Manufacturer vs Exporter vs Trading Company. Key Differences Explained

Manufacturer vs Exporter vs Trading Company

When sourcing products from Vietnam, international buyers often encounter three common types of suppliers: manufacturers, exporters, and trading companies. Understanding the differences between them helps buyers reduce risks, control costs, and build reliable supply chains.

Manufacturer

Direct Production Partner

A manufacturer is a company that directly produces goods in its own factory. Manufacturers control raw materials, production processes, quality standards, and output capacity.

Key characteristics:

• Owns and operates production facilities
• Offers OEM / private label manufacturing
• More control over quality and customization
• Usually requires higher MOQ

Best for:
Brands, wholesalers, and buyers seeking long-term cooperation, customization, and stable pricing.

Exporter

Production or Export-Focused Company

An exporter is a company legally authorized to export goods. Some exporters are manufacturers themselves, while others focus on export operations, logistics, and international sales.

Key characteristics:

• Handles export documentation and compliance
• May own factories or work closely with manufacturers
• Experienced in international shipping and trade terms
• Faster communication for overseas buyers

Best for:
Buyers who need export-ready products with professional logistics and documentation support.

Trading Company

Sourcing & Coordination Specialist

A trading company does not usually own factories. Instead, it sources products from multiple manufacturers and acts as an intermediary between buyers and producers.

Key characteristics:

• Flexible sourcing from different factories
• Lower MOQ in many cases
• Faster product matching and sourcing
• Less control over production details

Best for:
Buyers testing new markets, sourcing multiple product categories, or placing small to medium orders.

Key Differences at a Glance

Which Supplier Type Should You Choose?

The right choice depends on your sourcing goals:

• Choose a Manufacturer for OEM, private label, and large-volume orders
• Choose an Exporter for smooth international transactions and export compliance
• Choose a Trading Company for flexibility, small orders, and multi-category sourcing

Sourcing from Vietnam with Confidence

VietnamExporter.com helps global buyers connect with verified manufacturers, exporters, and trading companies, making it easier to choose the right partner for each sourcing need.