In 2026, Canadian Wood Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to the sector through participation in the HAWA Expo and VIFA Expo, two of Vietnam’s leading international furniture exhibitions. The events provide a platform to highlight collaborative projects with manufacturers in Vietnam while encouraging industry connections, knowledge sharing and new business opportunities.
Vietnam’s wood industry maintains growth
Vietnam’s wood and furniture sector has continued to expand as a major global supplier. In 2025, exports of wood and wood products surpassed USD 17.2 billion for the first time, reflecting steady growth compared with 2024 despite volatility in global markets.
Wooden furniture remained the largest export category, accounting for about 61 per cent of the total value of Vietnam’s wood and wood product exports.
However, many companies in the industry still face structural challenges. Production in many cases remains focused on original equipment manufacturing (OEM), limiting opportunities to generate higher added value.
As global competition intensifies, strengthening capabilities in product development, design and material selection has become increasingly important. These improvements can help manufacturers gradually shift towards an original design manufacturing (ODM) model, adopt a more market-driven approach and strengthen their position in global supply chains.
Building industry capability through collaboration
Throughout 2025, Canadian Wood Vietnam carried out several initiatives aimed at helping manufacturers access and effectively use sustainably sourced Canadian softwood.
One key initiative was the Canadian Wood Trial Program, which allows manufacturers to test Canadian softwood species under real production conditions. Participating companies can evaluate technical characteristics of different species while receiving technical support from Canadian Wood specialists during processing, treatment and finishing.
The programme helps manufacturers better understand the practical applications of each material, enabling more informed decisions aligned with production needs and export markets.
Another initiative, the Diversifying Product Lines, Expanding Market Reach Program, focuses on deeper collaboration. Under this programme, Canadian Wood works directly with factories, providing Canadian softwood materials for trial use while supporting product development from concept to completion.
The finished products are then showcased and commercialised at HAWA Expo and VIFA Expo.
Highlights at HAWA Expo and VIFA Expo 2026
At HAWA Expo 2026 (March 4–7) and VIFA Expo 2026 (March 8–11), Canadian Wood Vietnam is presenting a dedicated display of furniture created by manufacturers in Vietnam using Canadian softwood.
Companies participating in this year’s product diversification programme include Hong Khai Wood Co., Ltd.; Kim Thuan Co., Ltd.; Khang Vy Furniture Co., Ltd.; Duc Loi Co., Ltd.; Truong Thanh Furniture Corporation; Thuan Hung Furniture Co., Ltd.; and Well Known Homeart Enterprises Co., Ltd.
Vince Tran, country director of Canadian Wood Vietnam, said working directly with manufacturers in real production environments helps transform material knowledge into practical applications.
“By collaborating closely with manufacturers, we can help businesses develop products that better respond to evolving market demands while optimising costs,” he said.
Khang Nguyen, chief executive of Khang Vy Furniture Company Limited, said technical support from Canadian Wood had helped the company better understand the characteristics of Canadian softwood.
“This collaboration has enabled us to optimise design and improve manufacturing efficiency. The products showcased at this exhibition are the result of close cooperation between our technical team and Canadian Wood’s experts,” he said.
Long-term industry engagement
Canadian Wood Vietnam said its continued participation in HAWA Expo and VIFA Expo reflects a long-term commitment to supporting Vietnam’s wood and furniture industry.
Through collaboration, technical support and product development initiatives, the organisation aims to help manufacturers strengthen design capability, increase value creation and respond more effectively to changing global market demands.