On March 10, 2025, the USA Department of Commerce (DOC) initiated an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to assess the impact of wood imports (including lumber, paper products, furniture, and wooden cabinets) on national security.
The DOC is collecting public comments from stakeholders until April 1, 2025, via the portal www.regulations.gov (case number BIS-2025-0011). Businesses may submit comments, data, and relevant documents, ensuring compliance with public and confidential information regulations. Comments should focus on:
- Forecasts of USA wood demand;
- Domestic supply capacity;
- Impact of global supply chains;
- Effects of subsidies and unfair trade practices;
- Potential for expanding domestic production;
- Impact of existing trade policies and potential additional measures;
- Other relevant factors.
Previously, on March 1, 2025, President Donald Trump directed the DOC to conduct this investigation. The DOC will consult with the Department of Defense and other relevant agencies before reporting to the President within 270 days, proposing potential measures such as tariffs, export restrictions, or policies to support domestic production.
In recent years, Vietnam’s wood manufacturing and export industry has achieved remarkable success in the USA market. In 2024, Vietnam’s wood and wood product exports reached $15.89 billion, a 20.1% increase compared to 2023. The USA was the largest export market, accounting for 55% of total export revenue, approximately $8.74 billion.
Key export items to the USA include living room, bedroom, and kitchen furniture. Specifically, living room furniture exports reached $2.12 billion, up 15.2%; bedroom furniture nearly $1.5 billion, up 25.9%; and kitchen furniture $1.13 billion, up 17% compared to the previous year.
However, Vietnam’s wood industry faces challenges, particularly USA trade defense measures. The industry has prepared data and is ready to present its case to the USA Department of Commerce and the USA government, demonstrating that Vietnamese products do not compete directly with USA businesses but rather complement them, allowing American consumers access to high-quality, competitively priced goods.
To achieve its export target of $18 billion in 2025, Vietnam’s wood industry must continue technological innovation, enhance product quality, and comply with international standards on origin and sustainable development.
Therefore, it is crucial for Vietnamese businesses to consider submitting comments during this consultation period, as it could significantly impact USA-Vietnam trade relations in 2025 and beyond.
To protect their legitimate interests, manufacturers and exporters should familiarize themselves with the procedure and actively contact Vietnamese law firms specializing in anti-dumping and trade remedy for timely assistance.
View the DOC’s official announcement here.
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