Vietnam’s paper industry is an essential segment of the country’s manufacturing sector, driven by rising domestic demand, export opportunities, and industrial growth. The industry encompasses a broad range of products, including packaging paper, tissue paper, printing and writing paper, and specialised paper products. With increasing urbanisation, e-commerce expansion, and a growing middle class, the demand for paper-based packaging and consumer goods continues to rise.
The sector has benefited from Vietnam’s strategic position in global trade and its competitive production costs, attracting both domestic and foreign investment. Packaging paper, in particular, dominates production, supported by booming industries such as food and beverage, electronics, and logistics. Meanwhile, tissue and hygiene paper products are seeing increased demand due to improved living standards and changing consumer habits.
However, the industry faces challenges, including heavy reliance on imported raw materials, environmental concerns from waste generation, and the need for technological upgrades. To address these issues, businesses are investing in modern, sustainable production processes and recycling technologies. With government support and growing market demand, Vietnam’s paper products industry is poised for steady growth and greater competitiveness in regional and global markets.
Vietnam’s paper industry in numbers
As Vietnam continues to modernise its manufacturing base and enhance its export capabilities, the pulp and paper industry is poised for sustainable development in the coming years. Here are a few key data points.
Vietnam’s paper market
The value added in Vietnam’s pulp and paper market is projected to reach US$2.7 billion in 2024, reflecting the growing importance of the sector within the country’s economy. Over the forecast period from 2024 to 2029, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.32 percent, according to data collated by Statista.
Vietnam paper production
The production of paper and paper products in Vietnam increased by 1.37 percent in November 2024 compared to October 2024, according to Vietnam’s General Statistics Office.
Year-on-year, the sector grew by 11.45 percent in November 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Over the first eleven months of 2024, cumulative production recorded a rise of 9.68 percent compared to the same period last year, indicating sustained growth.
Vietnam’s paper product imports-exports
Vietnam’s paper industry has experienced significant growth in both imports and exports in recent years, reflecting its expanding role in the global market.
Vietnam paper imports November 2024
| November | October | MoM | YTD | |
| Total | 194,465,775 | 196,431,361 | -1.0 | 2,031,003,137 |
| Other | 56,722,179 | 56,837,300 | -0.20% | 629,002,676 |
| Austria | 538,655 | 278,709 | 93.27% | 5,026,491 |
| China | 70,610,058 | 68,309,462 | 3.37% | 728,379,478 |
| Finland | 1,011,105 | 728,689 | 38.76% | 10,413,506 |
| France | 235,382 | 110,846 | 112.35% | 873,776 |
| Germany | 783,654 | 1,004,008 | -21.95% | 11,934,436 |
| India | 2,264,227 | 3,233,918 | -29.99% | 28,537,551 |
| Indonesia | 28,440,696 | 30,366,732 | -6.34% | 257,488,504 |
| Italy | 579,741 | 480,271 | 20.71% | 8,884,756 |
| Japan | 18,265,440 | 20,394,584 | -10.44% | 222,348,012 |
| Malaysia | 15,014,638 | 14,686,842 | 2.23% | 128,113,951 |
Source: Vietnam Imports Tracker
Vietnam paper exports November 2024
| November | October | MoM | YTD | |
| Total | 167,756,000 | 175,299,737 | -4.3 | 1,922,587,434 |
| Other | 91,912,322 | 98,528,697 | -6.72% | 1,096,505,396 |
| Australia | 6,703,128 | 7,618,171 | -12.01% | 79,943,564 |
| Cambodia | 12,420,232 | 13,248,147 | -6.25% | 145,685,903 |
| China | 26,979,233 | 27,383,423 | -1.48% | 309,623,539 |
| Germany | 327,473 | 355,454 | -7.87% | 2,676,085 |
| HongKong | 618,439 | 1,117,482 | -44.66% | 9,177,651 |
| Indonesia | 13,815,593 | 11,123,380 | 24.20% | 122,610,837 |
| Japan | 7,168,447 | 7,654,679 | -6.35% | 68,774,430 |
| Laos | 1,100,205 | 1,220,391 | -9.85% | 10,903,704 |
| Malaysia | 5,380,311 | 6,140,420 | -12.38% | 62,952,172 |
| Myanmar | 1,330,617 | 909,493 | 46.30% | 13,734,153 |
Source: Vietnam Exports Tracker
Domestic paper firms in Vietnam
Vietnam’s paper industry is supported by several prominent domestic manufacturers that cater to both local and international markets. Notable companies include:
Tan Mai Group
Tan Mai Group is one of Vietnam’s oldest and largest paper manufacturers. The company produces a variety of products, including printing and writing paper, packaging paper, and tissue products. With a focus on modernising operations, Tan Mai continues to supply both domestic and export markets.
Saigon Paper Corporation
Saigon Paper is a leading domestic paper manufacturer, specialising in tissue paper and industrial paper products. The company operates advanced production facilities and has a significant presence in the consumer market with its tissue brands and packaging paper.
Dong Hai Ben Tre JSC (DHC)
Dong Hai Ben Tre JSC focuses on manufacturing packaging paper and carton products. Its strong position in the packaging segment serves the growing demand from Vietnam’s booming food, beverage, and logistics sectors.
Bai Bang Paper Company
Bai Bang Paper Company, operating under Vietnam Paper Corporation, produces printing, writing, and packaging paper. The company supplies paper products nationwide and continues to expand its capacity to meet rising domestic and regional demand.
An Hoa Paper Joint Stock Company
An Hoa Paper is known for producing high-quality printing and writing paper as well as pulp. The company’s modern facilities and sustainable production practices make it a key player in Vietnam’s paper industry.
These domestic firms play an integral role in Vietnam’s paper products sector, addressing the needs of the local market while contributing to the country’s industrial and export growth.
Foreign paper firms in Vietnam
Vietnam’s paper industry has attracted significant foreign investment, with several international firms establishing operations to leverage the country’s growing market and strategic location. Notable foreign paper companies in Vietnam include:
Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd.
Lee & Man Paper, a leading paper manufacturer from Hong Kong, operates a large-scale paper mill in Hau Giang province. The facility focuses on producing containerboard and packaging paper, serving both domestic demand and export markets.
Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited
Nine Dragons Paper, one of China’s largest paper producers, has expanded its operations into Vietnam. The company specializes in manufacturing packaging paper products, including kraftliner and testliner, to meet the increasing needs of the packaging industry.
Oji Holdings Corporation
Oji Holdings, a major Japanese paper manufacturer, has established a presence in Vietnam through its subsidiary, Ojitex Vietnam. The company produces corrugated packaging materials, supplying high-quality packaging solutions for various industries.
Cheng Loong Corporation
Cheng Loong, a Taiwanese paper and packaging company, operates in Vietnam through Cheng Loong Binh Duong Paper Company Limited. The firm produces a range of paper products, including containerboard and corrugated boards, catering to both local and international markets.
These foreign investments have significantly contributed to the development of Vietnam’s paper industry, introducing advanced technologies, enhancing production capacities, and promoting sustainable practices within the sector.
Vietnam’s main paper products
Vietnam’s paper industry produces a diverse range of products to meet domestic and international demands. The main paper products include:
Packaging Paper
Packaging paper, such as kraft paper, testliner, and containerboard, is the largest segment of Vietnam’s paper industry. It caters to the growing demand from industries like e-commerce, food and beverage, and logistics, driven by the expansion of exports and local consumption.
Tissue Paper
Tissue paper, including napkins, facial tissues, toilet paper, and kitchen towels, is widely consumed in both households and commercial settings. Rising living standards and hygiene awareness have boosted demand for these products.
Printing and Writing Paper
Printing and writing paper is used extensively in education, offices, and publishing. This segment includes copier paper, offset paper, and notebook paper, which are staples for the domestic market and exports.
Specialty Paper
Specialty paper includes products used for industrial and commercial purposes, such as paper for labels, wrapping, thermal printing, and cigarette manufacturing. These products often require advanced processing techniques and cater to niche markets.
Recycled Paper
Recycled paper is a key focus in Vietnam’s paper industry, used primarily in the production of packaging paper and tissues. The use of recycled materials supports sustainability initiatives and reduces reliance on imported raw pulp.
These products reflect Vietnam’s growing paper industry, which is aligned with global trends toward sustainable, high-quality paper solutions for a variety of uses.
Paper manufacturing regulations in Vietnam
Vietnam’s paper manufacturing industry operates under a regulatory framework designed to ensure environmental protection, product quality, and sustainable growth. Key regulations include:
Environmental Regulations
Paper manufacturing in Vietnam is subject to strict environmental laws due to the industry’s resource-intensive and waste-generating nature. Companies must conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) before establishing facilities and comply with water treatment, air emission, and waste management standards. Recycling and sustainable practices are encouraged to minimise environmental harm.
Quality Control and Technical Standards
Manufacturers must adhere to national technical standards (QCVN) to ensure the quality and safety of paper products. These standards cover parameters like strength, thickness, and chemical composition for various types of paper, ensuring products meet domestic and international requirements.
Licensing and Investment Requirements
Domestic and foreign investors in the paper sector must obtain necessary licenses and approvals to establish and operate manufacturing facilities. Vietnam also offers investment incentives, such as tax breaks and land-use benefits, for projects that incorporate modern, energy-efficient technologies or promote sustainable practices.
Labour and Safety Regulations
The Labour Code mandates safe working conditions in paper manufacturing plants. Employers must provide appropriate safety training, protective equipment, and ventilation systems to safeguard workers from the risks associated with heavy machinery and chemical use.
Import and Export Regulations
Vietnam regulates the import of raw materials, such as pulp, and the export of paper products. Companies must comply with trade agreements, customs procedures, and product certification requirements to access international markets.
Renewable Material Usage
The government encourages the use of recycled materials and renewable resources in paper production. This is part of Vietnam’s commitment to reducing environmental impacts and promoting circular economy practices in the industry.
These regulations aim to foster a sustainable and globally competitive paper manufacturing industry in Vietnam, balancing industrial growth with environmental responsibility and worker safety.
What’s next?
Vietnam’s paper manufacturing industry operates under a comprehensive regulatory framework focused on sustainability, quality, and worker safety. Environmental regulations require manufacturers to conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and implement measures for water treatment, waste management, and air emission control. The use of recycled materials and renewable resources is encouraged to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability.
Manufacturers must also adhere to national technical standards (QCVN) to ensure product quality and safety for both domestic and international markets. Licensing and investment incentives support modern, energy-efficient technologies, while labour laws mandate safe working conditions and protective measures for workers. Import and export regulations govern the trade of raw materials and finished products, aligning with Vietnam’s global trade commitments. These regulations aim to balance industrial growth with environmental protection and sustainable practices, ensuring the sector’s long-term competitiveness.
All of that is to say that Vietnam’s paper industry is dynamic and foreign firm’s in the paper space should make sure they keep on top of the latest developments by subscribing to the-shiv.