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punitive tariffs or trade barriers if exporters cannot meet strict management, improve product design and branding and adopt
traceability requirements. environmentally compliant production processes.
In the EU, the recently extended EU Deforestation Regulation Ensuring legal origins, meeting design preferences and
(EUDR) poses a similar challenge. Now scheduled to come offering competitive pricing will be essential to maintaining

into effect at the end of 2025 for large companies and mid- and growing market share.
2026 for small and medium-sized enterprises, the regulation Close cooperation between businesses, industry associations
aims to eliminate import of products linked to deforestation. and government agencies is seen as essential to navigating
Beyond individual markets the potential for broader trade the evolving regulatory landscape.
disputes or disruptions to global supply chains could further One of the key tools in this regard is the verification of
impact Vietnam’s wood product exports. This makes agility product origin which helps prevent trade fraud and supports
and preparedness a top priority for industry stakeholders. compliance with importing countries’ rules.
The Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association Legal capacity building, risk management improvements
(VIFOREST) has identified both opportunities and challenges and adherence to international environmental standards are also

ahead. It noted that global trends favour sustainable materials needed to strengthen Vietnam’s position in global timber trade.
in construction and interior design creating new prospects
for Vietnamese wood exporters that can meet eco-conscious CHINA
demand. Decline in China’s log imports
According to Tran Quang Bao, Director General of the China’s log imports in the first quarter of 2025 totalled 8.07
Forestry and Forest Protection Department under the Ministry million cubic metres valued at US$1.352 billion, down nine
of Agriculture and Rural Development, strengthening raw percent in volume and 10 percent in value compared to the

material areas is key to achieving long-term sustainability. first quarter of 2024.
This includes expanding large timber plantations and forests The average price for imported logs was US$168 (CIF) per
certified by FSC or PEFC standards. In the short term, pilot cubic metre, down 1.3 percent from the same period of 2024.
programmes to assign traceability codes to forest areas in Of total log imports, softwood log imports dropped seven
Northern provinces are underway and expected to be rolled percent to 5.78 million cubic metres, accounting for 72 percent
out nationwide. of the national total. The average price for imported softwood
These traceability codes are seen as a cornerstone logs declined five percent to US$127 (CIF) per cubic metre
for developing a legal timber supply chain that aligns with over the same period of 2024.
international requirements.

They also support Vietnam’s efforts to quantify carbon
sequestration potential, contributing to climate goals. www.pickpik.com
Ngo Sy Hoai, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of
VIFOREST, emphasised that competitiveness is vital to survive
in the current environment.
He noted that both the government and private sector are
stepping up efforts to promote sustainable forest certification

and adopt advanced traceability technologies.
Exporters are encouraged to invest in digital supply chain