My district. The company specializes in a wide array of bamboo lacquered wares and woven products, including trays and placemats, utilizing a production scale of 51-100 employees and a warehouse area exceeding 2,000 sqm. They have established a strong reputation for reliability in international markets, regularly exporting to the USA, Germany, Japan, Korea, and Mexico. Their long-standing history and focus on traditional techniques make them a preferred partner for hospitality-grade bamboo products.
- Address: Chi Ne Hamlet, Trung Hoa Commune, Chuong My District, Hanoi.
- Website: www.hoduco.com
- Email: [email protected]
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Use online B2B platforms
Online sourcing platforms help you discover and evaluate bamboo placemat suppliers from Vietnam without physical travel.
Alibaba
Alibaba is a global B2B marketplace connecting buyers with suppliers worldwide. You can search product listings, view factory credentials, and contact multiple suppliers in one place.
Made-in-China
MadeInChina connects buyers with manufacturers in Asia, including Vietnam. Search by product category and filter results based on export capability, certifications, and production capacity. The platform also enables direct inquiry messaging and product comparison.
VinaSources
VinaSources specializes in connecting global B2B buyers with premier Vietnamese suppliers and exporters. The platform simplifies the import process by offering a database of verified suppliers alongside comprehensive logistics support, from rigorous quality control and customs handling to warehousing and final delivery.
VinaSources: Your Trusted Partner for Sourcing Bamboo Placemats from Vietnam
VinaSources serves as a comprehensive bridge between international B2B buyers and the Vietnamese handicraft industry.
With over 12 years of experience in cross-border trade from Vietnam, VinaSources has supported thousands of manufacturers and international buyers across furniture, bamboo products, and woven handicrafts. The platform provides a vetted directory of manufacturers that meet strict export standards. This reduces the risk of quality inconsistency or business illegality.
How VinaSources Streamlines Your Bamboo Placemat Sourcing:
- You submit their product requirements through the quotation form.
- VinaSources matches the request with suitable manufacturers from the verified networks. You can review profiles and choose the most suitable.
- Once you are ready to proceed, VinaSources supports you throughout the rest of the importing process, from order confirmation to production and shipment.
To start sourcing bamboo placemats from Vietnam with lower risk, contact VinaSources directly by phone at 1900 4356 or by email at [email protected] to discuss your specifications and sourcing needs.