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Recently, US President Donald Trump has instructed the Department of Commerce to launch an investigation into lumber imports, with potential tariffs of up to 25% on wooden and forestry products set to take effect as early as April 2.

The prospect of these tax changes has raised alarm among Vietnamese wood industry players, as they could have a profound impact.

Mr. Ngo Sy Hoai, Vice Chairman and General Secretary of the Vietnam Timber and Forest Products Association (VIFORES), emphasized that the proposed tariffs would create serious challenges for businesses in both countries. In response, VIFORES and key businesses in the sector are closely monitoring developments and preparing for potential countermeasures.

The association is ready to answer any inquiries from US authorities and to participate in hearings if requested. Their goal is to demonstrate that the trade relationship between Vietnam and the US in the wood sector is mutually beneficial rather than adversarial.

“Vietnam is among the top surplus exporters of wooden products to the US, primarily in furniture. Given the significance of the US market, companies involved in the supply chain are understandably concerned. We hope that the relevant authorities from both countries can find common ground to ensure mutual benefits,” said Mr. Hoai.

Vietnamese wood exporters are currently awaiting further details from the country’s trade representatives in the US to determine whether the investigation will cover furniture products or be limited to raw lumber and sawed wood.

Mr. Do Ngoc Hung, Vietnam’s Trade Counselor in the US, noted that while American tariff policies on imports could create new export opportunities for Vietnam, they also introduce risks that require close monitoring.

He emphasized the need for Vietnam to closely track US trade policies and tariff measures, adjust strategies accordingly, and strengthen coordination with Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, as well as the country’s trade office in the US to stay informed and develop countermeasures.

Furthermore, businesses should carefully review their production and export plans, as countries subjected to US tariffs may implement protective trade measures, increasing competition for Vietnam’s export market.

To safeguard Vietnam’s export opportunities in the US, Mr. Hung urged businesses to develop a clear strategic plan to protect Vietnam’s trade interests amid potential tariff measures. He also stressed the importance of enhancing strategic cooperation with the US to ensure sustainable bilateral trade growth.

According to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs, in 2024, the US remained Vietnam’s largest wood export market, with total exports reaching US$8.17 billion, an increase of 24.6% compared to 2023.

Vietnam’s total wood and wooden furniture exports in 2024 exceeded US$16.28 billion, marking a 20.9% (US$2.81 billion) increase compared to 2023. This growth reinforces Vietnam’s status as one of the world’s leading exporters of wooden products.

In January 2025 alone, wood and forestry product exports reached US$1.42 billion, placing them among the top seven export commodities generating over US$1 billion. The sector accounted for 67.9% of the country’s total export turnover.