Vietnam is accelerating its pivot toward the European market as mounting U.S. tariff pressures reshape global timber trade dynamics. Earlier this month, the Vietnamese Embassy in Athens and the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises jointly hosted the first online Vietnam-Greece timber trade forum. The core focus was the strategic value of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which is now regarded as a key mechanism for Vietnamese wood producers to fill gaps left by declining U.S. demand and expand export channels into Europe.
Historically, the United States accounted for over 45% of Vietnam's timber exports, representing the vast majority of its overseas shipments. However, the current U.S. administration's tariff policies are forcing Vietnam to accelerate market diversification, with Europe emerging as a primary strategic alternative.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Greece Phạm Thị Thu Hương noted that the forum was organized in response to growing interest from Greek companies in Vietnamese wood products. She revealed that the embassy has already facilitated a business trip to Vietnam for a Greek enterprise, resulting in signed agreements for the import of plywood, particleboard, and interior decoration materials.
At the forum, Ngô Sỹ Hoài, General Secretary of the Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association (VIFORES), briefed participants that Vietnamese wood products are now exported to 118 markets worldwide, making Vietnam the world's second-largest wood product exporter and a leader in outdoor furniture. "Vietnamese enterprises look forward to establishing partnerships with Greek counterparts and fully leveraging the institutional advantages of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement," he said, emphasizing that the EVFTA is a core mechanism for accelerating expansion across the broader European market.
Prior to engaging Greece, Spain has already emerged as a strategic gateway for Vietnamese wood exports to Europe. Data shows that Vietnam's timber export value to Spain surged 63% year-on-year, validating the feasibility of this approach. Industry analysts believe that cooperation with Greece further demonstrates that Vietnam is systematically positioning Europe as a structural hedge against trade policy uncertainties originating from the United States.
Footnote (Data Sources)
The information presented in this report is derived from announcements and proceedings from the Vietnam-Greece timber trade forum, statements from the Vietnamese Embassy in Athens, and data from the Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association (VIFORES). Additional market analysis is based on industry reporting from Vietnamese and European trade media, including coverage by Vietnam Plus and other regional outlets. All diplomatic and trade policy references reflect publicly available information as of April 2026.
