Vietnam, alongside China, Indonesia, and the Philippines, is one of the top four global exporters of rattan, bamboo, rush, and mats. These products are now found in over 130 countries, reflecting the journey of Vietnam’s traditional handicrafts, which embody rich cultural and technical expertise.
Overview Vietnam Handicraft Industry
Vietnamese handicrafts have a rich heritage rooted in centuries of civilisation, with numerous craft villages emerging after 1010, especially around the Red River. Bamboo and rattan weaving initially developed alongside farming in rural areas, benefiting from ample raw materials and labour. This craft, often practised by women during their downtime, produced everyday items like baskets, trays, and musical instruments. During the French colonial period, Vietnamese artisans gained international recognition through fairs and exhibitions. Today, over 1,000 craft villages in Vietnam specialise in bamboo and rattan weaving, passing down traditional skills across generations.
With abundant raw materials, skilled craftsmanship, and a commitment to preserving traditional values, Vietnam stands as a top choice for sourcing and importing high-quality handicraft products.
See more: From Craft to International Brand: Vietnamese Bamboo and Rattan Weaving Journey
Export Situation of the Vietnam Handicraft Industry
Over the years, total exports of these handicrafts have shown significant growth, especially between 2019 and 2021, where the total value jumped from around $443.6 million to $809.8 million in 2021. However, after peaking in 2021, there is a decline in 2022 and 2023, reflecting some market adjustments after the boom, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Export Market
United States: The U.S. has been the largest market for Vietnamese handicrafts, with exports growing sharply from $31.8 million in 2011 to a peak of $373.9 million in 2021. Despite this growth, exports to the U.S. decreased in 2022 and 2023, ending at $274.9 million in 2023.
Japan: Japan is another significant market, consistently importing large amounts of Vietnamese handicrafts. Exports to Japan increased from $29.1 million in 2011 to a high of $79.9 million in 2022, before dipping slightly to $71.3 million in 2023.
India: India, although not a major market in the early years (no exports before 2013), saw rapid growth, reaching $39.9 million in 2022 and slightly declining to $38.1 million in 2023.
European Markets:
- European countries such as Spain, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany also represent important markets. For example, exports to Spain increased from $6 million in 2011 to $38.3 million in 2022, though they slightly decreased in 2023.
- Germany saw steady imports, with export values peaking at $41.6 million in 2021, but they also experienced a drop to $34 million in 2023.
Emerging Markets:
- Countries like South Korea, Canada, and Australia have shown promising growth. For instance, exports to South Korea rose to $23.3 million in 2021 before declining in the following years.
- Canada saw a sharp increase in demand, with exports growing from $3.6 million in 2011 to $22.9 million in 2021, although there was a decline in 2023.
The strong handicraft products of Vietnam
Bamboo: 63% of Vietnam’s total export turnover.
Rattan: 36% of total export turnover. These two materials form the backbone of Vietnam’s rattan and bamboo product exports, with bamboo products leading the charge.
HS Code Classification for Rattan and Bamboo Products
Vietnamese rattan and bamboo products are primarily classified into two HS Code groups, which determine how they are traded internationally:
HS 4602 – Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker, and Products Made from Braided Materials
This group accounts for the majority of Vietnam’s export turnover. Products under this classification include:
- Carpets
- Baskets
- Household Items (e.g., trays, containers)
- Handbags
- Handmade Gifts
- Decorations
- Various Other Woven Products
Key Subcategories:
- HS 46021990 (Bamboo and Rattan Products): This category contributes 60% of the total export turnover under HS 4602, with an annual turnover of approximately 200 million USD. Key markets for these products include the US, EU, and Japan, particularly in rattan carpets, household containers, and handmade gifts.
- HS 460290 (Other Bamboo and Rattan Products): This product group saw strong growth, particularly in 2020 and 2021. After a dip during the COVID-19 pandemic, the export turnover rebounded to 51 million USD in 2023, reflecting the recovery of demand.
HS 57 – Carpets and Other Floor Coverings
This group is another critical export segment for Vietnam, with a variety of bamboo and rattan carpets:
- Rattan Carpets
- Hand-Woven Carpets
- Bamboo Rugs
Vietnam ranks 10th globally in carpet exports, with an annual turnover of approximately 300 million USD. The turnover grew sharply from 143 million USD in 2019 to 368 million USD in 2021, driven by the rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. Coconut fiber carpets are the most popular and make up a significant portion of exports. Vietnam’s carpet export turnover grew by an average of 29.5% per year from 2010 to 2020, and the market shows strong potential for continued growth, especially with the demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly products.
What products should you source from Vietnam?
Baskets, Handbags, and Storage containers: Made from rattan and bamboo, these products are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Personal Accessories: Items like bamboo fans, hats, and jewellery.
Bamboo and Rattan Furniture: Including chairs, tables, and shelves.
Decorative Items: Handcrafted decorations such as wall hangings, plant holders, and lamps.
Household Containers: Including waste bins, laundry baskets, and storage baskets.
Hotel Furniture: Bamboo and rattan beds, chairs, and tables.
Decorative Pieces: Items used in hotel lobbies and rooms, including vases and woven decorations.
Handmade Gifts: Popular in tourist destinations, these include bamboo crafts and small woven items.
Traditional Artworks: Handcrafted goods for souvenirs.
Bamboo, Rattan, Sedge, and Carpet Craft Villages in Vietnam
Vietnam are home to over 1,000 bamboo and rattan craft villages, making up about 24% of the country’s total handicraft villages. These villages are primarily located in the Northern and Central regions, with the Southwest focusing on products made from water hyacinth and palm leaves.
Notable Bamboo and Rattan Craft Villages:
- Bao La Bamboo and Rattan (Quang Phu, Quang Dien, Thua Thien Hue)
- Van Son Bamboo and Rattan Cooperative (Kim Hoa, Tuyen Hoa, Quang Binh)
- Hoang Thinh Bamboo and Rattan Craft Village (Hoang Hoa, Thanh Hoa)
- Nghi Thai Bamboo and Rattan Craft Village (Nghi Loc, Nghe An)
- Phu Le Bamboo and Rattan Craft Village (Ba Tri, Ben Tre)
- Do Xuyen Bamboo and Rattan Craft Village (Thanh Ba, Phu Tho)
These villages have a long history, with some dating back up to 600 years, and they are renowned for their high craftsmanship and sophisticated production techniques.
Vietnamese artisans have developed unique methods of combining different materials such as rattan, sedge, duckweed, plastic fiber, and pressed bamboo, making their products both aesthetically appealing and cost-effective. This creativity is crucial in adapting to challenges like the limited supply of traditional materials (e.g., rattan), helping the craft villages maintain competitiveness. These innovations contribute to the global reputation of Vietnamese bamboo and rattan products, boosting their position in international markets.
The combination of rich tradition, skilled craftsmanship, and innovative use of materials enables Vietnam’s bamboo and rattan craft villages to thrive and remain key players in the global handicraft industry.
Sourcing via VnCommEx
Sourcing high-quality bamboo and rattan products requires meticulous attention to detail and a robust quality control process to ensure defect-free results. Selecting the right partner from a pool of suppliers can be challenging, especially when transparency and reliability are key.
Let VnCommEx be the bridge that optimizes your production and export processes in the bamboo and rattan industry. Contact us today for more information on our professional sourcing services and expert consulting to help you navigate the global market effectively.
See more: Vietnam: The Ultimate Destination for Wood Sourcing
