According to data from the Vietnam Customs Department, exports of wood and wood products reached US$1.55 billion in June 2026, up 13.9% compared with the same month in 2025, making it the largest export category within Vietnam's agricultural sector.

During the first six months of 2026, exports of wood and wood products totaled US$8.6 billion, an increase of 4.9% year-on-year.

For comparison, the sector generated US$17.2 billion in export revenue for the whole of 2025.

China climbs to second place

The United States remained Vietnam's largest market for wood and wood products in the first half of 2026, importing goods worth US$4.3 billion, accounting for 49.7% of the sector's total export value.

However, shipments to the US declined 6.5% from a year earlier, reflecting a slower recovery in demand and the impact of trade barriers.

In contrast, exports to China surged 46.5% year-on-year to US$1.3 billion, increasing China's share to 14.9% of total exports.

As a result, China overtook Japan to become Vietnam's second-largest export destination for wood and wood products.

Japan ranked third, with exports reaching US$1.1 billion, up 5.6% from the same period last year.

Among Vietnam's 10 largest export markets, only the United States and South Korea recorded declines, while exports to the remaining markets posted positive growth.

Notable increases included the Netherlands, where exports jumped 141.5%, and Germany, which recorded growth of 46.9%.

Outlook remains positive despite challenges

The Import-Export Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade forecasts that exports will continue growing in the second half of 2026, supported by gradually improving import demand across major markets, particularly in Asia and Europe.

The agency also noted that Vietnam's network of next-generation free trade agreements (FTAs) continues to strengthen the competitiveness of Vietnamese goods, helping exporters expand their market share in destinations with demanding import standards.

Nevertheless, exporters are expected to face significant challenges during the remainder of the year.

These include a growing use of trade defense measures, increasingly stringent environmental requirements, tighter rules on product traceability and sustainability, as well as ongoing uncertainty in the global economy and changing trade policies among major economies.

To sustain export growth, the agency recommends that Vietnamese businesses continue diversifying export markets, make better use of existing FTAs, improve product quality, comply with technical standards and strengthen their overall competitiveness.

Tam An