he third edition of the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) reinforced its growing role as a key sourcing and business platform for the ASEAN textile industry.
The three-day event welcomed over 17,000 visits from 54 countries and regions and featured more than 460 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions across 18,000 sqm of exhibition space. The 2026 edition also introduced new international pavilions and specialised zones, expanding sourcing opportunities across additional geographies and product categories.
The event’s expanded fringe programme, highlighted by the debut Trend Forum, further positioned VIATT as an integrated textile trade platform covering the entire value chain.
“This exhibition takes place at a time when Vietnam’s textile and garment industry is entering a new phase of development – shifting from extensive to intensive growth, from contractual manufacturing to higher value-added production, and from traditional production models to green and smart manufacturing,” said Mr Bui Quang Hung, Deputy Director General of VIETRADE, at the fair’s opening ceremony. “VIATT 2026 encourages leading global brands to transfer technology, share management expertise, and engage in the development of domestic raw material supply chains.”
Reflecting on the fair’s development, Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, noted:
“With each edition, VIATT has grown in both depth and breadth – not just as a sourcing platform, but as a space where the industry comes together to shape the future of the textile industry across the ASEAN region. The response from exhibitors and visitors alike reflects a growing recognition of what this fair uniquely offers: a holistic view of the entire value chain in three textile sectors, underpinned by a shared commitment to design, sustainability, and international collaboration.”
International Pavilions Expand Global Sourcing
The returning European Zone once again attracted strong interest, showcasing exhibitors from Italy, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United Kingdom. Within this zone, the German Pavilion offered buyers access to advanced engineering solutions and high-quality textile technologies, emphasising compliance, reliability and long-standing manufacturing expertise.
The fair also welcomed the inaugural Türkiye Zone, further expanding VIATT’s international sourcing landscape and introducing additional textile expertise to the platform.
Exhibitors Highlight Global Business Opportunities
Suppliers across the textile value chain reported strong business engagement and valuable international connections.
A key exhibitor from the German Pavilion, Ms Chixian Zhao, Deputy General Manager of Ibena Shanghai Technical Textiles, commented:
“We focus on technical textiles, especially flame-retardant fabrics for firefighters and emergency response, but also chemical protection workwear and EV fire protection. The German Pavilion’s design is simple and beautiful, while the concept is valuable and well-arranged, including matching us with VIP buyers, and introducing our company onstage – which drew additional visitors to our booth. We have connected with some Vietnamese firefighter agencies, while I’m very pleasantly surprised to find many overseas buyers who have factories or supply chain segments in Vietnam.”
Exhibitors also highlighted the fair’s increasingly international visitor base.
Ms Kiki Chen, Global Marketing Communications Manager, Covation Biomaterials LLC, said:
“The Southeast Asian and Vietnamese markets are gaining traction, and VIATT has helped us connect with several international brands, including Inditex, PVH, and Sneakers Group, as well as some fabric and garment manufacturers and traders. It is the most international fair I’ve exhibited at for two years, and we met high-quality buyers and contacts from the US, Europe, Southeast Asia, China and more.”
From the home textile sector, Mr Xavier Leite, President of Home from Portugal, added:
“As an association promoting Portuguese textiles for home and contracting, we aim to reach new markets and buyers who appreciate medium-high to high-end products. VIATT offers us a chance to display our products alongside competitors from various countries, many of whom already buy from Portugal. We’ve made valuable contacts at this year’s show – visitors appreciate the uniqueness of our high-quality, niche market products.”
Three-Sector Format Drives Market Opportunities
VIATT’s unique structure covering apparel fabrics and fashion, home and contract textiles, and technical textiles and technologies was highlighted as a major advantage by exhibitors.
Mr Ezra Clarence, Marketing Manager, PT Kary Indomas Elok, explained:
“We are showcasing products mainly for clothes, stuffed toys, and home furniture. VIATT combines three sectors together which is a perfect match for us and helps us reach new potential customers. We want to export to the US and Europe as well and we met such targeted customers here. Our A/W collections got attention from big clients such as GAP and Carter’s.”
Returning exhibitors also praised the quality of international buyers attending the event.
Mr James Jing, Vietbac Textile Printing and Dyeing Co Ltd, commented:
“This is our second time at VIATT, and during this edition we’ve met new quality international clients with offices in Vietnam. The Southeast Asian market is gaining traction, and recent tax reductions in Vietnam encourage European customers to order from here. We value the fair’s international and professional atmosphere and are pleased with the buyer quality and footfall. We plan to return in 2027.”
The fair’s new Textile Chemicals & Dyes Zone also received positive feedback.
Mr David YT Kweon, General Manager of Korea / Vietnam Market, Colourtex Industries, noted:
“In the textile industry, not just fabrics and filaments but chemical factors – especially dyes and chemical additives – are very important, as all fibres need to be dyed. When companies from multiple sectors are concentrated in one place, there are more opportunities to exchange and share ideas, which positively affects our business activities.”
First-Time Exhibitors Explore ASEAN Market Potential
New participants also highlighted VIATT’s growing influence within the ASEAN market.
Mr Nattapong Tummachudpong, Chief Executive Officer, Double Star Industry, said:
“We are a fully vertical integrated company starting from spinning, weaving, dyeing, finishing. The ASEAN market has been growing rapidly, and we think that we have a lot of things to offer to the global market. It’s our first time joining this fair and I think we get to explore a lot of opportunities, to see new faces in the market, and to talk to some of the potential customers. I think that’s the start of a great business to come.”
The event also hosted 10 international buyer delegations from eight countries and regions, while VIP buyers from brands including Adidas, Gap, H&M, Lululemon, Muji, Nitori, Osprey and Perry Ellis participated in sourcing meetings.
Buyers Highlight the Importance of the Value Chain
Visitors attending the fair emphasised the importance of transparency and collaboration across the textile supply chain.
“As a Canadian-owned company, we partner with many strategic vendors in Vietnam. What’s quite unique about this country is seeing that transition towards more innovative qualities; moving away from just volume towards material differentiation. This fair is very important because for a lot of brands, it’s important to look at the entire value chain. From a traceability perspective, it is invaluable to have insight into your yarn supplier, the yarns being used in your fabrics, and ultimately your garment suppliers. That’s one thing I found especially helpful at VIATT 2026.”
Mr Wiliam Yip, Raw Materials Lead, Mountain Equipment Company, Canada
“There are many suppliers from different countries and a wide choice of raw materials such as fabrics, as well as many new techniques. For example, Thailand has a supplier with new improvements in towel materials and double-layer towel technology, which is very impressive and especially suitable for Vietnam.”
Ms Nancy Le, Vice Director, GM Corp., Vietnam
“Our company has around 68 offices across 60 countries, supplying a wide range of products including garments, plastics, and household products. I came to VIATT to source directly from manufacturers and special materials that we can nominate for our suppliers. I have already identified some textile sourcing options from India and China, and I am very satisfied with the experience.”
Ms Do Chung Tu, Senior Sourcing Merchandiser, Link Worldwide, Vietnam
Knowledge Sharing Through an Expanded Fringe Programme
Beyond the exhibition floor, VIATT 2026 featured an expanded programme designed to share industry insights and market strategies with international professionals.
Key highlights included:
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The inaugural Trend Forum
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Vietnam Textile & Garment Industry Development Strategy Summit (VTGIS)
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Textile Industry Exchange sessions
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Industry seminars, panel discussions and workshops
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Three international fashion shows
These activities provided valuable insights into design trends, innovation strategies and the future development of the regional textile industry.
“Southeast Asia is no longer just a manufacturing alternative – it is becoming a strategic innovation hub. By integrating fashion, home textiles, and technology into one conversation, the fringe programme reflects how the industry operates today, as innovation increasingly happens between categories. Through talks, forums, and curated spaces, the Trend Forum allows trend content to go beyond visual inspiration, helping exhibitors and visitors move from trend-following to trend understanding.”
Mr Kai Chow, Lead Curator, VIATT Trend Forum and Creative Director of MUSEATIVE
“Digital transformation is no longer optional. Especially for 3D design, AI-assisted development and virtual collaboration are now becoming a standard tool to reduce waste, shorten lead time, and improve global communication. We encourage companies to adopt those these workflows early, so they will get a competitive advantage in cost, speed, and sustainability, and we wanted to give our audience a clearer picture of how AI can integrate into their production. They were really interested as it can help them reduce costs and build up the necessary strategic tools for sustainable growth.”
Ms Kathy Pham, Associate, Business Development, CLO, Vietnam
Outlook
The third edition of VIATT confirmed its expanding role as a regional sourcing hub connecting ASEAN markets with global textile suppliers. With increasing participation from international brands, manufacturers and technology providers, the event continues to strengthen Vietnam’s position within the global textile supply chain.
The next edition of VIATT will take place 24 – 26 February 2027 in Ho Chi Minh City.
