Wood businesses capitalize on FTA to boost exports to UK

Vietnamese timber and wood exports to the United Kingdom during the past nine months surged by 25% year on year to US$201.2 million as local firms have effectively maximised incentives from the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA).

Wooden furniture is one of the export items benefiting significantly from the UKVFTA

Wooden furniture is one of the export items benefiting significantly from the UKVFTA

However, September saw firms rake in just US$13 million from their exports, a drop of 41.9% from a year earlier due to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, reported the Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association (VIFOREST).  

Wooden furniture represented a major export product to the UK market, accounting for 91.7% of the country’s total export turnover of timber and wood products.

According information provided by mordorintelligence.com, the consumption demand for home furniture in the UK market is consistently increasing and is likely to achieve an average growth rate of over 3.2% throughout the 2021 - 2026 period, creating opportunities in which local firms can boost exports to the market in the future.

In addition, the enforcement of the UKVFTA is anticipated to help several timber and wood products enjoy tariff rates of 0% within five years, with wooden furniture significantly benefiting from the trade deal.

Experts have pointed out that the trade pact will serve to help balance the advantages for local enterprises in the international playing field, increase transparency on quality standards, improve business climate in the Vietnamese market, and attract further FDI inflows into the domestic wood processing industry.

To take full advantage of the trade deal, VIFOREST has recommended that local businesses invest more to meet management standards and procedures, pay close attention to social responsibility and be transparent with information, particularly relating to labour and production environment amidst fierce competition in the international market. 

Experts have emphasised the positive outlook for Vietnam’s timber and wood product exports to the UK in the remainder of the year, especially when the pandemic is being brought under control and social distancing measures are being eased.

VOV

Other News

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

More than a year after the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development came into effect, expectations now extend beyond increasing the number of enterprises. The goal is to build a stronger business community with greater resilience, larger ambitions and the capacity to compete in global supply chains.

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam is expected to remain one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies in 2026, supported by resilient exports, strong investment inflows and an ambitious reform agenda, despite mounting global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s latest Vietnam Economic Update released on May 15.

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Under a new circular, the exchange of greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits is conducted on the domestic carbon credit exchange through the carbon trading system, which is interconnected with the national registration system.

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

For biofuels, particularly E10, to develop successfully, stronger and more coordinated policies are needed, especially pricing mechanisms capable of creating a sufficiently attractive gap between E10 and mineral-based petrol, an expert has said.

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

The 12th Africa Forum for Investment & Commerce (AFIC 12) opened in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, on May 9, drawing around 2,000 participants, including officials, economists, businesses, financial and development organizagtions from 43 African countries and international partners, including Vietnam.

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

The exhibition, which runs until May 9 at the Hanoi International Centre for Exhibition, showcases advanced products and technologies across a range of fields, including pharmaceuticals, drug manufacturing machinery and equipment, medical devices, hospital and clinic services and dental equipment.

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Leading the charge in this massive building spree is the new central city square in the core of the Thu Thiem new urban area. Spanning more than 20 ha, it’s the crown jewel of the Central Square and new administrative center complex.

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

The country’s stable political and economic environment provides a critical foundation for long-term sourcing strategies. At the same time, Vietnam has demonstrated a strong ability to scale up manufacturing, supported by a continuously expanding industrial base capable of meeting both high-volume demand and increasingly complex technical and quality requirements.

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

The update by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to its Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) on April 10, officially setting out import conditions for Vietnamese pomelos, is regarded as a major milestone in market access efforts.

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

The circular economy is no longer just a policy choice. It has become an inevitable trend for delivering sustainable and green growth, sharpening competitiveness at home and abroad, and meeting Vietnam’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. It is now a prerequisite to sustain long-term economic expansion, particularly in industrial production and supporting industries.

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Vietnamese fresh produce and processed foods are increasingly recognised for their quality, with items such as cashew nuts, coffee and spices gaining popularity among Middle East consumers. In 2025, Vietnam’s farm produce exports to the UAE exceeded 445 million USD, up nearly 24% year-on-year.