Suppliers, prices, and tips to import shadow box linen from Vietnam

Do you want to import shadow box linen from Vietnam but aren’t sure where to start? Or are you looking to understand Vietnam’s export procedures, supplier networks, and pricing structures for this growing product category?
This guide will cover everything you need to know, from finding reliable manufacturers and estimating production costs to managing logistics and understanding export regulations.

Outlook for the global shadow box market

The global market for shadow boxes is seeing remarkable growth, driven by rising consumer interest in personalized home decor, innovative retail displays, and the preservation of memorabilia. Besides, the growing do-it-yourself (DIY) culture and the impact of social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram have also inspired people to seek more creative and personalized ways to display their memories.

In 2024, the global shadow box display frame market was valued at approximately USD 1.24 billion. North America leads the global market, with a market size of USD 420 million, followed by Europe and the Asia Pacific region.

Source: Growth Market Reports

This chart shows a clear upward trajectory in the global shadow box market, highlighting the growing demand for decorative and personalized home display products worldwide. By 2033, the market is expected to achieve a value of USD 2.13 billion. This rise indicates that consumers are increasingly drawn to customized, sustainable, and artisanal designs, especially shadow box frames made with natural materials like wood and linen.

Why has Vietnam become a global hub for exporting shadow box linen?

Southeast Asia is rapidly developing into both a strong manufacturing base and an expanding consumer market. Among these countries, Vietnam is steadily strengthening its role as one of Asia’s key production centers for shadow boxes. According to a recent report, Vietnam ranks as the third-largest exporter of shadow boxes in the world.

Here’s why Vietnam stands out as a trusted and competitive supplier:

1. Large and skilled artisans

Vietnam has a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and a deeply rooted culture of handmade production. With more than 5,400 craft villages spread across the nation, Vietnam’s artisanal network provides a steady foundation for both small-scale workshops and large manufacturing facilities.

2. Cost efficiency without sacrificing quality

Labor costs in Vietnam are 30–50% lower than in other major Asian manufacturing countries like China and Thailand, which means you can get high-quality products at more competitive prices.

In addition, many factories use locally sourced wood, bamboo, and linen, which not only keeps costs down but also reduces environmental impact.

3. Strong infrastructure

Vietnam’s rapidly developing infrastructure plays a key role in supporting its growth as a global manufacturing and export hub. Vietnam’s industrial zones are well connected to major seaports like Cat Lai, Hai Phong, and Da Nang, ensuring fast and efficient shipping around the world.

4. Import tariff incentives

Importing shadow box linen from Vietnam can help importers take advantage of free trade agreements, such as the CPTPP, UKVFTA, and EVFTA.

These agreements help simplify customs procedures and reduce tariffs on the shadow box to 0%. For buyers, this means lower import duties, smoother shipping, and better price stability.

With its strong craft village network, abundant natural materials, and skilled workforce, Vietnam has the potential to become a leading handicraft manufacturing hub in Asia.

How to import shadow box linen from Vietnam

Below is a practical, step-by-step guide to help you handle the import shadow box linen process, from finding the right supplier to getting your products delivered safely.

1. Research and shortlist suppliers

It’s essential to find reliable suppliers who can provide high-quality shadow box linen at competitive prices. You can research suppliers from Vietnam through online platforms, trade shows, and exhibitions.

Although Vietnam is home to a large network of shadow box linen export-ready manufacturers, not all factories have the same experience or quality control standards. So when shortlisting suppliers, focus on the following:

• Verify factory size and workforce scalability: Check whether the factory can handle your expected production volume while maintaining stable quality. Ask about their daily or monthly capacity to ensure they can scale up if your orders increase.
• Their experience in wood manufacturing: Prioritize suppliers with proven experience in producing display frames, décor items, or shadow boxes for export. Experienced factories are more familiar with international standards and packaging requirements.
• Adherence to international standards: Confirm whether the supplier follows ISO 9001 for production processes, which guarantee consistency, quality management, and safety across all manufacturing stages.
• Material Sourcing: Ensure the supplier uses FSC-certified wood or other sustainably sourced materials.

2. Request samples and evaluate quality

Before placing a bulk order, always request samples. This helps you evaluate both product craftsmanship and supplier reliability.
When reviewing your shadow box linen samples, pay close attention to:

• Wood quality: The frame should have a smooth surface with no cracks or rough spots.
• Linen material: Inspect the texture of the linen fabric. It should be tightly woven, evenly stretched, and securely attached to the backing without glue marks or wrinkles.

3. Negotiate contract terms

Once you’re satisfied with the samples, the next step is to finalize your contract with clear and detailed terms.

Your contract should outline the responsibilities and expectations of both parties:

• Product specifications: Include exact measurements, frame materials, linen fabric type, color options, and finishing details. Attach photos or approved samples as visual references to avoid miscommunication.
• Pricing and payment terms: Common payment terms are 30% deposit before production and 70% after final inspection or before shipment.
• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): Confirm the factory’s MOQ and discuss flexibility for future scaling as your demand grows.
• Lead time and delivery schedule: Set realistic production timelines, shipping dates, and penalties for late delivery.
• Intellectual property: If your shadow box linen includes custom designs or branding, ensure the contract protects your design rights and prevents replication.

4. Production inspection

Conducting a production inspection or factory visit is also essential because it allows you to verify that the materials, craftsmanship, and overall quality meet the agreed specifications. It also helps identify and address potential issues early, saving time, money, and protecting your business reputation in the long run.

If you’re sourcing online, you can work with a local sourcing agent in Vietnam. These agents can act on your behalf to verify suppliers, negotiate prices, and oversee quality control throughout the production process.

5. Shipping, Logistics, and Customs Clearance

Like with any export, your shipment of a shadow box from Vietnam will need the right paperwork to clear customs. You should prepare custom documents to export shadow box linen from Vietnam, including:

• An import license
• Bill of lading
• Contract
• Certificate of origin showing the goods are made in Vietnam
• Commercial invoice
• Customs export declaration form
• Export Permit
• Packing list
• Other documents

Handling paperwork and shipping can be overwhelming, so partnering with a licensed customs broker helps ensure all documents are filed correctly and prevents costly errors.

Once your export documents are prepared, the next step is to choose a shipping method that aligns with your needs. Vietnam has major seaports such as Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) and Hai Phong (North Vietnam), which handle most export shipments. You can choose between sea freight and air freight, depending on your order size and delivery timeline. Sea freight is more cost-effective for large quantities, while air freight is ideal for smaller or urgent orders that require faster delivery.

Where to find reliable shadow box linen suppliers in Vietnam?

1. Verified clusters

These days, Vietnamese handicrafts are exported to 163 countries, accounting for nearly 10% of global demand.

Among the key regions are Đong Ky (Bac Ninh) and Van Diem (Ha Noi) – both well known for their expertise in producing household wooden goods and handcrafted picture frames. These areas have long been centers of Vietnam’s traditional woodworking heritage, where artisans combine meticulous craftsmanship with modern production techniques to create export-quality products.

Meanwhile, in the south, Binh Duong Province is widely recognized as Vietnam’s furniture capital, excelling in high-volume craft production supported by agile and efficient supply chains. It serves as the country’s leading hub for wood processing and export, housing numerous large-scale factories and manufacturing complexes.

Areas such as Tan Uyen, Thuan An, and Ben Cat are home to many foreign-invested enterprises (FDIs) and local manufacturers specializing in furniture, home décor, and wooden shadow box frame production. These factories operate with advanced technology and strict quality control systems, ensuring that every product meets international export standards.

2. Online platform

In Vietnam, several reliable supplier directories make it easier for international buyers to connect with verified manufacturers. Two of the most popular B2B platforms are Global Sources and VinaSources. These platforms allow you to browse a wide range of products, from home decor and wooden crafts to furniture and handmade accessories, all produced by trusted Vietnamese suppliers.

For anyone looking to import shadow box linen from Vietnam, these platforms are an excellent starting point. They save time, reduce sourcing risks, and help you find reliable suppliers that match your product requirements and business goals.

3. Trade fairs

Attending trade shows and exhibitions in Vietnam is an effective way to discover new suppliers and stay informed about the latest industry trends.

Vietnam hosts several major trade fairs and exhibitions each year, creating excellent opportunities for global buyers to network with suppliers and negotiate prices.

• One of the most prominent events is the Vietnam Expo, held annually in Hanoi. It is recognized as the largest international trade fair in the country, connecting foreign buyers with verified Vietnamese suppliers across multiple industries. The fair showcases a wide range of products, from handicrafts and home décor to industrial goods, and serves as a gateway for businesses looking to build long-term partnerships in Vietnam.
• In the south, the VIFA Expo (Vietnam International Furniture and Home Accessories Fair) is the biggest furniture and home décor trade event in Vietnam. It brings together hundreds of exhibitors specializing in furniture, handicrafts, home accessories, and decorative items. The event is especially valuable for importers who want to view products in person, compare designs, and connect directly with manufacturers.

Both of these trade fairs offer an authentic look into Vietnam’s craftsmanship and manufacturing capabilities.

What is the cost of importing shadow box linen from Vietnam?

The total import of shadow box linen depends on several factors, including materials, labor, and factory price, to shipping and logistics costs.
Here’s a breakdown to help you plan your sourcing budget more accurately.

1. Materials

Materials make up the largest portion of the production cost when you import shadow box linen from Vietnam, typically accounting for 40-60% of the total factory price. Most manufacturers use solid wood or bamboo for the frame, depending on the buyer’s quality and budget requirements.

Solid wood provides a premium finish and excellent durability, making it ideal for high-end or long-lasting designs. In contrast, bamboo is lighter, eco-friendly, and more cost-efficient, making it a popular choice for sustainable or mass-market products.

Additional materials such as paints, coatings, adhesives, glass panels, and decorative trims also add to the overall cost, influencing both the final appearance and durability of the finished shadow box linen.

2. Labor

Vietnam’s labor costs are among the most competitive in Asia, making it an attractive destination for manufacturing and export. However, actual labor expenses can vary depending on several factors:

• Product complexity: More detailed or hand-finished designs require more time and skill.
• Order size: Small batch production often has higher labor costs per unit.
• Factory location: Wages in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi can be 15-25% higher than in smaller provinces.

3. Overhead & factory margin

Every manufacturer includes a factory margin in the final product price to cover general operating expenses such as electricity, rent, administrative costs, and profit.

For products like shadow box linen, which require both woodworking and textile processes, the factory margin may be slightly higher due to the need for specialized labor, quality inspection, and finishing work.

4. Shipping & logistics costs

Shipping and logistics make up a significant part of the total landed cost when you import shadow box linen from Vietnam. The overall expense depends on your shipment size, delivery method, and destination.

You should also account for inland transportation and export fees, which include moving goods from the factory to the port and completing customs documentation.

5. MOQ and economies of scale

Vietnamese manufacturers typically set Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) for shadow box linen between 300 and 1,000 pieces per design, depending on the level of customization and production capacity. Placing larger orders often results in better cost efficiency, as it enables factories to use materials more effectively, organize labor more efficiently, and minimize setup time for each production run.

6. Quality standards and compliance

Compliance and quality assurance are critical because they can influence your final import cost more than many realize.

Depending on your target market, shadow box linen products may need to meet specific regulations and standards related to product safety, labeling, and sustainability.

These often include:

• Material safety: Using non-toxic finishes, certified fabrics, and safe adhesives.
• Labeling and packaging: Displaying clear information such as the country of origin, material composition, and care instructions.
• Sustainability requirements: Sourcing FSC-certified wood or using eco-friendly dyes and coatings to meet environmental standards.

In addition, you may need to allocate a budget for:

• Third-party inspection services to verify product quality and compliance.
• Testing and certification based on your importing country’s requirements.
• Repackaging or re-labeling

By understanding each cost component, you can manage expenses effectively while ensuring high-quality, export-ready products that meet your market’s standards.

VinaSources: Supporting international sellers in Vietnam

If you’re sourcing from abroad, finding a partner you can truly rely on is never easy. Cultural differences, language barriers, and distance often make the process more complicated than it needs to be.

VinaSources is a Vietnam-based sourcing company dedicated to helping international buyers connect with trusted Vietnamese suppliers. We offer a rich product listing featuring high-quality home decor, handicrafts, and lifestyle goods, making it easier for you to find reliable partners and sources with confidence.

The process of sourcing products at VinaSources is very simple and easy to follow:

1. Explore the product listings and check the detailed specifications.
2. Click “Request for Quotation” to send your inquiry.
3. Review supplier replies, compare quotes, and confirm your preferred sample before placing the order.

Here are the specs and features of the Vietnamese shadow box linen on VinaSources:

#	Criteria	Details
1	Material	Wood
2	Size	8″x10″x2.17″ (outer) 6.8″x8.8″x1.57″ (inner space)
3	Usage	Showcase medals, tickets, keepsakes, and other memorable items.
4	MOQ	1000pcs
5	Lead time	1 – 100: 15 days 101-2000: 25 days 2001-3599: 35 days
6	Customized logo	Acceptable
7	Customized packaging	Acceptable (FBA, Wholesale,…)

Interested in bulk orders? Visit the product page, submit your RFQ, and request your quote today!