IWPA and Vietnam Officials Meet in DC to Advance Sustainable Wood Products Trade

Representatives from the International Wood Products Association (IWPA) met last week with a delegation from the Vietnamese government and timber industry to discuss sustainable wood product trade, Woodworking Network reported (6-10-25).

The IWPA represents nearly 200 companies and associations, including US importers, overseas manufacturers, and service providers involved in global wood product trade.

The meeting took place on June 7 at Forest Trends, a Washington, DC-based nonprofit. Senior leaders from the IWPA and Vietnam’s wood products industry explored ways to strengthen cooperation and advance their shared commitment to legal and sustainable timber trade. Discussions covered policy updates, trade priorities, and opportunities for future collaboration.

IWPA CEO Ashley Amidon delivered a presentation highlighting recent US trade policy developments and stressing the importance of responsible sourcing and transparent supply chains.

Dr. Tran Quang Bao, director general of the Vietnam Administration of Forestry, outlined recent steps taken by the Vietnamese government to support legal and sustainable trade. These include implementing a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the EU, a bilateral timber agreement with the US, and preparations for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

The Vietnamese delegation also emphasized the importance of increasing imports from the US and noted several memoranda of understanding that will expand US timber exports to Vietnam.