The Vietnamese wood industry has grown to become a leading global wood processing and export hub, but wood enterprises are falling into a large-scale export trap with increasing risks. Orders are plentiful, but profit margins are being thinned out.

Here is the second part of the interview between VietNamNet and Secretary General of the Vietnam Timber and Forest Products Association (Vifores) Ngo Sy Hoai.

Behind the preliminary ruling of nearly 200 percent duties imposed by the US on Vietnamese plywood lies a test of competitiveness, resilience, and the strategic capacity of Vietnam’s wood industry in an increasingly harsh global “rules of the game”.

Vietnam’s wood processing industry is stepping up efforts to enhance its export value by investing in technology, green production, and product design while diversifying markets to strengthen competitiveness in the global market.

Meeting sustainable development requirements is no longer optional but a mandatory condition for Vietnamese wooden furniture and wood products to retain their position in global supply chains, experts said at a recent seminar.

Surging demand from Japan and South Korea turns sawdust and forest debris into gold for Vietnam’s wood industry.

Exports of timber and wood products reached nearly 1.7 billion USD in December 2025 alone, bringing total export value for the year to 17.2 billion USD – an increase of nearly 6% compared with 2024.

Representatives of wood production and processing enterprises have shared their concerns and made proposals to enhance the role of Vifores in connecting and supporting businesses, promoting trade and offering policy feedback.

Overcoming post-pandemic challenges, the wood industry rebounds with record exports, securing Vietnam’s global rank among top suppliers.

The “Vietnam Wood” mark represents a strong commitment to legally sourced timber, high quality, and environmental and social responsibility, serving as a legal safeguard for Vietnamese products and enhancing business competitiveness.

Facing U.S. countervailing duties on wood products, Vietnam’s $15 billion wood industry is finding creative and adaptive ways to move forward.

Despite high revenues, many Vietnamese wood manufacturers admit to confusion and setbacks when embracing digital transformation.

Vietnamese wood businesses report billion-dollar revenues but still struggle with digital transformation.

Ho Chi Minh City is poised to become a Southeast Asian powerhouse in wood and furniture production and exports, provided that companies ramp up green practices, branding and innovation, industry insiders said.

The US’s decision to impose high tariffs on a range of Vietnamese exports, including wood products and furniture, is pushing the country’s timber industry to swiftly recalibrate its strategies to sustain growth.

The Vn-WoodID application has been officially launched, becoming a key tool contributing to wood traceability.

Four out of every 10 wooden products in American household kitchens come from Vietnam, but the new US tariff policies are forcing Vietnamese businesses to make significant adjustments.

Four in ten kitchen items in U.S. households now originate from Vietnam, prompting Vietnamese firms to adapt as new US tariffs loom.

Amid rising global protectionism, Vietnam’s wood sector takes proactive steps to protect exports and meet its USD 18 billion target by 2025.