In today’s world of interior design and construction, the choice of materials goes beyond just functional applications to also include natural beauty and sustainability. Particularly in Vietnam, a country with a long-standing tradition of using natural wood, there’s an increasing demand for high-quality wood types. So, which wood types are most favored in the Vietnamese market? Join K-TIMBER as we delve deeper into these wood varieties and gain a better understanding of the current market trends in Vietnam.
Table of Contents
The Demand for African Hardwood in the Vietnamese Market in Recent Years
The demand for African hardwood in the Vietnamese market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, reflecting a strong investment trend in quality and sustainability in the furniture and construction industries. According to data from the Vietnam Forest Products Association (VIFORES), hardwood imports from Africa have increased by about 20% from 2019 to 2022, with an import value of approximately 150 million USD in 2022. Popular wood species include Iroko, Sapele, and Pachy, which are favored not only for their natural beauty, durability, and termite resistance, but also for their versatility in applications ranging from high-end furniture to construction projects.
This growth is also driven by the increasing demand for sustainably sourced wood products, as Vietnamese consumers are becoming more aware of environmental protection and social responsibility issues. At the same time, flexible import policies and free trade agreements have reduced tariff barriers, facilitating the import of wood from Africa.
However, the demand for imported African hardwood in the Vietnamese market is distinctly divided by climatic conditions and consumer preferences. Let’s join K-TIMBER in the next section to explore the most popular wood species in both the Northern and Southern regions of Vietnam.
Popular Hardwoods in Northern Vietnam
With its distinct climate of cold winters and hot summers, Northern Vietnam favors hardwood species like Pachyloba and Mussivi. These woods are highly sought-after for their ability to withstand harsh environments, high durability, and superior termite resistance.
Pachyloba Wood
When imported into Vietnam, Pachyloba wood, also known as Doussie, is a type of hardwood from Africa that is highly valued for its durability and natural beauty. The wood ranges in color from yellow to golden brown and darkens over time, making it especially used in the production of high-end furniture due to its luxurious and refined appearance. This wood type is also popular in the production of wooden floors and high-end construction projects. It is commonly used in making doors and window frames because of its high strength and durability. Particularly, Pachyloba is favored in the Northern market for the production of altars and other fine art products due to its good workability and smooth surface, which can be finely carved with high precision. This preference is not only because of its superior physical properties but also because of the cultural and spiritual value that altars bring to Vietnamese families.
Mussivi Wood
Mussivi is one of the rare and highly sought-after types of wood in the Vietnamese market as well as globally. This wood attracts attention not only for its natural beauty, distinctive color, and grain but also for its pleasant and long-lasting scent, bringing a sense of relaxation and luxury to any space. In Vietnam, Mussivi wood is widely used in the production of high-end furniture, interior decoration, feng shui items, and fine art products. Additionally, due to its distinctive fragrance and natural resistance to termites, this wood is also favored for crafting bracelets, jewelry boxes, and religious objects.
Popular Hardwoods in Southern Vietnam
Southern Vietnam’s tropical monsoon climate favors hardwood species like Iroko, Sapele, and Pachyloba. These woods are highly sought-after for their durability, resistance to termites, and adaptability to harsh weather conditions.
Iroko Wood
Iroko wood is known for its warm color, typically ranging from light yellow to dark brown, and has the ability to turn a darker shade of brown when exposed to light, creating a natural and luxurious appearance for any space. Iroko is highly valued not only for its beautiful appearance but also for its durability, resistance to termites, and good adaptability to harsh climatic conditions. Thanks to these properties, Iroko wood becomes an ideal choice for the production of outdoor furniture, wooden flooring, windows and doors, as well as many other applications in construction and interior decoration.
Sapele Wood
In the South, a region with strong economic development and a dense population, the demand for high-quality and sustainable furniture products is increasingly high. Sapele wood is not only favored by furniture manufacturers but also chosen by designers and architects to create classy, luxurious living and working spaces. Additionally, Sapele wood is used in the making of musical instruments, such as guitars and ukuleles, thanks to its good sound resonance, providing a warm and deep tone.
A Few Notes When Choosing to Buy and Preserve Wood
When selecting and preserving wood, the first and most important step is to clearly identify the purpose of use to choose the appropriate type of wood. Each type of wood has different characteristics and applications. For example, hardwood is often preferred for furniture and flooring due to its high durability, while softwood may be chosen for lighter interior decoration projects. Therefore, before purchasing any type of wood, thoroughly research its origin, quality, and ensure it meets your specific usage requirements.
For wood used in interiors, pay attention to the wood’s moisture content, as this can affect the durability and long-lasting beauty of the product. Preserve wood in a dry place and avoid direct exposure to sunlight to prevent warping or color loss.
Learn More: AFRICAN WOOD TYPES ARE MOST IMPORTED TO VIETNAM
For those looking for a reputable and quality African hardwood supplier, K-TIMBER is an option you cannot overlook. With a commitment to product quality and top-notch service, K-TIMBER prides itself on being a reliable partner with over 20 years of experience in exporting hardwood from Angola. Hardwood products at K-TIMBER are meticulously selected with a commitment to a good wood rate of up to 90%, free of heartwood, wood waste, warping, and cracking.
Not only does K-TIMBER provide high-quality wood products, but it also offers the most competitive prices on the market, helping customers save up to 40% on costs when importing from K-TIMBER.
Additionally, wood products at K-TIMBER always come with full certifications for high-quality products and sustainable forest management like CITES, FSC, IFC, etc., ensuring a stable and quality FAS-grade wood supply.
If you are looking for a reliable and professional partner in the wood industry, K-TIMBER is the perfect choice. Contact us today to start turning your project into reality with the best wood products on the market.
- ADDRESS VIET NAM (K-TIMBER): 169 Nguyen Ngoc Vu street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi.
- Phone: (+84) 833333914
- Email: [email protected]
