China overtakes Japan as Vietnam’s second-largest wood export market
Vietnam’s wood and wood-product exports to China rose 46.5% year on year to $1.3 billion in the first half of 2026. China passed Japan to become the sector’s second-largest export market, while the United States remained first despite a decline in sales.
China moves ahead of Japan
China overtook Japan to become the second-largest market for Vietnamese wood and wood products in the first half of 2026, as the value of shipments rose 46.5% year on year to $1.3 billion. According to Soha, citing Vietnam Customs data, China accounted for 14.9% of the sector’s total export revenue during the six-month period.
The acceleration contrasts with more moderate growth in Japan. Vietnamese wood exports to Japan increased 5.6% to $1.1 billion, leaving the country in third place. China’s rise gives Vietnamese producers and exporters a larger regional outlet at a time when demand and trade conditions in their biggest market remain less favorable.
US remains dominant despite contraction
The United States retained its position as the leading destination, purchasing $4.3 billion of Vietnamese wood and wood products. That represented nearly 50% of the industry’s export value, although shipments to the market declined 6.5% from the same period of 2025. The figures underline both the scale of US demand and Vietnam’s continued exposure to changes in that market.
Soha linked the decline to a consumer recovery that remains incomplete, as well as trade barriers and increasingly demanding rules concerning the origin and legality of raw materials and sustainability standards. These requirements are particularly relevant for manufacturers whose access to major markets depends on traceable supplies and compliance throughout the production chain. Among Vietnam’s 10 leading destinations, only the United States and South Korea recorded declines, while most other markets expanded.
Sector exports reach $8.6 billion
Vietnam exported $1.55 billion of wood and wood products in June 2026, up 13.9% year on year. First-half revenue reached $8.6 billion, an increase of 4.9% from the corresponding period of 2025. Wood remained the largest export category within Vietnam’s agricultural sector and had completed about half of the industry’s full-year export target by the end of June.
European sales also posted strong percentage gains from their respective bases. Exports to the Netherlands increased 141.5%, while shipments to Germany rose 46.9%, indicating broader market penetration by Vietnamese suppliers. Vietnam’s Import-Export Department expects export growth to continue in the second half as import demand gradually improves in major Asian and European economies. It also identifies trade frameworks including the EVFTA, CPTPP and RCEP as sources of competitive advantage. For the industry, stronger sales to China and Europe provide some diversification, but the United States still represents close to half of export revenue and remains decisive for overall performance.
