According to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Viet Nam’s exports of timber and wood products reached approximately 17.2 billion USD in 2025.
In the first nine months of 2026, export value was estimated at nearly 13.43 billion USD, representing a year-on-year increase of 7.3%. The United States remained the largest export market, accounting for 50.1% of market share, followed by China and Japan.
These results demonstrate the production capacity of Vietnamese timber enterprises and their ability to meet international market requirements. However, alongside expanding exports, the development of the domestic market remains an issue warranting greater attention.
According to Ngo Sy Hoai, Secretary General of VIFOREST, over the past 15 years, most discussions on the timber industry’s mechanisms and policies have centred on export markets, while the domestic market has not received commensurate focus.
He noted that the growing mention of the domestic market in industry discussions reflects a positive shift in awareness of its role.
Nevertheless, he pointed out that the domestic market currently lacks information on its scale, demand structure, raw material sources, products, distribution systems and modes of operation. Some enterprises have proactively piloted market development models, but links between enterprises, associations and management agencies remain insufficiently strong.
According to To Xuan Phuc, Director of the Forest Policy, Trade and Finance Programme at Forest Trends, developing the domestic timber market should proceed in parallel along two directions: establishing policies and standards, and implementing practical models. Through pilot schemes, the timber industry can supplement data and accumulate experience, thereby shaping policies better aligned with realities.
He emphasised that developing the domestic market is intended not only to expand outlets for timber products, but also to create momentum for enterprises to better understand domestic consumer needs, enhance product value and move towards sustainable development.
