With top-notch craftsmanship and low production costs, Vietnamese ceramics are a darling to firms across the world. It offers a great package of quality, style options, and pricing that is suitable for many segments of the market.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most important things to consider before importing ceramics from Vietnam. From leading product types and famous craft villages to useful tips on sourcing, we’ve got everything covered.
Vietnamese Pottery Export: An Overview
Vietnam has become one of the top pottery exporters in the world, currently ranked ninth. It is also among the top three suppliers outside the EU sending decorative ceramics into Europe. In 2024 alone, Vietnam shipped out more than 674 million USD worth of pottery, a solid 9 percent increase from the year before. The products that buyers look for most are handmade household ceramics, home décor items, and ceramics used in construction.
The momentum is still strong in 2025, with exports in April reaching over 56.5 million USD. From 2020 to 2026, the market is expected to grow steadily at about 4.3 percent each year.
In terms of buyers, the United States takes the lead, followed by Japan and Taiwan. Europe remains an important destination.
Why Should You Import Vietnamese Ceramics?
So, what makes Vietnamese ceramics such a popular choice among buyers around the world? Here are some of the main reasons that make it stand out:
-
A Long History of Traditional Vietnamese Ceramics
Pottery-making in Vietnam dates back a long time-all the way to the Neolithic period, around 10,000 years ago. The craft continued to grow throughout different historical periods. More so after the 10th century, when Vietnam had become an independent nation and began having dynasties of its own.
Even today, thousands of tiny villages across the country have generations of artisans who dedicate their lives to perfecting this craft. These artisans not only create beautiful objects; they also infuse every object with story and tradition.
-
Cost-Effective without Compromising Quality
Indeed, the most compelling argument for purchasing Vietnamese pottery ware lies in cost-effectiveness without any loss of quality. Workers in Vietnam’s pottery industry usually earn around VND 10 to 15 million a month (about $430 to $650). In comparison, workers in China can earn between CNY 13,400 and 23,400 a month (around $1,870 to $3,270). That’s about 4 to 5 times more. As a result, buyers have the opportunity to purchase Vietnamese ceramics cheaply and to make better margins, especially when ordering in bulk.
All the same, cheaper doesn’t always mean compromised quality. The majority of Vietnam’s big producers nowadays impose stringent quality control and implement new technology to guarantee that items can achieve international standards of durability, heat resistance, and safety for food. ISO 9001, ASTM C1161, and EN 12875 standards are becoming more prevalent in the best producers.
-
Favorable Policies from the Government
Vietnam’s government is also playing an active role in supporting the growth of the pottery industry. One major initiative is Decision No. 801/QD-TTg – a national program focused on promoting handicraft exports. This program offers targeted support to ceramic-producing craft villages in key areas such as product diversification, trade promotion, and global market access.
On top of that, Vietnam’s National Single Window customs system is making export procedures simpler by cutting down on paperwork and speeding up clearance times. As a result, it’s now easier for international buyers to work directly with Vietnamese pottery manufacturers and source a wide range of ceramic products.
Some Types of Vietnamese Ceramics
Stoneware
Vietnamese stoneware is crafted to be exceptionally durable, fired at high temperatures ranging from 1200-1350°C.
Characterized by its stone-like texture and earthy grey or brown tones, it is an ideal choice for functional items like plates, bowls, and modern tableware collections.
Porcelain
Porcelain is fired at high temperatures of about 1280 to 1350°C, resulting in a white or ivory body with a smooth surface, very low porosity, and in some cases a translucent appearance.
Its smooth, white, and often translucent finish makes it the premier choice for luxury dinnerware, hotel and restaurant tableware, high-end decorative vases, and intricate tea and coffee sets.
Terracotta
Terracotta is essentially a specific type of unglazed earthenware known for its distinctive reddish-brown color. Its breathability makes it ideal for outdoor applications. Vietnamese terracotta products commonly include plant pots, garden ware, outdoor decorative items, roof tiles, and building ornaments.
Terracotta production is particularly famous in regions such as the Vĩnh Long Pottery Villages and Thanh Hà Pottery Village.
Glazed earthenware
Glazed earthenware is made from porous clay, similar to terracotta, that artisans coat with liquid glaze and refire. The glaze seals the surface, makes the pottery waterproof, and allows for vibrant colors and decorative finishes. Common products include serving dishes, decorative plates, bowls, vases, and mass-market tableware for export.
In Vietnam, glazed earthenware production is well known in the Biên Hòa Ceramic Area and Bát Tràng Ceramic Village.
Common Ceramics Products You Can Source from Vietnam
Made-in-Vietnam ceramics come in many distinct product types, each catering to specific export needs and market trends. Some of the most commonly sourced and exported categories include terracotta planters, ceramic bowls, porcelain tableware, and stoneware vases. These product types are renowned for their aesthetic appeal, durability, and competitive FOB pricing, making them attractive to importers across Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
The following table outlines the key pottery types currently sourced from Vietnam, including their core features, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and estimated FOB prices:
| # | Types of Products | Key features | MOQ (Estimated) | Estimated FOB Price (USD/unit) |
| 1 | Clay pot | Unglazed terracotta has a classic, rustic look with a natural reddish brown color and comes in a wide range of design styles. | 200–500 pcs | $2–7 |
| 2 | Ceramic bowls | Durability with a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, safe for use in microwaves, ovens, and dishwashers. | 100–300 pcs | $1.5–5 |
| 3 | Terracotta Planters | Unglazed red/brown clay, breathable, rustic appeal, ideal for gardening | 100–300 pcs/shape | $3–10 |
| 4 | Glazed Ceramic Pots | Wide range of colors and finishes, durable for indoor/outdoor décor | 50–200 pcs/design | $6–15 |
| 5 | Stoneware Vases & jars | High-fired, thick-bodied, matte or reactive glazes, export-grade quality | 50–150 pcs | $10–25 |
| 6 | Porcelain Tableware | Fine white clay, often hand-painted or blue-and-white, for dining & hospitality | 100–500 pcs/item | $2–8 |
| 7 | Fiberstone/ Polystone | Composite concrete-like look, lightweight, used for oversized garden planters | Full container (20’–40’) | $15–30+ |
Some Traditional Vietnamese Pottery Villages
Bat Trang (near Hanoi)
The village now has around 620 workshops, most of them family-run. The techniques are still very traditional, with artisans using spinning wheels and shaping the clay by hand. Popular products include everyday items like bowls, plates, and tea sets, as well as flower vases, religious pieces, and larger decorative items like statues and ceramic wall art.
Phu Lang (Bac Ninh Province)
Phu Lang is about 60 km north of Hanoi. Like Bat Trang, it’s a village with a long history in pottery, but it focuses on a smaller range of products. Most of the Vietnamese pottery made here includes water jars and household containers, usually crafted from red clay.
What makes Phu Lang pottery special is its unique glaze. Artisans use a technique that creates crackled surfaces with colors like brown, dark yellow, or even black. The look is inspired by the texture and color of eel skin, which gives the pottery a very earthy, natural feel.
Thanh Ha (near Hoi An)
Thanh Ha has been producing ceramics since the 15th century and is known for its rustic and old-style pottery. Besides roof tiles and construction ceramics, the village also makes everyday household items like bowls, cups, and teapots. You’ll also find small animal figurines and handmade souvenirs like ceramic masks and ceramic lanterns.
Top 3 Leading Vietnam Pottery Manufacturers
Vietnam’s pottery landscape comprises specialized clusters that serve diverse global markets. These manufacturers utilize local minerals and clay to produce durable goods ranging from household tableware to heavy-duty garden ornaments.
Minh Long I
Founded in 1970, Minh Long I leads Vietnam’s high-grade porcelain industry with a reputation for diverse designs and intricate patterns. The company manufactures an expansive catalog ranging from fine-art decorative pieces and delicate jewelry to specialized collections for the global hospitality sector.
Due to their superior craftsmanship, these products frequently serve as official national gifts for international heads of state. Minh Long operates an extensive distribution network across Vietnam and exports to major markets, including Germany, France, Japan, and the USA.
Bao Vy Pottery
Founded in 2009, Bao Vy Pottery has built a strong reputation as a reliable exporter of indoor and outdoor ceramic products for international buyers.
Bao Vy specializes in planters and home decor items that emphasize durability, surface finishing, and design consistency. All products are handmade and crafted from a wide range of materials, including terracotta, glazed ceramics, zinc, Atlantic sandblast finishes, polystone, and terrazzo. Their products are highly rated for their superior quality and brilliant design.
The company focuses heavily on export markets, supplying collections to buyers in the United States, Europe, and Asia, with product lines designed to meet seasonal demand and large-scale retail requirements.
Loi Hung Poterry
Established in 1992, Loi Hung Pottery specializes in manufacturing a diverse portfolio of ceramic products. The company produces high-quality decorative ceramics, glazed earthenware, garden clay pots, and specialized pottery vases. Beyond the domestic market, the company also primarily serves international markets, exporting its collections to the USA, New Zealand, Germany, and the UK.
Considerations When Importing Pottery From Vietnam
In this part of the How to import ceramics from Vietnam guide, let’s go over a few customs and paperwork notes you shouldn’t miss.
-
Understand Incoterms Before Signing Any Deal
Incoterms simply set out who’s responsible for what during shipping. If you’ve handled sea freight before, FOB might work well since the supplier takes care of things until the goods are loaded onto the ship in Vietnam, and then it’s your turn.
But if you’d rather keep things simple, DDP is the easiest option. Essentially, the supplier handles almost everything, including insurance, until the pottery reaches your warehouse.
-
Know the Required Documents for Pottery Imports
Like with any export, you’ll need the right set of papers to clear customs. Usually, this means:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin
- Bill of lading or airway bill
- Sales contract
Depending on where you’re based, there might be a few extras. For example, in the EU or UK, you’ll need an EORI number, and in the US, you’ll need to file an Importer Security Filing before the ship leaves port. You may also need EPA compliance documentation if the ceramics are glazed, and FDA prior notice if they are used for food contact.
-
Confirm the Correct HS Code and Import Tariffs for Pottery Products
If the HS code is not correct, you might end up paying the wrong taxes or VAT, and in the worst case, customers could fine you or even hold your shipment.
The good news is it’s easy to check. You can ask your supplier to confirm the HS code for your products, or you can look it up on your local customs website. Below are examples of commonly used
HS Codes for Vietnamese pottery and ceramic products:
| Product Type | HS Code | Notes |
| Ceramic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles | 6912.00 | Ceramic tableware, kitchenware, other household articles, and toilet articles, other than porcelain or china |
| Statuettes & other ornamental ceramic articles | 6913.90 | Other decorative/ornamental ceramic items: vases, figurines, etc. |
-
Use Protective Packaging and Get Cargo Insurance
Ceramic items are fragile, so good packaging is the key to making sure they arrive at your warehouse safe and sound. Here are a few things worth noting:
- Choose suppliers experienced in fragile goods handling
- Standard packing: double cartons, foam padding, anti-shift layers
- For large items: wooden pallets, plastic wrap, tight strapping
- Prefer CIF terms (shipping + insurance covered to the destination port)
Before sealing any deal, ask for full clarity. Check if the quoted price already includes packaging and insurance, when samples and final orders will be delivered, what happens if there are delays, and how customs clearance will be handled in your market.
-
Check Labeling and Certification Rules in Your Market
Besides getting your export paperwork ready, you’ll also need to make sure your products meet the labeling rules in your country. Most markets usually ask for a few basics on the label:
- The exact product name
- The country of origin, which, in this case, should be Made in Vietnam
- The name and address of the manufacturer or importer
That’s the general part, but if you’re bringing in items like tableware or cookware that come into direct contact with food or drinks, then the bar is set higher. Most countries also require test certificates for lead and cadmium, along with food safety approvals like the FDA in the US or LFGB in the EU.
-
Work With a Customs Broker for Smooth Clearance
It’s true you’ll need to pay a fee, but in return, the customs broker takes care of the tough parts: filing paperwork, making sure duties and taxes are accurate, and keeping your shipment moving. Just make sure you pick a broker who already has experience with pottery and knows the rules in your market.
Sourcing Methods For Finding Vietnam Pottery Suppliers
Here are a few common ways to source Vietnamese pottery that international buyers usually go about:
Tip #1: Work Directly with the Workshops in Pottery Villages
If you have time and a budget to visit Vietnam for a few weeks, this is a great option. You can meet the artisans, see how pottery is made step by step (shaping, glazing, firing), and talk directly with the workshop about your needs. Many buyers often start with a small custom order, like a tea set with their own design, just to test quality and build the relationship.
In addition to well-known villages like Bat Trang, Phu Lang, and Thanh Ha, you might also check out places like
- Lai Thieu (Binh Duong province): renowned for household items (such as cups, teapots, vases) and decorative items (such as lamps and statues).
- Bien Hoa (Dong Nai province): famous for French-style ceramic art.
Tip #2: Meet Manufacturers at Big Trade Shows in Vietnam
If you want to meet a lot of Vietnamese ceramics suppliers in just a few days, trade shows are a great way to do it. Events like Lifestyle Vietnam (usually held in October) and Vietnam Expo (often in December), both in Ho Chi Minh City, are worth checking out.
These shows bring together many local producers – you can see their products in person, compare designs and quality, and talk to them directly. It’s a good chance to get a feel for what they offer. After the event, you can follow up by email and maybe start with a small test order before getting bigger.
Tip #3: Use Online Platforms (Vietnam Export, Alibaba, etc.)
If you need to start sourcing quickly or just want to get a feel for the market before coming to Vietnam, online platforms like Vietnam Export or Alibaba are a simple way to browse a wide range of Vietnamese pottery suppliers.
But since you can’t see or touch the products yourself, it’s always a good idea to check supplier profiles carefully. Look at how long they’ve been in business, what their production capacity is, whether they have proper quality certificates, and what past customers say about them. Also, always ask for samples before placing a large order.
If you need to start sourcing quickly or just want to get a feel for the market before coming to Vietnam, online platforms like Alibaba or VinaSources are a simple way to browse a wide range of Vietnamese pottery suppliers.
But since you can’t see or touch the products yourself, it’s always a good idea to check supplier profiles carefully. Look at how long they’ve been in business, what their production capacity is, whether they have proper quality certificates, and what past customers say about them. Also, always ask for samples before placing a large order.
Tip #4: Partner with a Local Sourcing Agent or Aggregator
Don’t worry if you can’t come to Vietnam to meet pottery makers in person or attend craft trade shows, because there are trusted local sourcing solutions like VinaSources.
VinaSources isn’t just a product listing site. It’s an all-in-one B2B sourcing platform built to help buyers see, evaluate, and connect with reliable pottery suppliers in Vietnam more easily. Every product we post goes through a standard review process. And every manufacturer we feature has to meet clear criteria in terms of operations, transparency, and ability to work with international buyers.
What’s most useful about VinaSources is that we don’t just help you find a supplier. We also make it easier to handle everything else involved in importing. Through our platform, you can connect with logistics companies, warehouses, payment services, customs brokers, and inspection teams — all in one place.
This way, you can save time, avoid costly mistakes, and reduce the risks that usually come with sourcing Vietnamese ceramics from abroad. From checking factory info and certifications to reviewing product details and quotes, everything’s there to help you make faster and more confident decisions.
Ready to get started? Contact us now.