If you ask anyone familiar with Vietnam’s footwear industry to name a giant, VINH LONG FOOTWEAR CO., LTDwould certainly be part of the conversation. Founded in 2007 and based in Hoa Phu Industrial Park, Vinh Long Province, the company today operates actively with more than 22,000 employees, manufacturing and exporting a wide range of footwear, from sports shoes to rubber products, for some of the biggest brands globally.

The numbers tell a solid story. By the end of 2023, VINH LONG FOOTWEAR had total assets reaching USD 178.67 million and sales of around USD 347.07 million. Despite a slight dip in sales compared to 2022, the company still managed to increase its net profit to over USD 21 million, showing remarkable operational resilience. Owner’s equity grew steadily, reflecting strong internal management and a relatively healthy financial position. With such scale and performance, VINH LONG FOOTWEAR has clearly been an important contributor not only to the local economy but also to Vietnam’s global manufacturing reputation.

However, the horizon looks a bit cloudier these days. The proposed new tariff policy under former President Donald Trump’s trade strategy could bring heavy challenges. A 46% tariff on Vietnamese exports — including footwear — would be devastating for export-oriented firms like VINH LONG FOOTWEAR. Even with its strong foundation, such a sharp cost increase could shrink orders, pressure margins, and force difficult restructuring decisions. The company's heavy dependence on foreign markets, particularly the U.S., exposes it to these unpredictable policy shifts. Preparing for such external shocks will be critical in the years ahead if VINH LONG FOOTWEAR hopes to maintain its growth and protect the livelihoods of its thousands of workers.

VINH LONG FOOTWEAR CO., LTD stands today as a success story — but one that now needs to pivot smartly, balancing operational excellence with global strategic foresight.