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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.

