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Modern Woodwork wood supply. Annual wood imports total only about US$1
billion, with higher-risk items (e.g., panels and furniture)
accounting for just US$200–300 million.
Third, the view that Vietnam’s export growth threatens

its forest resources is inaccurate. The country has closed
natural forests and does not use domestic natural timber for
exports. Exported products are primarily made from plantation
timber, rubber wood or legally sourced imports from positive
geographic regions.
Phuc urged relevant agencies to actively share information
to deepen accurate understanding of the sector’s role, thereby
mitigating risk and expanding markets.
Digital transformation boosts transparency Authorities and industry associations should shift their

At the Vietnam/US Wood Trade Dialogue held in Hanoi, industry approach by engaging more directly with export markets
representatives agreed on the need to increase imports of and environmental organisations, while joining international
raw wood from the US for processing and re-export to the associations to strengthen Vietnam’s global wood industry
US and other markets. presence.
Industry representatives and associations agreed to
enhance international cooperation to improve the reputation Vietnam’s wood industry in 2025 - navigating challenges
of Vietnam’s timber sector while ensuring transparency and and seizing opportunities

compliance with legal frameworks across the supply chain. Vietnam’s wood industry is a vital component of the nation’s
Hoai affirmed that Vietnam is emerging as a top supplier economy, consistently ranking among the top exporters. The
of wood and wood products to the US and one of the largest sector is evolving, focusing on sustainable practices and
consumers of US wood. Laws such as the Lacey Act are value-added products, while also navigating challenges such
strictly observed by both sides. as trade tensions and tariffs.
Vietnam has made sustained efforts to deal with concerns With a commitment to sustainability and growing capabilities,
over legality and sustainability. Vietnam’s wood industry is poised for continued growth and
The wood trade between the two countries not only delivers innovation in the years to come.
significant economic value but also offers added benefits: US Vietnam’s wood product portfolio is expanding beyond

consumers gain more access to high-quality, legally sourced, traditional offerings to include value-added, eco-friendly items.
reasonably priced products. While wooden furniture remains dominant, comprising around
To Xuan Phuc, Director of the Forest Policy Trade 60 percent of the country’s wood export value Vietnam is also
and Finance Program at Forest Trends stated that several becoming a key supplier of processed wood boards such as
misconceptions about Vietnam’s wood sector persist. First, plywood and MDF, construction components and bioenergy
while some believe Vietnam imports high-risk timber for re- products including wood pellets and chips.
export most imports serve the domestic market and import The wood industry in Vietnam is supported by a robust

volumes have dropped significantly. manufacturing base composed of both domestic leaders and
Second, Vietnam is not a trans-shipment hub for China’s foreign-invested enterprises. In 2024, the number of new