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            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
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