Vietnam’s Furniture Exports: Why the World Is Sourcing from This Hidden Powerhouse

In recent years, Vietnam has emerged as one of the most important furniture exporters in the world, quietly building a reputation among global buyers who value quality craftsmanship, competitive pricing, and a commitment to sustainable manufacturing.

Back in 2010, Vietnam exported about $5 billion worth of furniture. Fast forward to 2024, and that figure has soared to nearly $20 billion, according to a report by Yahoo Finance. The country is now the second-largest furniture exporter globally, behind only China, and the sixth-largest producer overall.

Why is Vietnam capturing the attention of so many global buyers?

A major reason is the country’s deep-rooted tradition of woodworking. With generations of skilled craftsmen and thousands of factories across provinces like Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam has developed a vertically integrated furniture ecosystem. Today, the country is home to more than 5,600 furniture enterprises, including around 1,500 exporters.

This manufacturing strength is matched by a competitive cost structure. Labor costs in Vietnam are significantly lower than in nearby countries such as Malaysia or Thailand. Operational overheads are also modest. For example, Vietnam’s electricity cost for industrial users is around $0.08/kWh, much cheaper than in China or India.

For buyers from the U.S., Europe, or Japan, Vietnam’s participation in trade agreements has been a game changer. The EVFTA (EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement) and CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) have reduced or removed tariffs, opened access to high-value markets, and improved transparency in customs and procedures. Products manufactured in Vietnam now arrive faster and with fewer regulatory headaches.

In terms of product categories, Vietnam leads the way in solid wood furniture. Materials such as acacia, rubberwood, and teak are locally available and responsibly harvested. Companies like Kaiser Furniture, one of the largest in Asia, produce export-ready dining sets, bedroom furniture, and outdoor living pieces. Vietnam is also gaining ground in upholstered and office furniture, with manufacturers such as Q-Furniture offering concrete-accented desks and sustainable soft seating designed for international markets.

Sustainability is a fast-growing theme in Vietnam’s export pitch. Global buyers are increasingly requesting eco-friendly, traceable materials. In response, Vietnamese manufacturers are adopting internationally recognized certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), GRS (Global Recycle Standard), and OEKO-TEX for fabrics. Bamboo, recycled wood composites, and water-based adhesives are becoming mainstream in new product designs.

This rise in standards and innovation is being noticed. Many manufacturers now have full-time R&D teams dedicated to improving both functionality and aesthetic appeal, moving away from traditional copycat designs toward original collections built with sustainability and modularity in mind.

That said, challenges remain. Vietnam still relies on imported inputs for parts of its production process. The recent crackdown on unlicensed truck drivers by local authorities, leading to delays in goods transport across southern ports, is a fresh reminder of how logistics can become a bottleneck if not managed well.

To mitigate such risks, successful international buyers are establishing close, long-term relationships with suppliers. They’re conducting factory audits, building local partnerships, and negotiating annual purchase frameworks rather than one-off orders. The key is trust, building it early, and sustaining it with transparency and shared goals.

What does all this mean for businesses looking to source furniture?

In simple terms: Vietnam is no longer the underdog—it’s a leader in global furniture sourcing. It combines scale with flexibility, tradition with innovation, and price with quality. For importers seeking diversification from China, or simply a sourcing partner with a commitment to sustainable growth, Vietnam deserves a top spot on your radar.

And for those who are just starting, platforms that curate reputable Vietnamese exporters can make the journey smoother. The future of global furniture supply is shifting, and Vietnam is where it’s being built.