Vietnam has emerged as a significant global player in the furniture manufacturing industry. The country’s strategic geographic location, coupled with a relatively skilled workforce and competitive production costs, has positioned it as a preferred destination for furniture production and export. The furniture sector has experienced rapid growth, driven by increasing global demand for high-quality, yet affordable furniture.
Vietnam’s furniture industry has evolved from primarily producing wooden outdoor furniture to a diversified sector encompassing a wide range of products, including upholstered furniture, office furniture, and home décor. The country’s manufacturers have demonstrated a strong ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market trends, resulting in innovative designs and high-quality products.
With a focus on export-oriented growth, Vietnam has successfully penetrated key markets worldwide. The industry’s contribution to the national economy has been substantial, generating employment opportunities and foreign exchange earnings. As the global furniture landscape continues to evolve, Vietnam is well-positioned to maintain its position as a leading furniture exporter.
Vietnam’s furniture market
Vietnam’s furniture market is expected to reach a value of US$1.35 billion in 2024, with steady growth projected at a rate of 2.7 percent annually through 2029. Living room furniture is the most significant segment, accounting for US$462.9 million of the market in 2024, according to Statista data.
While the United States dominates the global furniture market with a revenue of $263 billion in 2024, Vietnam’s market is also thriving. With a per capita furniture spending of $13.61, the country’s furniture industry benefits from competitive manufacturing costs and a growing demand for modern, affordable home furnishings.
Box 1: Opening a furniture factory in Vietnam
Low-cost labour, tax incentives, and a broad drive among manufacturers to diversify their supply chains have seen factories proliferate all over Vietnam.
Opening a factory in Vietnam for foreign firms or individuals, however, is not always easy. Not only are there several technical requirements that need to be met, but there are also a broad number of considerations that need to be made–choosing the right location, the right business structure, and finding the right workers, for example.
Understanding the nuances of opening a factory in Vietnam and the complexities of business establishment procedures in advance of entering the market can therefore be crucial to the success of a new factory in Vietnam.
For more information see: How to Open a Factory in Vietnam
Vietnam furniture exports
Vietnam is a leading global manufacturer of furniture which it exports all over the world. To the end of July 2024, Vietnam had exported over US$1.8 billion worth of furniture with Australia, Denmark, and China its biggest export markets.
Vietnam furniture exports, July 2024, by value
| Destination | June | July | Change | YTD |
| Australia | 3,437,860 | 5,484,664 | 59.54% | 20,255,419 |
| Denmark | 941,615 | 436,643 | -53.63% | 15,163,673 |
| China | 1,020,372 | 884,274 | -13.34% | 4,976,620 |
| Cambodia | 590,781 | 722,890 | 22.36% | 4,713,310 |
| Taiwan | 626,144 | 630,066 | 0.63% | 4,406,207 |
| Malaysia | 495,490 | 761,877 | 53.76% | 4,210,314 |
| HongKong | 275,387 | 433,971 | 57.59% | 3,272,877 |
| New Zealand | 475,105 | 1,605,626 | 237.95% | 3,106,888 |
| Chile | 794,557 | 448,334 | -43.57% | 3,008,461 |
| Finland | 0 | 66,269 | 0.00% | 1,949,630 |
| Indonesia | 94,321 | 163,514 | 73.36% | 1,821,210 |
| Norway | 34,640 | 56,230 | 62.33% | 1,480,063 |
| Philippines | 112,354 | 341,102 | 203.60% | 1,311,581 |
| Peru | 56,389 | 305,705 | 442.14% | 640,100 |
| Brazil | 0 | 54,896 | 0.00% | 209,150 |
| Myanmar | 0 | 0 | 0.00% | 21,391 |
| Other | 8,955,015 | 12,396,061 | 38.43% | 70,546,894 |
| Total | 240,328,346 | 261,482,274 | 8.80% | 1,842,007,132 |
Source: Vietnam Exports Tracker
Major furniture manufacturers in Vietnam
Vietnam’s furniture industry is marked by a multitude of manufacturers, each contributing significantly to the country’s global standing. Below are some prominent examples, providing a deeper look into their operations and focus:
Large-Scale Manufacturers
- AA Corporation: A leading force in Vietnam’s furniture sector, AA Corporation specialises in interior fit-outs and hospitality furniture. Renowned for their high-quality craftsmanship and ability to execute complex projects, AA Corporation caters to both domestic and international clients, particularly in the hospitality industry.
- ScanCom: As a prominent player in the Vietnamese furniture industry, ScanCom has established a strong export-oriented business model. The company offers a diverse range of furniture products, including wooden, upholstered, and outdoor furniture. With a focus on design innovation and efficient production, ScanCom has secured a significant market share in key export destinations.
- Interwood Vietnam Company Limited: A versatile furniture manufacturer, Interwood Vietnam Company Limited offers a wide array of products to cater to diverse consumer preferences. With a strong emphasis on quality and sustainability, the company has built a solid reputation in the domestic and international markets.
Other Notable Manufacturers
- Phan Le Furniture: A well-established name in the Vietnamese furniture industry, Phan Le Furniture specialises in manufacturing a variety of furniture products. With a focus on both domestic and export markets, the company has gained recognition for its craftsmanship and attention to detail.
- Joint Stock Company Vietnam Rattan Furniture: As the name suggests, this company specialises in producing furniture made from rattan, a natural material renowned for its durability and aesthetic appeal. With a deep understanding of rattan weaving techniques, Joint Stock Company Vietnam Rattan Furniture offers a unique range of products.
- Saigon River Factory Vietnam: Providing comprehensive furniture production services, Saigon River Factory Vietnam caters to the needs of both local and international clients. With a focus on customization and flexibility, the company offers a wide range of services, from design to manufacturing and finishing.
Box 2: Importing raw materials for furniture manufacturing in Vietnam
Vietnam is in the midst of a trade boom. Goods are flowing in and out of Vietnam to the tune of billions of dollars every day. In particular, Vietnam is also sucking in raw materials from all over the world and the region to assemble at factories all over Vietnam to then ship off to elsewhere in the world. With this in mind, there are broad opportunities in starting an import business in Vietnam.
That said, importing goods into Vietnam for foreign firms can be tricky. Not only are there a number of technical and legal requirements that need to be met, but a myriad of free trade agreements has made navigating tariffs and trade restrictions complex.
For more information see: How to Start an Import Business in Vietnam: Ultimate Guide 2024
Vietnam’s Furniture Industry by Region
Vietnam’s furniture industry has developed distinct regional characteristics, reflecting local resources, skills, and market orientations.
Northern Vietnam
- Hanoi and Surrounding Areas: Known for its rich cultural heritage, this region often focuses on high-end, export-oriented furniture, including interior design projects and bespoke pieces.
- Bac Ninh, Hai Duong: These provinces have emerged as manufacturing hubs for medium-sized furniture enterprises, producing a mix of products for both domestic and international markets.
Central Vietnam
- Da Nang, Quang Nam, Hue: This region is gaining prominence as a furniture production centre, with a focus on wooden furniture and handicrafts. The coastal location offers advantages in terms of logistics and export.
- Binh Dinh: Known for its skilled workforce and abundant timber resources, Binh Dinh has a strong foundation in furniture manufacturing, producing a variety of products for both domestic and export markets.
Southern Vietnam
- Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai: As Vietnam’s economic powerhouse, this region is home to a large concentration of furniture manufacturers, ranging from small-scale workshops to large-scale factories. The focus is on a wide range of products, including office furniture, home furniture, and outdoor furniture.
- Binh Duong, Ba Ria-Vung Tau: These provinces have developed into important furniture manufacturing centers, benefiting from proximity to Ho Chi Minh City and access to key transportation infrastructure.
It’s important to note that while these regions have distinct characteristics, the furniture industry in Vietnam is increasingly interconnected, with many manufacturers operating across multiple locations to leverage the strengths of different regions.
Box 3: Starting a furniture export business in Vietnam
Foreign firms manufacturing in Vietnam count themselves as part of one of the fastest growing manufacturing industries in the world.
In this light, there is a huge opportunity in buying and exporting Vietnam-made products around the world. This can be very profitable but there are a few nuances to the process that foreign firms looking to open a factory in Vietnam should be mindful of.
See: How to Start an Export Business in Vietnam: Ultimate Guide 2024
What’s next?
Vietnam’s furniture industry has experienced remarkable growth, positioning the country as a significant global player. Leveraging its skilled workforce, abundant natural resources, and strategic geographic location, the industry has successfully captured substantial market shares worldwide. While challenges such as global economic fluctuations and raw material costs persist, Vietnam’s furniture sector remains resilient and continues to demonstrate strong potential for future expansion. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and market diversification, the industry is poised to further solidify its position as a global furniture manufacturing hub.
With this in mind, to keep abreast of what’s happening in Vietnam’s furniture industry, foreign furniture industry professionals should make sure to subscribe to the-shiv.