Taiwan’s footwear industry development: lessons and policy implications for Vietnam

Abstract

Taiwan is not only known as a hub for high-tech component manufacturing, such as iPhone chips, but also plays a crucial role as a strategic partner in supplying goods and services to many of the world's leading footwear brands, including Adidas, New Balance, and Nike. Taiwan's footwear industry has undergone a remarkable development journey, focusing on technological innovation, sustainable development, and establishing strategic partnerships. This article will analyze the key milestones of Taiwan’s footwear industry, providing valuable insights for Vietnam’s footwear sector. Despite its outstanding achievements in exports and manufacturing, Vietnam continues to face significant challenges, including increasingly stringent sustainability standards, technological limitations, dependence on imported materials, and competitive pressures from other countries. The article also proposes practical solutions based on Taiwan’s successful model to help Vietnam’s footwear industry achieve sustainable growth, enhance its competitiveness, and strengthen its position in the international market.