Page 23 - FDMAsia Mar/Apr 2026
P. 23
FOCUS 21
www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA MAR/APR 2026
Japan stood out with an impressive growth rate of 23 percent compared with the previous quarter.
percent, reaching US$2.15 billion, signalling rapidly expanding Private-sector machinery orders, excluding volatile ones
demand for Vietnamese wood products. Among other major for ships and those from electric power companies, increased
markets, exports to China increased by 3.5 percent to US$2.08 by 19 percent in December.
billion, while exports to Canada and the UK grew by 14 In the January-March period, the total amount of machinery
percent and nine percent respectively, reflecting successful orders is forecast to increase by six percent and private-sector
market diversification. orders, excluding volatile ones, were forecast to decrease by
Regional markets such as Malaysia and Australia also five percent from the previous quarter.
maintained growth momentum, with export values of US$167
million and US$163 million respectively. CHINA
Overall, the data show that Vietnam’s wood industry Decline in wooden furniture exports
continues to expand strongly in the US market. China Customs data shows the value of China's wooden
Beyond price competitiveness, the US increasingly prioritises furniture exports in 2025 dropped eight percent to US$22.593
sustainability certifications, transparent origin and traceability, billion year-on-year.
while also requiring stable delivery times and flexible order The US was is the largest market for China’s wooden
fulfilment capabilities. furniture exports with around 25 percent of China’s wooden
Over the past year, Vietnam’s wood industry has furniture being shipped to the US valued at US$5.7 billion in
faced multiple simultaneous pressures, including weakening 2025, down 20 percent on 2024.
demand in certain major markets, volatile logistics costs and The decline in China's furniture exports in 2025 was mainly
increasingly stringent requirements related to legal sourcing attributed to the trade friction between China and the US.
and environmental standards. China’s wooden furniture was exported to more than 200
In addition, risks arising from trade defense measures countries in 2025. The value of China’s furniture exports to
and intensified regional competition have required exporters the top four countries the US, UK, Australia and Japan with
to adjust their production and export strategies. furniture exports of more than US$1 billion, accounted for 45
Nevertheless, despite these challenges, Vietnam’s wood percent of the national total in 2025.
export value surpassed US$17 billion for the first time. This The value of China’s wooden furniture exports to UK
achievement highlights the sector’s resilience, adaptability and and Netherlands in 2025 rose five percent and 14 percent
the relatively solid production and supply chain foundations respectively year-on-year.
that have been built in recent years. In contrast, the value of China’s wooden furniture exports
to the rest of the top destination countries in 2025 dropped
JAPAN at different rates on 2024 level.
Machinery orders on the rise
Data providing an indication of business activity has been
made available by the Cabinet Office. wood-products.extension.org
The latest report says the total value of machinery orders
received by 280 surveyed manufacturers operating in Japan
increased by 24 percent in December from the previous month.
In the October-December period orders increased by 12

