Analysis of the import and export situation of Vietnam’s wood industry (updated in the first 5 months of 2025)
Situation of wood and wood products exports
In the first 5 months of 2025, wood and wood product exports from Vietnam reached about 3.7 billion USD to the US market, an increase of 10.3% over the same period last year.
The US market accounts for about 55.4% of Vietnam’s total wood export turnover, showing that this is still the main market.
The total export turnover of the wood industry in 2024 reached 16.28 billion USD, continuing to maintain its position as one of Vietnam’s key export industries.
Situation of wood imports
The import turnover of wood from the US in the first 5 months of 2025 reached 176 million USD, an increase of nearly 52% over the same period, accounting for about 15% of the total import turnover of wood and wood products.
The total value of wood and wood products imports in 2024 will reach about 2.8 billion USD, with about 316 million USD from the US market.
Vietnam also imports about 800 million USD of wood and wood products from China, mainly industrial boards and veneers, for domestic consumption.
Origin issues and trade fraud
US authorities have conducted inspections and investigations of businesses in Vietnam related to suspected tax evasion through the transit of goods from third countries, but have not found clear evidence.
Major investigations into kitchen cabinets and plywood have been suspended due to the lack of significant origin fraud.
Challenges and solutions
Vietnam’s wood industry is facing some inaccurate perceptions from the international market, such as the perception that Vietnam is a risky wood transit point or has trade fraud.
In fact, the majority of Vietnam’s imported timber is used for the domestic market, not for fraudulent export purposes.
To protect the national and business reputation, the timber industry needs to proactively provide transparent information, increase dialogue with export markets, and participate in international timber associations to raise its voice.
The Government is implementing new policies related to traceability of forest products, business classification, and regulations on geographical areas of origin to ensure that it meets the requirements of major markets and trade defense cases.
From 2020 to 2024, the export value of wood and wood products increased steadily from 12.5 billion USD to 16.28 billion USD.
2025 (estimated): with a growth rate of 10.3% in the first 5 months of the year, the whole year’s export could reach approximately ~17.96 billion USD if the current rate is maintained.
Wood exports continue to affirm themselves as one of the key sectors in Vietnam’s agricultural and forestry trade, with the US market accounting for more than 50% of the value.
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