The above content was stated by Director of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ho Chi Minh City Branch (VCCI-HCM) Tran Ngoc Liem at the press conference introducing information about the 3rd ASEAN International Furniture & Handicraft Products Fair 2025 - VIFA ASEAN 2025.

The Organizing Committee of VIFA ASEAN 2025 held a press conference to introduce information about the fair on the afternoon of August 14, at the VCCI-HCM Hall - Photo: Dinh Dai.

VIFA ASEAN 2025 will take place from August 26 to 29, 2025 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), jointly organized by VCCI-HCM, Lien Minh Wood Handicraft Joint Stock Company and the Vietnam Association of Building Materials (VABM).

Speaking at the press conference, Director of VCCI-HCM Tran Ngoc Liem said that the world economic situation in the first 6 months of 2025 continued to be complicated but still showed remarkable signs of recovery, although the growth rate was differentiated between regions.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the global economy has recovered strongly. The IMF slightly revised its global growth forecast to 3% in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026. This adjustment is higher than the previous forecast, reflecting a more positive recovery in trade and investment activities, especially when tariff tensions show signs of easing.

Director of VCCI-HCM Tran Ngoc Liem said that thanks to the strong recovery of the world market, Vietnam's import and export activities in the first 6 months of this year have achieved very positive results.

According to data from the General Statistics Office and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam's total import and export turnover in the first 6 months of 2025 increased by 16.1% over the same period last year. Of which, exports increased by 15.6%, and imports increased by 16.6%. Notably, the wood and wood products industry continues to be a bright spot, ranking among the industries with the highest export turnover. Specifically, the export turnover of wood and wood products in the first half of 2025 increased by 8.9% over the same period in 2024.

Director of VCCI-HCM Tran Ngoc Liem said that, in addition to maintaining and developing the US market, promoting exports to other potential markets such as Japan, China and the EU is a necessary strategy to minimize risks and ensure sustainable development - Photo: Dinh Dai

“These impressive figures show the strong recovery of Vietnamese enterprises, especially in the context of many fluctuations in the international market. This is a solid basis to expect a successful business year for the export industry in general and the wood and furniture industry in particular,” said Director of VCCI-HCM Tran Ngoc Liem.

According to VCCI-HCM Director Tran Ngoc Liem, the world market situation, especially the US market, has shown many positive signs, helping Vietnam's wood and wood products industry achieve impressive results in the first 6 months of 2025.

Citing data from the Vietnam Customs Department, VCCI-HCM Director Tran Ngoc Liem said that in the first 6 months of 2025, the export turnover of wood and wood products to the US increased by 11.6% compared to the same period in 2024. The US market continues to be the largest destination, accounting for more than 55% of the total export turnover of this industry.

"This shows the trust of US importers in Vietnam as a leading supplier of important wooden furniture in the world. This is a solid foundation for Vietnamese enterprises to continue to effectively exploit this potential market," VCCI-HCM Director Tran Ngoc Liem emphasized.

Despite positive signs, over-reliance on a major export market like the US still carries risks. When consumer demand in this market fluctuates, Vietnam's export value will be directly affected. Therefore, Vietnamese wood enterprises need to continue to diversify their markets.

Mr. Liem also said that, in addition to maintaining and developing the US market, promoting exports to other potential markets such as Japan, China and the EU is a necessary strategy to minimize risks and ensure sustainable development. This not only helps balance the market but also opens up many new opportunities for the Vietnamese wood industry in the context of many fluctuations in the global economy.

In the context of many challenges, Director of VCCI-HCM Tran Ngoc Liem said that the 3rd VIFA ASEAN 2025 fair is a strategic trade promotion event for the wood, interior - exterior and handicraft industries of Vietnam this fall.

“With a flexible and creative spirit, VIFA ASEAN is not only a bridge to help Vietnamese enterprises approach the Southeast Asian and international business community, but also creates a solid foundation to proactively seek new orders, expand cooperation opportunities and connect with global buyers. This is an opportunity for enterprises to affirm their position and make a breakthrough in a period of economic fluctuations. At the same time, it contributes to connecting enterprises with the international market, supporting enterprises in the current difficult and challenging times"" Director of VCCI-HCM Tran Ngoc Liem further emphasized.