In 2025, despite impact of international markets and climate change, Vietnam's forestry sector will maintain its growth momentum, achieving and exceeding many key targets. Wood and forestry product exports are projected to reach US$18.5 billion, an increase of approximately 6.6% compared to 2024, affirming its position as a key export sector of agriculture and making a significant contribution to the economy.
According to Department of Forestry and Forest Protection (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), export value of wood and forest products in 2025 is projected to have a trade surplus of nearly US$14.9 billion; growth rate of forestry production value is expected to reach 5.6-5.8%, equivalent to 103% of the plan. Forest cover will be maintained at 42.03%, number of forestry law violations will decrease by 13.8%, and the area of forest fires and impacts will decrease by over 10%.
Forest planting will be accelerated with 284,646 hectares planted, reaching 109.5% of the plan; the area of forest certified for sustainable forest management will increase by nearly 120,000 hectares, bringing total area nationwide to approximately 730,000 hectares. Supply of raw timber from planted forests will provide approximately 24.6 million cubic meters for processing and export.
Revenue from forest environmental services will reach approximately VND 3,940 billion (119% of the plan). Transfer of 1 million tonnes of surplus CO₂ in the North Central region during 2018-2019 generated an additional $5 million, opening up potential for development of the forest carbon market in the coming years.
Looking ahead to 2026, forestry sector aims to maintain a forest cover rate of approximately 42%, with forestry product exports reaching around $18.5 billion; while simultaneously promoting the development of large timber forests, applying science and technology, digital transformation, and trade promotion. The focus will be on diversifying markets, reducing dependence on key markets, building the "Vietnamese Wood" brand, promoting forest environmental services and the carbon market. At the same time, the forestry sector will shift from stability to high growth, directly contributing to the country's overall growth targets. The sector must improve the efficiency of forest resource management, control violations, overcome limitations in enforcement, and modernize governance methods using digital data.
Building on positive outlook for 2025, the forestry sector is expected to continue increasing the added value of Vietnamese forest products in the international market, moving towards sustainable development, efficient forest economics, and making even greater contributions to green growth.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn