Speaking on the sidelines of a forum ahead of HawaExpo 2026 on January 21, Phung Quoc Man, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Handicraft and Wood Processing Association (Hawa), said export turnover rose nearly 5.7 per cent from 2024.
The figure fell short of the industry’s USD 18 billion target but still reflected strong efforts in a year marked by volatility caused by US tariff policies, Man said.
Despite trade defence measures, the US remained Vietnam’s largest wood export market in 2025, accounting for 54.65 per cent of total sector exports, with a value of nearly USD 9.5 billion. Other major markets included Japan, China and South Korea.
Data from the Forestry and Forest Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment show Vietnam continues to rank among the world’s top five wood exporting countries.
In processed wood products, including indoor and outdoor furniture, Vietnam ranked second globally with export turnover of USD 11.7 billion, behind only China.
Looking ahead to 2026, state management agencies warned the sector may face mounting challenges.
These include rising trade barriers, with more trade defence and anti-dumping investigations from the US, volatile logistics costs driven by global geopolitical instability, and pressure to secure certified plantation timber to meet stricter import regulations.
For 2026, Hawa forecasts wood and wood product exports of USD 18 to 19 billion.
To reach this goal, Man said the industry needs to deepen its presence in emerging markets such as the Middle East and India, while investing more heavily in technology to keep production costs competitive.
HawaExpo 2026 will take place from March 4 to March 7. Organisers said more than 2,500 international buyers from 83 countries and territories have registered, with delegations from the US and Canada accounting for over 50 per cent.