Vietnam’s wood industry is under growing strain as new U.S. tariffs reshape export dynamics and raise concerns over the country’s 2025 trade outlook, Dong Nai Online has reported → view source.
The article includes comments from Ngo Si Hoai, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Vietnam Timber and Forest Products Association, who says the US decision will significantly affect Vietnamese wood exports, leaving companies little room to adjust in the short term.
He notes that with the US accounting for more than half of Vietnam’s total wood export value, many enterprises may have to reconsider their strategies if tariffs rise further in early 2026.
The article also quotes Nguyen Phuong, Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Wood and Handicrafts Association, who warns that export performance may decline in the final months of 2025 depending on tariff developments.
He calls for greater government support through market intelligence, risk assessment, and more proactive trade policy responses to help firms adapt to external shocks.
In addition, Nguyen Chanh Phuong, Vice Chairman of the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City (HAWA), tells the paper that the sector’s long-term sustainability depends on improving production autonomy, developing skilled labour, and ensuring legal raw material sources.
He stresses that Vietnamese businesses should move beyond contract manufacturing and focus on brand building and professional design to strengthen their global position.
Of note, Vietnam exported US$1.46 billion worth of wood and wooden products in August 2025, down 0.50 percent from July, with year-to-date exports reaching US$11.12 billion.
The United States remained Vietnam’s largest market with US$796 million in August and US$6.20 billion year-to-date, accounting for more than half of total export value.
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