Vietnam-IWPA: Cooperation in developing transparent and sustainable wood supply chain

Representatives of the International Wood Products Association (IWPA) attending the meeting included Ms. Ashley Amidon – Executive Director, Mr. Joe O’Donnell – Director of Government and Public Affairs, and Mr. Bryan Courtney – IWPA President and Director of Industrial Products at Genesis Products.

Leading the Vietnamese side was Mr. Tran Quang Bao – General Director of the Forestry and Forest Protection Department, along with representatives from key wood industry associations such as the Vietnam Timber and Forest Products Association (VIFOREST), the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City (HAWA), and the Dong Nai Wood and Handicraft Association (DOWA).

At the meeting, Vietnamese leaders and IWPA representatives exchanged views on new policies related to timber trade, priorities for bilateral cooperation, and discussed future development directions. These discussions aimed to promote transparency and the legalization of activities within the wood supply chain, while also working toward the sustainable development of the timber industry. Both sides agreed to strengthen coordination in order to expand market access, enhance competitiveness, and contribute to building a responsible and efficient global wood value chain.

IWPA Executive Director Ashley Amidon shared the latest U.S. trade policies, emphasizing regulations related to imported wood products from Vietnam. According to Ms. Amidon, stricter requirements are being imposed regarding clear traceability and accountability throughout the entire supply chain, to ensure origin verification and compliance with sustainability standards.

In response to the IWPA's remarks, the Vietnamese side affirmed its commitment to effectively implementing the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the EU and the timber cooperation agreement with the United States. In addition, the Vietnamese Government is actively preparing the necessary steps to comply with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

Agreeing with Ms. Ashley Amidon’s remarks, Director General of the Vietnam Administration of Forestry Tran Quang Bao, emphasized: “The United States is not only one of Vietnam’s most important export markets for wood products, but also a strategic partner with immense potential for long-term collaboration. This is clearly demonstrated by the series of Memoranda of Understanding that have been signed between the two sides in recent years. Moving forward, Vietnam looks to further increase the import of raw timber materials from the U.S. to meet domestic production needs. At the same time, we are committed to fostering a more robust, strategic, stable, and enduring partnership between our two countries in the wood and forest products sector.”

Ms. Ashley Amidon commended Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to improve its legal and regulatory frameworks governing the timber industry. She noted the country’s clear progress in promoting legal, transparent, and sustainable wood production and trade practices.“Today’s meeting highlights the significant potential for greater cooperation between U.S. and Vietnamese wood businesses,” said Ms. Amidon. "IWPA is eager to continue supporting this process by strengthening bilateral ties and helping to create a mutually beneficial relationship. This partnership not only drives economic growth but also contributes to forest conservation and sustainable development.”

The IWPA reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating ongoing dialogue and expanding international cooperation in the field of legal and sustainable timber trade. The association expressed strong interest in developing and implementing concrete initiatives and joint projects in the near future. These initiatives aim to unlock the full potential of the timber industries in both the United States and Vietnam, while also contributing to the establishment of a responsible, transparent, and resilient global wood supply chain.

The International Wood Products Association is a leading trade organization in North America, representing the imported wood products industry. Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, IWPA currently has over 170 members, including importers, U.S. and international manufacturers, and service providers involved in the global sustainable wood trade.

The association is committed to raising awareness of and increasing demand for legally sourced wood products in the North American market, while supporting businesses in complying with international legal regulations. As a vital link between businesses, policymakers, and international organizations, IWPA plays an active role in advancing global timber trade in a transparent, sustainable, and responsible manner.