Vietnam's wood industry boosts exports to potential markets

On the afternoon of August 14, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Ho Chi Minh City Branch (VCCI-HCM), Lien Minh Wood Handicrafts JSC, and the Vietnam Association for Building Materials (VABM) held a press conference to announce the 3^rd Vietnam ASEAN International Furniture & Home Accessories Fair – VIFA  ASEAN 2025.

According to data from the General Department of Customs under the Ministry of Finance, Vietnam's total import-export turnover in the first 7 months of 2025 increased by 14.8% compared to the same period last year. Notably, the wood and furniture sector remained a bright spot, ranking among the top six export categories, with a total export turnover of USD 11.7 billion, up 8.6% compared to the same period last year.

According to Mr. Tran Ngoc Liem, Director of VCCI-HCM, the U.S. remains Vietnam's major export market for wood and furniture products, with a total export turnover of USD 5.4 billion, up 10% compared to the same period in 2024.

"This demonstrates the trust of U.S. importers in Vietnam as one of the world's leading suppliers of wooden furniture. It provides a solid foundation for Vietnamese enterprises to further tap into this potential market," said Mr. Tran Ngoc Liem, adding that other major export markets for wood and furniture products have also continued to record growth.

These impressive figures reflect the strong recovery of Vietnamese enterprises, especially amid volatility in the global market. They also serve as a solid basis for expecting a successful business year for the export sector in general and the wood and furniture industry in particular.

However, Vietnam's wood, furniture, and handicraft industries still rely heavily on a single major export market, the U.S., which poses potential risks.

"In addition to maintaining and developing the U.S. market, boosting exports to other potential markets such as Japan, China, and the EU is a necessary strategy to minimize risks and ensure sustainable development. This approach not only helps balance the market but also opens up many new opportunities for Vietnam's wood industry in a volatile global economy," Mr. Tran Ngoc Liem noted.

Against this backdrop of multiple challenges, VIFA  ASEAN 2025 is expected to serve as a bridge for Vietnamese enterprises to connect with the ASEAN and international business communities. This event will also provide a strong platform for proactively seeking new orders, expanding cooperation opportunities, and building connections with global buyers.

According to Mr. Dang Quoc Hung, General Director of Lien Minh Wood Handicrafts JSC, under the theme "The convergence of Southeast Asia's interior quintessence," VIFA  ASEAN 2025 is expected to gather more than 200 domestic and international enterprises from countries and territories such as Thailand, Indonesia, the U.S., China, Taiwan, India, and Hong Kong. Exhibits will range from living room, hotel, and resort furniture to household items, decorative products, handicrafts, woodworking machinery, equipment, and materials.

"This will be an important destination for the regional interior-exterior industry, contributing to realizing the goal of turning Ho Chi Minh City into ASEAN's furniture trading hub," Mr. Dang Quoc Hung said.

VIFA  ASEAN 2025 is anticipated to attract over 10,000 visitors and buyers, gather 350 furniture exhibitors, and showcase 1,000 booths. This event offers not only a showcase of products but also an opportunity to gain deeper access to the rapidly growing furniture market in Vietnam and the region. It will also provide a platform for Vietnamese enterprises to present their production capabilities, update international design trends, foster trade connections, and expand export markets.

Scheduled to take place from August 26 to 29 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), VIFA  ASEAN 2025 is a great opportunity for Vietnamese and ASEAN enterprises to find buyers who are importers, contractors, and investors of construction projects in Vietnam and internationally. Thus, VIFA  ASEAN 2025 is expected to become one of the outstanding events fostering the development of Vietnam's furniture industry, in line with the country's green, creative, and sustainable value chain in the near future.