Vietnam is a strong sourcing option for importing wooden chairs, offering a wide range of designs, high quality, and competitive pricing. Whether you are a retailer or a trading company, importing wooden chairs from Vietnam can be a profitable venture if you understand how to navigate the process effectively.
This guide explains how to import wooden chairs from Vietnam in a practical, neutral way. It highlights the key factors to consider before placing bulk orders, helping buyers reduce risks and make informed sourcing decisions.
Overview of Vietnam’s wood and wooden products exports
Vietnam has emerged as a major force in global furniture exports, with wooden furniture representing the core high-value segment of this industry. In 2024, Vietnam’s total export value of wood and wood products reached approximately USD 16.25 billion, reflecting strong global demand and continued market expansion.
Wooden furniture products, including chairs, tables, and living room, kitchen, account for the largest share of Vietnam’s total wood and wood product export value.
According to Vietnam’s exported G&SPG, in 2024, Vietnam exported wood and wood products to 166 countries and territories worldwide. The United States remained the primary market, accounting for nearly 55.5% of total export value, with exports reaching approximately USD 8.8 billion. China was the second-largest market, importing over USD 2 billion worth of wood and wooden furniture, representing about 12.8% of the total export value.
This strong export performance highlights Vietnam’s strategic role in global wooden chair supply chains for international buyers seeking quality products, diverse designs, and competitive pricing.
Why Vietnam Is A Key Source For Wooden Chairs
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Large-scale wood industry
Vietnam is firmly positioned as one of the world’s leading wooden furniture exporters, ranking second globally by export value, only after China.
In 2024, exported wood products accounted for around USD 11.2 billion, which represents roughly 60-62% of the total wood export value.
According to VNFOREST’s report, Vietnam currently has more than 5,800 wood processing and furniture manufacturing enterprises. Many of which operate as OEM and ODM suppliers for well-known international brands across North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia.
Notably, Vietnam has developed a mature and integrated manufacturing ecosystem, covering timber processing, frame production, kiln drying, surface finishing, upholstery integration, packaging, and export logistics within a single supply chain. This scale allows buyers importing wooden chairs from Vietnam to source large volumes with stable lead times and consistent quality.
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Cost advantages
Vietnam offers clear cost advantages compared to other major exporting hubs.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), manufacturing labor costs in Vietnam remain approximately 30-50% lower than in China. In addition, Vietnam’s wood industry workforce has extensive experience in craftsmanship, particularly in manual processing, chair assembly, surface treatment, and product finishing.
This favorable cost structure allows Vietnamese manufacturers to offer highly competitive FOB pricing for wooden chairs. This helps maintain consistent production quality and international manufacturing standards.
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Stable wood raw material supply
Vietnam benefits from a large and stable plantation timber base, supported by more than 4.6 million hectares of planted forests primarily dedicated to industrial use.
The proportion of domestically sourced plantation timber used in wood furniture manufacturing is steadily rising. This provides a raw material source for the furniture industry and reduces dependence on natural forest resources.
In addition, Vietnam is a signatory to the EU Vietnam Voluntary Partnership Agreement under FLEGT, reinforcing buyer confidence in legal and traceable wood sourcing, especially for EU-bound wooden chairs.
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Benefits from free trade agreements
Vietnam has signed multiple Free Trade Agreements, including EVFTA and CPTPP, allowing wooden chairs manufactured in Vietnam to enter key markets such as the EU, Japan, Canada, and Australia with reduced or 0% import duties. This enables Vietnamese wooden chairs to be more price-competitive than products from China or non-regional countries.
Common Types Of Wooden Chairs Exported From Vietnam
Vietnam is a major sourcing destination for a wide range of wooden chairs, supplying both residential and commercial furniture markets worldwide.
Below are the most common wooden chair types that you can import from Vietnam.
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Side chair
Side chairs are armless wooden chairs designed with a simple and compact structure. The design usually features straight or slightly curved backrests, clean lines, and lightweight frames that are easy to move and stack.
Vietnamese exporters commonly use rubberwood, acacia, and plantation eucalyptus, while higher-end orders may use oak or ash.
Side chairs are most often used in dining rooms, cafés, restaurants, and meeting spaces, where flexibility and ease of arrangement are important.
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Arm chair
Wooden armchairs are characterized by integrated arm supports, which add both comfort and structural complexity.
Common wood materials include rubberwood and acacia for mid-range markets, and oak or ash for export orders targeting premium customers.
Armchairs are frequently used in dining rooms, living rooms, hotels, and hospitality projects.
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Lounge chair
Lounge chairs often feature angled legs, curved backrests, and wider seats designed to support relaxation.
Vietnamese manufacturers typically use solid rubberwood, acacia, or imported hardwoods such as oak and ash, depending on buyer specifications.
Lounge chairs are commonly used in living rooms, hotel lobbies, resorts, and leisure areas, where users expect comfort rather than upright seating.
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Upholstered
Upholstered wooden chairs combine a solid wood frame with padded seats or fully upholstered backrests, balancing structure and comfort.
The wooden frame is usually made from rubberwood or acacia, while upholstery materials may include fabric, synthetic leather, or genuine leather supplied according to buyer standards.
These chairs are widely used in dining spaces, offices, restaurants, hotels, and conference rooms.
Wood Materials Commonly Used In Vietnamese Chairs
Below are the four wood materials most commonly used in chairs manufactured for export from Vietnam
| Wood type | Appearance & grain | Properties | Cost level |
| Acacia wood | Warm tone, visible natural grain |
|
Medium |
| Rubberwood | Light color, pale yellow to light brown, with natural grain patterns |
|
Low cost |
| Teak wood | Warm, golden brown, straight grain, and smooth texture |
|
High |
| Ironwood | Dark tone, distinctive grain patterns |
|
High |
Things to consider when importing wooden chairs from Vietnam
When you plan to import wooden chairs from Vietnam, understanding regulatory, logistics, and documentation requirements is essential to avoid delays, compliance risks, and unexpected costs.
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Product compliance
When you plan to import wooden chairs from Vietnam, understanding quality product certificates is essential to avoid delays, compliance risks, and unexpected costs.
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): Confirms that the wood used in the product comes from legally harvested and responsibly managed forests with full supply chain traceability.
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management System): Demonstrates that the manufacturer follows a structured quality management system to ensure consistent product quality and process control.
- ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System): Shows that the manufacturer actively manages and reduces environmental impacts in accordance with internationally recognized environmental standards.
- CARB Phase 2 / EPA TSCA Title VI (for the US market): Verifies that wood products meet strict US limits on formaldehyde emissions from composite wood materials.
- VPA FLEGT Compliance (for the EU market): Confirms that wood products exported to the EU comply with legal timber sourcing requirements under the EU-Vietnam agreement.
- EU Timber Regulation (for the EU market): Requires importers to ensure and document that timber and wood products placed on the EU market are legally harvested.
Before placing orders, buyers should confirm that suppliers can provide the necessary compliance documents and test reports required by the destination country.
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Packaging and labelling
Proper packing is critical when shipping wooden chairs internationally, especially via sea freight.
To ensure that wooden products are not damaged during transportation to international markets, the following points should be considered:
- Impact and moisture protection: Ensure the use of secure packaging materials such as foam padding, shrink wrap, or thick cardboard to protect wooden products throughout the shipping process.
- Protection against termites and warping: Ensure proper storage and packaging procedures to prevent the effects of termites and humidity fluctuations, helping exported wooden furniture remain free from warping or damage.
Labelling also plays an important role in customs clearance and logistics handling. Export cartons usually need to display key information such as product name, model number, quantity, gross and net weight, dimensions, and country of origin.
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Customs compliance
Complete and accurate documentation is essential for clearing wooden chairs through customs. The most commonly required documents include:
- Sales contract
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading
- Certificate of origin
- Import declaration
You can work with freight forwarders and customs brokers to help ensure all documentation aligns with local import regulations.
Where to find wooden Vietnamese chair suppliers
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Direct factories
Working directly with Vietnamese furniture factories is the most common approach for buyers seeking a long-term, stable supply. Vietnam has thousands of wood processing and furniture manufacturers, which specialize in wooden dining chairs, lounge chairs, upholstered chairs, and commercial seating.
Hoa Phat Furniture JSC
The company was established in 1995 and has nearly three decades of furniture production experience.
The company has also maintained its position as a leading private enterprise in Vietnam, ranking among the Top 1,000 largest contributing enterprises (V1000) nationwide.
Hoang Anh Gia Lai Wooden Furniture
Hoang Anh Gia Lai was founded in the 1990s. The group’s wood division has primarily focused on household wooden furniture and export-oriented products.
The company’s product portfolio includes indoor and outdoor wooden furniture, with mahogany wood or mahogany veneer. It has disclosed that it operates five wood processing factories, including one facility in Laos, with a total annual capacity of approximately 20,000 cubic meters of finished wood products.
Hoang Anh Gia Lai exports its products to a diverse range of markets, including the European Union, the Americas, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
Duc Thanh Furniture
Duc Thanh Wood Processing Joint Stock Company was established in 1991. With more than 30 years of experience in wood processing, the company specializes in household wooden products, kitchenware, and safe, eco-friendly wood items.
The company employs approximately 1,200 workers across five manufacturing facilities located in Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, and Dong Nai.
Duc Thanh has exported its products to more than 50 countries worldwide, including demanding markets such as Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
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Sourcing websites
Online sourcing platforms are widely used for initial supplier discovery and market research. These platforms allow buyers to compare multiple Vietnamese wooden chair suppliers quickly, review product catalogs, and request quotations.
Below are three popular platforms for sourcing wooden chairs from Vietnam
Alibaba
Alibaba is the world’s largest global B2B platform, connecting international buyers with suppliers from many countries, including Vietnam. On Alibaba, wooden chairs from Vietnam are typically offered by export-oriented factories or trading companies, with a wide range of prices, designs, and order quantities.
Benefits:
- A large number of suppliers,
- Basic support for international communication and payments
VinaSources
VinaSources is a specialized B2B sourcing platform focused exclusively on Vietnam-made products, connecting international buyers with pre-selected Vietnamese manufacturers and exporters. The platform highlights Vietnam’s key export industries, including wooden furniture and wooden chairs.
Benefits:
- Suppliers are Vietnam-based, making origin control and verification easier
- Well-suited for B2B buyers seeking OEM, ODM, or private label partners
- Support for supply chain coordination, logistics, and export procedures
Global Sources
Global Sources is a long-established B2B platform known for connecting international buyers with verified Asian suppliers, including those in Vietnam. The platform typically serves professional buyers, retail chains, and large-scale importers.
Benefits:
- Suppliers undergo basic verification of company information and capabilities
- Detailed company profiles with a strong focus on export experience
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Trade shows
Trade shows remain one of the most effective ways to find export-ready wooden chair suppliers in Vietnam. Major furniture exhibitions bring together hundreds of manufacturers, allowing buyers to evaluate products, materials, and workmanship in person.
VIFA EXPO
VIFA EXPO is Vietnam’s oldest and one of the largest export-oriented furniture trade shows, first established in 2008 and widely recognized across Southeast Asia.
It serves as a major sourcing event for global buyers looking for Vietnamese furniture and home décor manufacturers.
Its upcoming event:
- Dates: March 8-11, 2026
- Venues: WTC EXPO (Binh Duong Ward) and SKY EXPO (Trung My Tay Ward), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Scale: The event is expected to feature 2,800+ booths and 650+ exhibitors across the wood processing sectors.
HAWA EXPO
HAWA Expo is a premier export furniture exhibition in Vietnam, organized by the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City (HAWA). It brings together a broad range of export-ready Vietnamese manufacturers and international buyers across segments.
HAWA Expo showcases a diverse range of furniture and related products, including living room, dining room, bedroom, bathroom, and office furniture, as well as supporting interior and décor items.
Its upcoming event:
- Dates: March 4-7, 2026
- Venue: Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Scale: More than 700 exhibitors are expected to participate, featuring approximately 3,000+ booths and product showcases.
Step-by-Step Process To Import Wooden Chairs From Vietnam
Importing wooden chairs from Vietnam is a structured process that involves supplier evaluation, quality control, and logistics coordination.
Following a clear step-by-step approach helps buyers reduce risks related to quality, compliance, and delivery.
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Verify suppliers
Once you have a shortlist of potential suppliers, it is essential to conduct a thorough evaluation. You should review key factors such as the supplier’s export experience, factory scale and production capacity, and ability to comply with international standards and buyer requirements.
In addition, assess whether the supplier holds relevant certifications (e.g., FSC, ISO, BSCI, or SMETA) and has established quality control systems. Reviewing past export markets and production lead times helps reduce sourcing risks and supports long-term cooperation
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Inspect samples
Before placing a bulk order, you should request production samples that accurately represent the final product specifications.
When reviewing the samples, you should thoroughly check the wood species used, moisture stability, joint strength, surface finishing, and overall workmanship.
You should review all design changes or quality adjustments at this stage to avoid disputes later.
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Make a contract
The next step is to formalize the transaction through a sales contract or purchase agreement.
A well-structured contract should clearly define product specifications, approved samples, quantity, unit price, delivery terms, payment terms, and production timelines. For international trade, contracts typically specify incoterms such as FOB or CIF, which determine responsibilities for shipping and insurance.
Moreover, the contract should also outline quality standards, inspection rights, penalties for non-compliance, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Clear contractual terms will help protect both parties.
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Pre-shipment inspection
Before shipment, you should conduct a pre-shipment inspection (PSI) to verify that the goods fully match the approved samples, technical specifications, and contract terms.
You can hire independent third-party inspection agencies to provide objective verification of product quality and compliance. This helps minimize risks related to defects, non-conformity, or shipment delays.
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Shipping and logistics
The final step is managing shipping and logistics. Wooden chairs from Vietnam are commonly shipped by sea in full container loads or consolidated shipments, depending on order volume.
You must coordinate container booking, export customs clearance in Vietnam, and import clearance at the destination port.
Partner with VinaSources for sourcing wooden chairs from Vietnam
For international buyers planning to import wooden chairs from Vietnam, choosing the right sourcing partner is just as important as selecting the right manufacturer.
VinaSources was developed to address this complexity by offering a focused B2B sourcing platform dedicated exclusively to Vietnamese-made products.
Many suppliers on VinaSources are export-ready manufacturers with experience serving major markets such as the US and the EU.
Global buyers can identify suitable wooden chair suppliers on VinaSources by using the search function or browsing through categories and filters. This makes it easy to narrow results to manufacturers specializing in dining chairs, lounge chairs, upholstered chairs, and commercial seating.
Phone at 1900 4356 or via email at [email protected] to connect with verified suppliers and begin sourcing with greater confidence.