Vietnam's False Eyelash Exports Surpass Traditional Producers: A New Global Supply Hub Emerges

In recent years, a quiet revolution has been unfolding in the global false eyelash industry: Vietnam has overtaken traditional manufacturing powerhouses to become the world’s leading exporter of false eyelashes. According to Vietnam Customs data, 2023 exports of false eyelashes and related products reached $820 million, a 35% year-on-year increase, surpassing China’s $780 million and South Korea’s $320 million in the same period. This shift marks a significant realignment in a market valued at $12.3 billion globally, raising questions about what drives Vietnam’s ascent and its implications for the future of lash production.

The Drivers Behind Vietnam’s Surge

Vietnam’s rise is no accident; it stems from a strategic mix of cost efficiency, policy support, and supply chain evolution. Labor costs remain a cornerstone: with minimum wages averaging $180–$220 per month—30% lower than China’s coastal regions—Vietnam offers manufacturers a competitive edge in labor-intensive lash production, where handcrafting still dominates high-end products.

Government policies have amplified this advantage. The Vietnamese government’s “Export Boost” program, launched in 2020, provides tax breaks for cosmetic manufacturers and streamlines customs clearance for beauty products. Industrial zones in Binh Duong and Dong Nai provinces, tailored for cosmetic production, now host over 150 lash-focused factories, complete with on-site training centers to upskill workers in precision lash application techniques.

Equally critical is Vietnam’s integration into a localized supply chain. Previously reliant on imported lash丝 (lash fibers) from China, Vietnamese producers now source 60% of raw materials domestically, thanks to investments in synthetic fiber production facilities. This vertical integration cuts lead times from 45 to 25 days, a key selling point for fast-fashion beauty brands demanding quick turnarounds.

Quality, once a barrier, has become a strength. Vietnamese factories now hold EU REACH and U.S. FDA certifications, with 70% of exports targeting premium markets in Europe and North America. Brands like “LashViet” and “Saigon Lashes” have gained traction for their cruelty-free mink alternatives and customizable designs, challenging the perception that low cost equates to low quality.

Implications for Traditional Producers

China and South Korea, long the industry’s stalwarts, are responding to Vietnam’s challenge. Chinese manufacturers are shifting focus to high-tech, automated production for luxury lash lines, while South Korea is doubling down on K-beauty collaborations to retain brand loyalty. Yet, Vietnam’s momentum shows no signs of slowing: its export growth outpaces the global market’s 12% annual expansion, suggesting it is capturing not just existing demand but new segments, too.

The Road Ahead

Vietnam’s dominance faces potential hurdles, including rising labor costs as the industry expands and competition for raw materials. However, its agility—exemplified by pivoting to eco-friendly lash adhesives and biodegradable packaging—positions it to lead the next wave of industry innovation. As one Hanoi-based manufacturer noted, “We’re not just making lashes; we’re building a reputation as a reliable, adaptive partner for global beauty brands.”

For the global lash market, Vietnam’s ascent signals a new era of diversification. Traditional producers must innovate, while brands and consumers alike gain access to more choices—proof that in beauty, as in business, adaptability is the ultimate accessory.