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Vietnam's 2026 wage lift raises stakes for garment exporters

At the same time, the wage move is arriving in a very specific moment for the country and the sector. Vietnam is trying to sustain export-led growth while navigating a more volatile trade environment and rising compliance expectations from global brands.

Vietnam’s exports surged in ****, with exports to the US hitting new highs, underlining how central manufacturing remains to the broader economy. For apparel producers, the wage hike is not a standalone event. It compounds existing pressures on margins, productivity, and the need to move up the value chain.