Canadian Wood Vietnam expands technical support to strengthen local manufacturers

Supporting the development of competitive advantages for furniture manufacturers in Vietnam has become a key objective of Canadian Wood Vietnam, which in 2026 affirms its commitment to the sector by participating in HAWA EXPO 2026 and VIFA EXPO 2026, two of the country's leading international furniture exhibitions.

The first trade show takes place from March 4 to 7, the second from March 8 to 11, both in Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam's wood and furniture industry has emerged as a major global manufacturing and export hub.

In 2025, exports of wood and wood products exceeded US$17.2 billion for the first time, marking a milestone despite continued fluctuations in global markets.

Wooden furniture remained the largest export category, accounting for about 61 percent of total export value.

The United States was the largest export destination, with strong demand also coming from Japan and China.

The European Union continued to offer high-value opportunities, driven by its focus on quality, legality, and sustainably sourced materials.

Alongside growth, companies face structural challenges. While export-oriented production has fueled success, many manufacturers still operate under OEM, or original equipment manufacturing, models, limiting added value.

As global competition intensifies, strengthening capabilities in product development, design and material selection is seen as essential to support a gradual transition toward ODM, or original design manufacturing, and a more market-driven approach.

Canadian Wood Vietnam said it has focused on networking, professional exchange and technical support, marking its sixth participation in HAWA EXPO and VIFA EXPO.

Beyond trade promotion, it works with local manufacturers through training programs and market development initiatives, connecting them with Canadian softwood suppliers and providing knowledge about softwood species from British Columbia, Canada.

In 2025, the organization implemented several initiatives to help manufacturers access and effectively use sustainably sourced Canadian softwoods.

Among them is the 'Canadian Wood Trial Program,' which allows companies to test Canadian softwood species under real production conditions with direct support from technical experts.

Another initiative, the 'Diversifying Product Lines, Expanding Market Reach Program,' involves closer collaboration with factories, supplying materials for trial use and supporting product development.

Finished products are then presented and commercialized at HAWA EXPO and VIFA EXPO, enabling direct engagement with customers.

At this year's exhibitions, Canadian Wood Vietnam is showcasing furniture developed by Vietnamese manufacturers using Canadian softwood species, highlighting their versatility and suitability for diverse technical and aesthetic requirements.

"By working directly with manufacturers in real production environments, we help translate material knowledge into practical applications," said Vince Tran, country director of Canadian Wood Vietnam.

"This hands-on collaboration enables businesses to develop products that respond more effectively to evolving market demands while optimizing costs."

Participating manufacturers include Hong Khai Wood Co., Ltd.; Kim Thuan Co., Ltd.; Khang Vy Furniture Co., Ltd.; Duc Loi Co., Ltd.; Truong Thanh Furniture Corporation; Thuan Hung Furniture Co., Ltd.; and Well Known Homeart Enterprises Co., Ltd.

Industry representatives say continued engagement at major trade platforms reflects a long-term approach to strengthening product development, refining design application and increasing value creation, helping Vietnamese manufacturers compete more effectively in the global furniture supply chain.

Five Canadian softwood species are widely used in Vietnam, including Western Hemlock, Douglas-Fir, Western Red Cedar, Yellow Cedar and Spruce-Pine-Fir, valued for attributes ranging from versatility and strength to durability and dimensional stability.