Sustainable Solutions for Wood Product Exports in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s main hub for wood products. The city leads manufacturing and export by taking green steps and using digital tools. This plan keeps its edge and lifts it on the global wood product chain.

Current Status and Market Performance

• The city gives about 50% of Vietnam’s wood and product export value.
• In the first nine months of 2025, wood and furniture exports hit USD 15.2 billion. This marks a 7.48% rise over last year.
• The city exports interior furniture, seating, woodchips, plywood, and wood pellets.
• The US stands as the largest market, taking 46%–55.8% of exports. Japan takes 12.5%, and China 11.3%.
• In the first ten months of 2025, total wood exports neared USD 14 billion. This is a 5.4% boost over the previous year.

Challenges Facing the Industry

• Exporters face higher costs. VAT on local transport under FOB raises prices about 5%.
• Global buyers now demand clear facts on product origin, traceability, green production, and social responsibility.
• Fast-changing global needs now force new ideas and eco-friendly methods.

Strategic Recommendations and Initiatives

Dual Green and Digital Transformation

• Build a support centre to guide green and digital moves in the wood industry.
• Create low-emission factories and test ways to measure and lower carbon dioxide.
• Aim for low-carbon certification that meets world standards.

Green Industry Clusters

• Develop clusters with shared systems for wastewater, air and dust treatment, renewable energy, and logistics.
• Help small enterprises adopt green methods with lower costs.

Policy Proposals

• Review and change VAT rules for export services.
• Use a “first sale” method to lower import taxes and boost price competitiveness in key markets such as the US.
• Create policies to upgrade old factories and insure export payments so that production can grow.

Priority Directions by Ho Chi Minh City Government

1. Set up green, smart industrial clusters in the southern economic region.
2. Speed up green change, digital moves, circular supply chains, and low carbon growth to meet Vietnam’s Net Zero goal.
3. Build a city-brand wood industry that stresses creativity, design, export focus, and a “Made by Viet Nam” identity.
4. Strengthen regional and global ties, invest in technology, and boost high-quality skills.

Role of Enterprises

• Create research and development teams.
• Infuse Vietnamese cultural identity into products.
• Work with all stakeholders to drive lasting, sustainable growth.

Outlook

Focused government help and industry moves to green practices boost Ho Chi Minh City’s promise. The city is set to be the wood export capital of Southeast Asia. This shift backs Vietnam’s global export role while building an eco-friendly, resilient economy.

Source: Nhan Dan Online, November 9, 2025

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