Vietnamese furniture firms eye growth opportunities in UK market

Held on July 5-6 in Manchester, the exhibition featured more than 25,000 furniture, home furnishing and décor products and attracted over 4,000 trade buyers. Widely regarded as the UK's second-largest furniture trade fair of the year, this year's event saw around half of participating brands exhibiting for the first time, reflecting the market's continuing efforts to diversify supply chains.

According to Trade Counsellor and Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in the UK, Vietnam has developed large-scale manufacturing capacity, consistent product quality and a relatively complete supply chain, while UK buyers are placing greater emphasis on legally sourced timber, sustainable forest management and compliance with environmental standards.

Product innovation, design capability and flexible delivery are becoming increasingly important in helping manufacturers build long-term partnerships with international buyer, he said.

Competition is no longer about price; it is about delivering overall value, he stressed.

In his view, the UK furniture market is expected to recover gradually in the coming time although consumer spending remains cautious. As inflation eases and household incomes improve, demand for furniture is likely to rebound, particularly in the mid-range segment and for products offering strong value.

UK consumers, however, continue to prioritise carefully selected purchases, favouring products with appealing designs, durability, environmentally friendly features and competitive pricing. This presents opportunities for Vietnamese manufacturers that continue to innovate, improve quality and meet increasingly demanding market standards.

Statistics show Vietnam's exports of wood and wood products exceeded the US$17 billion mark for the first time in 2025, reaching US$17.2 billion. However, exports to the UK totalled only about US$244 million, indicating considerable room for further growth.

The UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) continues to provide tariff advantages for many Vietnamese wood products entering the British market. Yet, Ba stressed that preferential tariffs alone are not enough to secure long-term success.

To establish a lasting presence in the UK, the trade official suggested that Vietnamese companies maintain consistent product quality, invest in design, strengthen marketing efforts, expand distribution networks and develop internationally recognised brands.

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