Page 31 - FDMAsia Jan/Feb 2026

FOCUS 29
www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA JAN/FEB 2026

Vietnam's NTFP exports in October 2025 fetched US$74.59 to new market demands, particularly around digitisation and
million, up 12 percent compared to September 2025 and 22 governance.
percent over the same period in 2024. Le Duc Nghia, Chairman of the Board of Directors at
In the first 10 months of 2025, NTFP exports generated An Cuong Wood JSC, emphasised the importance of direct
US$ 715.18 million, up nine percent over the same period engagement among businesses. He believes such forums
in 2024. offer clearer perspectives on the industry and help companies

The W&WP exports to the US in November 2025 earned identify solutions for sustainable growth.
US$819 million, down one percent compared to November 2024. According to Nghia, domestic wood companies benefit
In the first 11 months of 2025 W&WP exports to the US from a highly skilled labour force and are capable of producing
are expected to reach US$ US$8.6 billion, up almost six goods competitive with foreign brands. Yet, he admits that
percent over the same period in 2024. managerial capacity remains a major challenge.
The exports of bedroom and dining room furniture in “Digitisation has helped An Cuong streamline operations and
November 2025 earned US$202 million, down 15 percent gain full process control over the past five years,” he stated.
compared to November 2024. At the congress, Vu Quang Huy, CEO of Tekcom JSC,
In the first 11 months of 2025 exports of living room and noted his company sales are around US$100 million annually

dining room furniture are estimated at US$2.3 billion, down but has found the wood product and plywood industries are
five percent over the same period in 2024. evolving rapidly and face mounting pressures from tariffs,
According to preliminary statistics, Vietnam's imports origin traceability, and transparency standards.
of wood and wood products in November 2025 will reach Huy highlighted several systemic challenges: rising input
US$290.0 million, up 17 percent compared to October 2025. costs amid falling product prices, legal risks tied to sourcing,
Compared to November 2024 an increase of 26 percent and supply chain disruptions as more firms resort to importing
was observed. In the first 11 months of 2025 imports of raw materials themselves.

wood products have been estimated at US$2.91 billion, up To navigate these issues, Huy proposed three key strategies:
16 percent in value compared to 2024. increasing transparency in sourcing, promoting collaboration
and specialisation, and transforming supply and value chains.
Digital transformation challenges even billion-dollar Sharing deep concerns about the future of woodworking as
firms in Vietnam a craft, Nguyen Thi En, Standing Vice President of the Van Diem
Despite high revenues, many Vietnamese wood product
manufacturers admit to confusion and setbacks when embracing
digital transformation. Needpix.co
Representatives of wood manufacturing and processing

enterprises have voiced concern and offered proposals aimed at
enhancing the role of the Vietnam Timber and Forest Products
Association (Viforest) in supporting business connectivity, trade
promotion and policy advocacy.
During the 5th Congress (2025–2030) of Viforest held
on 1 December in Ho Chi Minh City, leading figures in the
industry shared their experiences and frustrations in adapting