Vietnam wood exports 2025 achieved solid growth in the first nine months, with exports reaching USD 12.4 billion, up 6.2% year-on-year. Despite global demand slowing, Vietnam continues to strengthen its position in major markets like Japan and Korea through sustainable production, product diversification, and active use of free trade agreements.
Vietnam wood exports 2025 reached USD 1.3 billion in September alone, marking a 3.6% increase over the same month last year. However, export momentum slowed in August and September, reflecting weaker international demand, especially from traditional markets such as the U.S. and the EU.
Among Vietnam’s export items in 8 months of 2025, wooden frame chairs remained the top category with USD 2.49 billion (+14.1%), followed by wood panels and flooring (USD 1.5 billion, +13.8%), and wood pellets (USD 786 million, +56.8%). These figures underline Vietnam’s growing capacity in value-added wood processing and its efforts to diversify its product structure.
As of August 2025, the United States remained Vietnam’s largest export destination, with turnover reaching USD 6.2 billion, up 7.7% year-on-year, accounting for 55.8% of total wood exports.
The Japanese market recorded robust growth, reaching USD 1.4 billion (+24.1%), consolidating its position as the second-largest buyer of Vietnamese wood products. This strong performance reflects Japan’s increasing demand for sustainable and high-quality furniture — an area where Vietnam has earned a solid reputation for craftsmanship and environmental compliance.
Other notable export markets included:
The diversity of export destinations underscores Vietnam’s strategy to reduce dependence on the U.S. while strengthening trade relations with Japan, Korea, and the EU. Many Vietnamese exporters have proactively adopted international standards such as FSC and Chain of Custody (CoC), which align closely with the sustainability requirements of Japanese and European buyers.
Overall, the regional balance of trade indicates a gradual shift toward Asia-Pacific partners, offering Vietnam a more stable and sustainable export foundation in the long term.
On the import side, Vietnam imported 5.27 million m³ of timber in the first nine months of 2025, up 28.4% in volume year-on-year. Major suppliers included China (20.6%), the U.S. (19.3%), and the EU (14.8%). The rapid growth in timber imports demonstrates the strong production recovery and export expansion of Vietnam’s wood industry.
Vietnamese companies have also diversified their sourcing networks, importing timber from emerging suppliers such as Cameroon, Brazil, New Zealand, and the Congo, ensuring stable and legal raw material supply while reducing dependence on a few key markets.
Looking ahead to the final quarter of 2025, Vietnam’s wood exports are expected to remain stable thanks to increased seasonal demand in global markets, especially the U.S., Japan, and the EU. Trade agreements like EVFTA, CPTPP, and RCEP continue to provide tariff advantages, helping Vietnamese wood products maintain competitive pricing.
To sustain growth, Vietnamese manufacturers are focusing on eco-friendly, value-added products, digital transformation, and supply chain optimization. Additionally, the government and industry associations are promoting green manufacturing, sustainable forestry, and brand building to strengthen Vietnam’s position as a leading global wood furniture supplier.
The first nine months of 2025 once again reaffirmed Vietnam’s resilience and adaptability amid global economic uncertainties. With solid export growth, expanding import capacity, and growing recognition from major partners such as Japan and Korea, Vietnam’s wood industry is well-positioned for sustainable, long-term development. Continued investment in technology, workforce innovation, sustainability certification, and closer international collaboration will be essential to maintain competitiveness, strengthen brand reputation, and meet the increasingly high expectations of global buyers in the years to come.
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