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            Of this, the WP exports contributed US$500 million, up   The  regulation’s  traceability  requirements  may  pose  a
          5.4 percent compared to February 2024.             challenge in some situations. But they may also create
            In the first two months of 2025, W&WP exports amounted   important possibilities for  others.  For example, they offer
          to US$2.2 billion, down 0.8 percent over the same period in   significant opportunities for smallholders in third countries,

          2024 of which, the WP share was US$1.48 billion, down 1.7   such as Vietnam, by ensuring a more transparent and traceable
          percent over the same period in 2024.              value chain.
            In January 2025 imports of raw wood (logs and sawnwood)   Meanwhile, by owning their geolocation data, smallholders
          totalled 413,400 cubic metres, worth US$127.3 million, down   will gain greater independence in the value chain, enabling
          18 percent in volume and 22 percent in value compared to   direct relationships with suppliers and fairer pricing.
          December 2024.                                        Furthermore, the regulation will facilitate technical support
            Compared to January 2024imports decreased by five   and  capacity  building  from  business  partners  who  depend
          percent  in  volume  and  12  percent  in  value.  The  reason  for   on information exchange, helping smallholders and their
          the decrease in the first month of 2025 is attributed to the   cooperatives meet requirements.

          impact of the Lunar New Year holiday.                 Recognising the importance of the EUDR, the Vietnamese
            NTFP exports in January 2025 decreased by seven   government is assisting stakeholders to build deforestation-free,
          percent compared to December 2024 and decreased by   legal supply chains. For instance, it is fostering collaboration
          seven percent compared to January 2024 and were valued   among coffee, rubber and timber actors to address challenges
          at US$74.42 million.                               in these sectors.
                                                                In doing so the government is encouraging the development
          Vietnam preparing for the EUDR                     of sustainable and climate-adaptive agricultural products

          Vietnam is a major global exporter of timber, coffee and rubber.   and demonstrating its dedication to building sustainable,
          As such the EUDR presents both challenges and opportunities.   deforestation-free supply chains that meet EUDR requirements.
            For instance, adapting commercial operations to ensure
          the production of deforestation-free commodities will require   EU, a strong partner for Vietnam
          adjustments, especially strengthening business due diligence   The EU has introduced several measures to help stakeholders
          systems.                                           prepare for the implementation of the regulation.
            At the same time, however, it also offers the potential
          to improve Vietnam’s sustainability credentials and global                                          flickr.com
          competitiveness.

            With the EUDR the focus is shifting from voluntary action
          to a regulatory framework. Companies placing products on
          the EU market will be required to conduct due diligence. This
          includes ensuring products are deforestation-free, complying
          with national legislation and provide geolocation data for
          production plots.
            Vietnamese enterprises are preparing a robust traceability

          systems and to conduct due diligence to ensure their products
          meet EUDR requirements.
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